Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Toronto, ON
Duration: 1 year contract
About Us:
Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.
Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!
About the opportunity:
The Category Manager works with both internal and external contacts to increase sales, profitability, and shopper satisfaction of a designated category of products industry-wide. Supports a designated region or group of large scale retailers.
The attributes we are looking for:
- Assortment Planning: Determine the optimal mix of products within a category to meet customer demands and preferences. This involves selecting the right product assortment, considering factors such as brand, size, flavor/variant, and price points for the retailers being supported. Provide recommendations and strategic solutions to senior leadership team.
- Shelf Space Management: Optimizing the allocation of shelf space for each product within a category. This involves considering factors such as product popularity, sales velocity, and profitability to ensure efficient use of shelf space and maximize sales potential.
- Pricing and Promotions: In consultation with internal stakeholders (trade marketing, sales), develop pricing strategies and promotional plans for Lactalis products within a category and make a recommendation to Sales. This includes analyzing pricing elasticity, competitive pricing, and designing effective promotions to drive sales and profitability. Provide pricing recommendations to the RGM team for review and final approval.
- Market and Shopper Insights: Utilizing market research, consumer behavior analysis, and data analytics to gain insights into shopper preferences, purchasing patterns, and market trends. These insights help in understanding shopper needs and tailoring category strategies accordingly. Share category expertise with sales teams and cross functional partners when necessary.
- Collaboration with Suppliers and Retailers: act as a key contact for suppliers and retailers to align category strategies, present data and insights to jointly develop initiatives to drive category growth industry-wide and optimize performance for Lactalis Canada.
- People Management: Lead and motivate an engaged team of Category Information Managers through activities such as recruitment, coaching and development, effective performance reviews, providing ongoing feedback, determining training and development needs, establishing goals and priorities, and providing clear direction aligned to strategic priorities.
What you will bring:
- Post secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field is required
- Minimum 8 years relevant CPG industry experience including at least 3 years of Category Information Management experience.
- Space Management experience is preferred.
- Superior analytical skills with the ability to generate insights and convert to action.
- Shopper focused, creative thinker with ability to present and persuade others to act.
- Expert knowledge of Nielsen and Retailer data platforms.
- Superior project management and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of space planning software
- Able to manage multiple and competing priorities through effective organizational, people, time management skills
What Lactalis will offer:
Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following package for contract employees:
- A Competitive Base Salary
- A Retention Bonus of 20% to be paid out at the end of the contract
- 8% vacation pay
- Health & Dental Benefits starting day 1
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Potential for future full time permanent opportunities!
Our ESG commitment:
Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.
At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Our commitment to DEI:
Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.
Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.
Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.
Le bilinguisme est requis puisque le poste exige des communications fréquentes avec nos partenaires, nos usines et notre siège social qui se situent hors Québec.
Bilingualism is required as the position involves frequent communications with our partners, our factories, and our headquarters located outside Quebec.
Compensation:
As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is 111 400$ – 139 000$+.
Please note: Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Pay: $111,400.00-$139,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Wellness program
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J1
