Associate Category Manager

Position Summary:

Aligned with the company’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values, and committed to delivering exceptional customer service (both external and internal), the Associate Category Manager plays a key role in supporting and coordinating efforts for the Category Manager and the Director of Category Management to assist all company branches and alliances.

What we offer you:

• Competitive Compensation Package 


• Opportunity to be home every night!


• Comprehensive Flexible Benefits effective from day one


• Profit Sharing Program, Pension and RRSP plans


• Uniform and Boot Allowance


• Paid Personal Days and your Birthday!


• Annual Health & Wellness Benefits


• Family-Oriented Culture


• Employee Recognition Programs

Key Responsibilities:

• Support category life cycle management, operational efficiencies, product discontinuations, deletions, dead stock and conversions.


• Communicate long term out of stock gaps to Sales.


• Provide coverage for assigned Category Managers.


• Data integrity within assigned categories.


• Data analysis to support strategy decisions, including Direct Link Insights to highlight gaps and gains in the market.


• Draw data insights from Category Management reporting including sales margin, case returns per case, and vendor performance indicators.


• Manage price changes.


• PO and invoice discrepancies.


• Work with Coordinator to ensure all marketing activity commitments are met.


• Scheduling, deals, samples, billing for marketing activities.


• Ensure all food safety documents are up to date.


• Provide project support to implement Category Management best practices across the organization.


• Ensures all Food Safety policies, procedures and HACCP guidelines are followed


• Ensures timely follow-up with all required corrective and preventative actions as needed


• Implement and enforce safety protocols in compliance with the OHSA regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all employees.


• Provide support to the employees and ensure the accurate and timely reporting for injuries and accidents, and partner with Health & Safety to implement effective countermeasures.


• Provide support and work in collaboration with Health & Safety on the Early and Safe Return to Work Program.


• Conduct, assist with Health & Safety workplace observations.


• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of post secondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.


• 2-3 years experience in a similar role with a preference within Foodservice.


• Advanced level computer skills including Microsoft Excel and comfortable with various software applications. 


• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in data analysis.


• Highly organized with strong time-management skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities. 


• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a strong command of English language.


• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships.


• Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities to address category challenges.


• Must be detail-oriented, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.


• Demonstrated initiative to work effectively on an independent basis, and within a team environment.

Unique Requirements:

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and dynamic environment.


• Ability to pivot in response to market changes and shifting business priorities.