Category Specialist

CATEGORY SPECIALIST
We are seeking a Category Specialist to support our Corporate Purchasing team Surrey, BC.

The Category Specialist plays a key support role within the Corporate Purchasing team, providing essential administrative , executional, and analytical support to the Category Manager(s). This position ensures accurate data management, supports cross-functional alignment to deliver sales growth and margin improvement and assists in category strategy implementation. Success in this role is built on strong collaboration with internal team members and external partners, as well as a commitment to accuracy, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Maybe you have been working onthe brand or distributor side of the Consumer Packaged Goods ("CPG") world and you have been looking for the opportunity to make the shift to more execution focused retail side or perhaps you are an accountant looking for a creative way to employ your data and analysis skills...then this may just be the role for you!

PERKS:

Competitive wages with a hiring range from $50,000 - $60,000 annually

Based on experience and skill set

Flexible benefits

Up to 25% store discount

Education allowance

Free swag (products, food, clothing + more)

Share in some laughs, air high-fives, and fun each day

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Administrative & Data Management

Accurately maintain and update product, vendor, and broker information within internal systems.

Execute administrative functions including new item setup, delisting, description changes, vendor updates, and tax/eco fee management.

Process vendor cost change requests and ensure timely approval and implementation in coordination with the Category Manager and Promotions Coordinators.

Vendor & Partner Coordination

Maintain strong relationships with brand, broker, and distributor partners to facilitate smooth communication and issue resolution.

Ensure vendors comply with administrative requirements, including pricing notice periods, MAP policies, and accurate item submissions.

Strategic Support

Act as a core support partner to Category Manager(s) to help execute category strategies, assortment plans, and promotional initiatives.

Assist in preparation for vendor meetings, line reviews, and business proposals.

Identify issues and opportunities within categories and elevate insights for action.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work collaboratively with other members of the Corporate Purchasing team to ensure alignment and consistency in data, communication, and processes.

Reporting & Analytics

Prepare reports, summaries, and data packages to support internal planning and vendor negotiations.

Analyze category performance and sales trends to provide actionable insights to Category Manager(s).

Support decision-making for listings and delistings through data interpretation and margin analysis

Behavioural Skills

Possess high attention to detail.

The ability to consistently maintain high accuracy in data entry and analysis.

The ability to identify inconsistencies and understand the process in how to fix them.

Excellent organizational and communication skills.

The ability to prioritize tasks, adapt quickly to shifting demands, and maintain clarity amidst complexity in a dynamic environment.

The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and brokers.

Adaptive and critical thinking.

The ability to understand different processes well enough where you can adapt a process as business needs change.

The ability to reflect on the priority of your work and be able to pivot to a new task based on said priority.

Collaborative approach with a focus on team success.

The ability to approach tasks and responsibilities with other members of your team.

The willingness to assist…