Category Director, Squash/Pumpkin/Hard Nuts/Dried Fruit/Potatoes/Root Veg/Field Veg/Corn & Bulk - 12 Months Contract

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued - as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Why is this role important:

The Category Director has ultimate accountability for the sales and EBIT of the Liquor categories in the Province of Quebec and a couple of other markets, across all formats. This includes all functions that impact these financial objectives, including determining product assortment, pricing, promotion, and planogram layout, liaising with marketing, conducting financial analysis, reporting, and monitoring store execution. The incumbent will liaise with various internal and external partners and teams in order to achieve category objectives, including but not limited to Marketing, Finance, Operations & Vendors. A strong focus on understanding our customer's needs and preferences are critical to success in this role. We have a passion for customers and are looking for a leader who will thrive in a fast paced environment by taking full ownership of all key decisions and results, has a passion for their business and a desire to develop their team to similar vision

What you'll do:

• Develop, monitor and manage a customer focused strategy for each banner, in line with assigned category roles and banner objectives set out to achieve on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis
• Achieve national category P&L for the categories; manage within assigned category budget by building and delivering differentiated, customer-led programs
• Implement product assortment, sales and buying plans in order to achieve category targets. Review implementation throughout the year, adjusting as required to meet targets
• Perform regular category and customer reviews by using our world-class loyalty database to unlock customer growth opportunities
• Communicate category and merchandising standards for each format; Participate in setting merchandising direction for each retail format for assigned category
• Develop and implement promotions and programs using price as well as loyalty tactics
• Lead, mentor, coach, develop and inspire a team of merchants in line with Loblaw's culture journey and through objective setting, individual development planning and consistent timely feedback
• Collaboratively plan activities and develop strong relationships with the vendor community in order to improve customer engagement and category profitability
• Responsible for weekly Category Reports and LE's including Vendor Income
• Build strong, collaborative relationships and leverage all key partners to invest in their business for growth ahead of market
• Building and leading diverse teams that foster a workplace of inclusiveness and belonging

What you bring:

• Post secondary education (university or college) or equivalent experience
• Bilingual in English/French would be a strong asset
• 5-7 years of business experience in merchandising or experience managing a P&L preferred.
• An effective change agent who possesses the influencing skills needed to help the organization adopt new ways of thinking and to embrace more sophisticated business tools
• Excellent communicator up, down and across the enterprise. Proven strength in having a 'customer lens' in all decision making processes
• Proven commitment to coaching and mentoring direct reports and team with a focus on colleague development
• Strategic approach and eye for business
• Demonstrated ability to develop short and long term plans in line with corporate and banner specific strategies supplemented by a strong understanding of the market and competitive landscape in order to recognize and capitalize on opportunities
• Ability to gather and synthesize customer and market insight and information in the product identification and development process
• Creative problem solver who is progressive and innovative: aggressively seeks out opportunities to improve competitiveness and demonstrates an innovative spirit
• Strong data management and analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to develop business insights and effectively communicate them to the business

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars - Environment, Sourcing and Community - and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values - Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence - guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits - these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Canada's Greenest Employers & Canada's Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.