Category Business Manager

Canadian Tire Corporation•Stonewall, MB

9d•CA$79,000 - CA$131,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Category Business Manager is a key leader within the Merchandising Strategic Business Unit (SBU), operating as the business owner for the category. This role is responsible for the selection, purchase, and allocation of product to achieve category sales, margin, and inventory turnover targets. The Category Manager drives sales performance through the development and implementation of assortment, allocation, and marketing strategies across both in-store and digital channels. The Merchandising team uses planning and forecasting frameworks and tools to ensure optimal financial results. The Category Business Manager is responsible for the curation of product assortments, marketing initiatives, and promotional strategy, as well as the development and implementation of category plans to achieve financial objectives and manage inventory targets and deliveries. This role requires Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to connect with stakeholders, analyze data to understand customers and evolve the merchandising category, and enhance the overall customer experience. The Category Business Manager will integrate and align with cross-functional teams for line reviews, vendor negotiations, and creating customer-centric assortments. As an industry expert, they will identify product and market trends, own product lifecycle decisions, influence innovation pipelines, and advocate for innovation and growth within the category.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in retail in a merchandising/buying/analytical role, or similar role
Demonstrated ability to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with colleagues and business members / management
Strong presentation skills with demonstrated ability to adjust style and format as required to suit the audience
Demonstrated proficiency in inventory practices with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts
The ability to challenge and voice concerns, as well as be very adaptable and flexible in a dynamic retail environment
Time management and planning skills
Work with a sense of urgency and take extreme ownership
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage complexity and adapt in a fast-paced retail environment

Nice To Haves

Marketplace knowledge within the sportswear, lifestyle team sports, and outdoor industries

Responsibilities

Develop and implement business plans for merchandise categories including analysis of sales, industry trends, building product sales projections, validation of margin targets, inventory levels, and stock turn levels
Collaborate with Financial Planners to ensure financial plans align with category strategy
Develop and implement assortment plans including store and market analysis, product line reviews with vendors, selection of programs for various banners, establishment of initial store inventory levels, strategic price setting, price negotiation, and confirmation of retail pricing
Oversees purchase order status including preparation, recording, and tracking of purchase orders as well as the resolution of shipping issues with distribution centers and suppliers
Own and manage the category Open-to-Buy and inventory productivity, including analysis of product and store sales, inventory sell through, and receipts
Analyze performance by style, react to trends and opportunities
Oversee assessment of store inventory levels to provide the Merchandising Allocator support in driving sales and profitability, through the effective management of back stock and in-store inventory
Create, manage, and communicate advertising support for both traditional and digital media
Collaborate with the social marketing team to create social engagement strategies for categories
Be a Sport Chek ambassador. Speak knowledgably regarding the Sport Chek story, strategic plan, and direction
Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners
Lead and influence cross-functional partners to deliver category strategies and initiatives
Negotiate policy agreements including discounts, payment and freight terms, volume rebates, brand development, co-op advertising and TRM extra project funds
Collaborate with the consumer brands division to develop private label products, support retail price point conversation, and approve samples
Develop and implement seasonal and annual category strategies
Conduct market tours of Sport Chek and competitive retail with the intent to drive continual improvement