Category Manager - Grocery

Farm Boy Inc. • Ottawa, ON

37d • CA$85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for driving the strategic growth and performance of assigned grocery categories. The Category Manager will achieve this through product sourcing, vendor negotiations, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and purchasing activities. The position supports the delivery of high-quality products at competitive value while achieving established sales and profitability targets by monitoring market trends, evaluating business performance, and identifying opportunities to strengthen the company's competitive position.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Merchandising, Marketing, Business Management, or a related field, combined with 3 years of progressively responsible experience in category management, grocery, or fresh/perishable retail environments; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of retail operations, merchandising principles, and food products.
• Demonstrated negotiation and vendor management skills with sound business acumen.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Passion for food retailing and delivering high standards of quality and customer value.
• Fluency in English

Nice To Haves

• French language skills considered an asset.
• Occasional travel between stores and regions with reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales performance, promotional effectiveness, product movement, and category trends to support sales, margin, and profitability objectives.
• Monitor competitive activity, industry trends, assortment strategies, pricing, and merchandising practices to identify opportunities and recommend improvements.
• Research emerging food and retail trends through trade shows, market analysis, publications, and competitor reviews, recommending new product opportunities.
• Source and develop products that align with Farm Boy quality standards, brand positioning, and customer expectations.
• Coordinate product launches, listing presentations, and ongoing vendor relationships.
• Negotiate supplier agreements and manage retail pricing strategies to support budgeted financial results.
• Develop and maintain departmental planograms and support retail execution standards.
• Partner with the Replenishment team to support inventory management, ordering processes, and product quality initiatives.
• Coordinate packaging and labeling requirements in accordance with applicable government regulations and standards.
• Ensure procurement activities are completed in compliance with Farm Boy policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Support the development and maintenance of reporting tools and category performance tracking.
• Provide guidance, support, and training to Assistant Category Managers.
• Contribute to overall team success by taking on additional related responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program and coverage that varies by position.
• Coverage may include healthcare, dental care, disability coverage, life insurance and registered retirement savings program.
• A 10% discount on in-store purchases.
• On-the-job training and the prioritization of internal promotions to help you grow and embrace new opportunities.
• The opportunity to support local neighbourhoods through our community programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree