Director, Category Management

OVERVIEW: 

Reporting directly to the Vice President & General Manager, Quickie, the Director, Category Management is responsible for leading and developing a group of Category Managers with responsibility for delivering on budgeted sales, margin and inventory turns for their business. This role will work closely with Leadership colleagues on market strategies and product development that support the future of our retail business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Category Team to develop timely assortment strategies and marketing plans to deliver on budgeted sales, margin and inventory targets, ensuring that their plans align with the company's greater strategy.
• Manages, coaches and develops Category Managers and Associate Category Managers to:
  • Establish relationships with vendors to ensure the company has access to new products that meet customer demand.
  • Maintain relationships with key vendors to ensure that all merchandise is of high quality and in stock.
  • Review sales figures to determine which products are most popular or have room for improvement.
  • Partner on marketing plans for upcoming seasons based on customer feedback, industry trends, and competitor activity.
  • Ensure competitive pricing across categories.
  • Review inventory levels to ensure demands are met and adequate supply is available.
  • Partner with cross-functional partners on product placement, layout and design.
• Develops plans on assortments and planogram changes to improve productivity, drive innovation and support brand growth.
• Works closely with Finance to establish departmental budgets and forecast sales and margins.
• Leads Loyalty program across all categories:
  • Cross functional: Collaborates with Marketing Team to integrate category priorities into offers, tiers, and rewards. Works with operations to ensure seamless execution at store level.
  • Identifies high impact SKUs: Selects products and category level promotions that drive engagement and profitability when featured into Loyalty promotions.
  • Negotiates with suppliers:  Secures funding or incentives from vendors for Loyalty specific offers.
  • Improvement: Pilots category specific programs and make recommendations based on results.
• Takes a lead role with regard to key strategic vendor partnerships.
• Holds team members accountable for proactively seeking trends and insights about their categories and product assortment.
• Creates, analyzes, and distributes daily and weekly reports.

EDUCATION, SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years' experience in a directly related role, which includes store retail operations and systems experience.   
• Previous experience managing a team of Category Managers.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Persuasive communicator, presenter, and negotiator.
• Self-starter who can manage time well.
• Able to plan, execute and juggle multiple projects and priorities successfully.
• Able to demonstrate success leading projects.
• Excellent analytical skills with proven attention to detail.
• Must be highly competent in the use of the Microsoft software. Must be able to create, export, manipulate data, and create reports and spreadsheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both official languages, both verbal and written, is desirable.  

Other:

• While based in Ottawa, Ontario, this position requires occasional travel to various sites and operator locations.
• Requires valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

WHY JOIN THE QUICKIE TEAM?

• Learn and collaborate with the best in the industry.
• Supportive colleagues and leaders who are passionate about providing exceptional service.
• Competitive compensation package.
• 3 weeks vacation to start.
• Complete benefits program including health, medical, dental, and life insurance.
• RRSP plan with Company match from day one.
• "The perks" include employee gym membership reimbursement, discounts on motor fuels at our service stations, and purchases of equipment and heating oil.

OUR CORE VALUES: 

As a potential new colleague, it is important to us that when you consider a new opportunity, you understand a little about our company, its history, and its values. It is important to us that our values fit with yours, then everyone wins. Our Core Values are the cornerstone of who we are as a company, and what we value. We hope that our Core Values speak to you and what you value.  

• Customers First - We exist, first and foremost to serve our customers. They must be at the heart of all the decisions we make.
• Long-Term Focused - We value long-term success over short-term gains.
• Respect Each Other - Each person with whom we work, communicate, and do business is valued and treated with dignity and respect.
• Do The Right Thing - We stand by our word and do what's right.
• Own It - We are encouraged to be entrepreneurial and make decisions as if the business were our own.
• Ever Evolving - We embrace positive change and always seek to improve.

Quickie is a Canadian-owned, modern retail store with a customer-centric approach to convenient shopping. We have been a part of communities in Ontario and Quebec for over 50 years. In 2021, we joined MacEwen Petroleum, one of Canada's leading independent petroleum and convenience store companies.   

The Company's continuing success is based on each one of our Quickie employees and retailers living our core values. First and foremost is our commitment to taking care of our customers.  

Before an offer of employment is extended, a minimum of two business references will be required and candidates must complete pre-employment testing which comprises a criminal record check.  

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. 

Please notify Human Resources if you wish to receive this job posting in a different format or if you require any other accommodation during the recruitment process. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  

This posting is for a vacant position.