Category Manager
Sleep Country
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Toronto • 🇨🇦 Canada
Visit company websiteJob Level
Mid-LevelSenior
About the role
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives and customer insights, while achieving sales and margin objectives
- Manage product assortment and planning, including new item selection, SKU rationalization, and discontinuations
- Conduct regular assortment reviews to optimize product mix based on customer demand and profitability
- Evaluate new products and vendors, attending trade shows and conducting market visits
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating pricing, terms, and promotional support to secure the best value and product quality
- Research the competitive landscape and understand industry benchmarking standards on pricing, assortment, merchandising, promotional activity, etc.
- Lead the development and execution of pricing strategies; conduct competitive analysis to ensure pricing aligns with market trends and company goals
- Work with Visual Merchandising team to design planograms, in-store and online visual merchandising strategies
- Collaborate with the marketing team on promotional planning and execution
- Collaborate with planning and supply chain teams to monitor stock levels, sell-through, and replenishment needs
- Analyze performance data and identify opportunities for growth and improvement
- Provide regular reporting on category performance, key metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior management
- Hold financial accountability for your categories; build annual category budgets, sales forecasts, and margin plans
Requirements
- University or College degree in Business-related discipline
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, within the retail industry (ideally categories within Home Goods)
- Expertise in pricing strategy and assortment planning
- Strong vendor management and negotiation skills
- Experience with direct sourcing and product development
- Prior involvement in marketing campaigns and in-store visual presentations is an asset
- Proven track record of developing and executing business plans that achieve financial performance and operational targets
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable strategies
- Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a fast-pace work environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Advanced MS Office Suite expertise, including advanced Excel skills and the ability to create and deliver engaging PowerPoint presentations
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse teams
- Able to travel for trade shows, vendor meetings, store openings, etc.
Benefits
- Endless career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
- A culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits to keep you thriving
- Annual Wellness Credit up to $250 for fitness, nutrition, and self-care essentials
- Tuition reimbursement for professional and personal development
- Generous parental leave top-up and family-friendly policies
- Exclusive employee discounts on premium sleep products and home essentials
- Paid volunteer day to give back to your community
- Recognition programs, milestone celebrations, and a workplace that feels like family
- Access to cutting-edge training platforms and mentorship programs
- Be part of a brand that’s admired, trusted, and growing across Canada!
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
category managementmerchandisingbuyingpricing strategyassortment planningvendor managementnegotiationdata analysisfinancial performanceoperational targets
Soft skills
analytical skillscommunication skillsinterpersonal skillsleadership skillsability to manage prioritiescollaborationinfluenceadaptabilityproblem-solvingstrategic thinking