Category Director, Fresh Food

Join to apply for the Category Director, Fresh Food role at Loblaw Companies Limited

Location:

243 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 4W8

At Shoppers Drug Mart, we’re innovating health and wellness in Canada. From prescriptions to walk-in clinics, and a beloved loyalty program, we’re caring and supporting our customers in new ways every day.

With more than 1,300 locally owned and operated stores from coast to coast, the Shoppers Drug Mart network is more than a great place to shop, it’s a great place to work. We’re committed to building our talented team who champion collaboration, kindness and inclusivity. Join our team, and help recognize a healthy future for your career and for all Canadians.

The Category Director manages the assigned fresh categories to determine assortment and merchandising that will drive the front store business, maximize sales and margin dollars at Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) stores. Through their leadership, the Category Director is responsible for enhancing fresh food convenience with product mix, pricing, promotion and planograms. The Category Director will work closely with cross‑functional teams i.e. supply chain, marketing, merchandising and operations, to identify growth opportunities and process efficiencies that will support category strategy, increase market share and build customer loyalty.

• Manage plans within assigned category budget.
• Achieve national P&L targets including control brand objectives.
• Assess category performance and growth relative to SDM and competitors; refine current strategies and develop and implement additional strategies to attract and motivate customer purchases and realize maximum sales and profitability.
• Deliver positive net contribution in enhanced food concept stores through assortment optimization, category reviews and store set‑up support process.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and vendor partners to plan and execute programs in support of category strategy.
• Connect with existing / potential vendors, sourcing and LCL counterparts to maintain a market knowledge of new product offerings, promotions and programs.
• Review and monitor listing and product changes to ensure accurate and timely processing, protect the integrity of all product‑related data, ensure all administrative requirements are completed as required.
• Collaborate with supply chain team to monitor product mix listing to ensure timely acquisition of products, appropriate replenishment, suggest changes in purchasing and provide solutions to minimize service level issues.
• Liaise with Planogram team to develop and publish annual updates for all plan‑o‑grams to ensure the item assortment and shelf presentation remains current and best reflects the anticipated market trends.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure cost effective acquisition costs, more efficient packs, seasonal and promotional opportunities, in addition to securing revenue funding for marketing initiatives (i.e. Optimum, Flyers, Special Value).
• Plan and implement timely promotional events to build consumer awareness, generate sales and fresh exposure.
• Manage and monitor promotional and program funds to ensure the revenue and spend accounts balance and accurately reflect the results of the category. Oversees workloads and provides team supervision to ensure that work is done accurately, efficiently and complies with policies, procedures and standards as well as best working practices.

• Post‑secondary education (Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management or equivalent)
• 5+ years of category management, retail and merchandising experience
• Working knowledge and understanding of P&L statements along with conducting period reviews
• Solid experience in category analytics and program adaptability to competition and evolving customer needs
• Ability to gather and synthesize customer data and market insight in the product identification and development process
• Proven ability to develop short and long term plans in line with corporate strategies with the agility to react to market changes
• Proven ability to lead and motivate colleagues; within or across teams
• Excellent…