This is a confidential search for a specialty grocery store in the west end.
Position Summary
The Meat Category Manager is responsible for the overall performance, strategy, and profitability of the raw protein category, including fresh and frozen meat and fish, across store locations. This role leads category strategy, product assortment, pricing, vendor management, promotions, and merchandising to drive sales, margin, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Performance
- Own and manage the full raw protein category, including fresh and frozen meat and seafood
- Develop and execute category strategies to achieve sales, margin, and growth targets
- Conduct SKU rationalization to optimize assortment, eliminate underperforming items, and improve category efficiency
- Perform ongoing analysis of sales data and trends to make informed business decisions
- Identify opportunities for product innovation, assortment expansion, and category improvement
Merchandising, Pricing & Promotions
- Develop and execute merchandising strategies to maximize sales and enhance the customer experience
- Establish and maintain competitive pricing strategies aligned with market conditions
- Lead flyer planning and promotional strategy, including product selection, pricing, and feature execution
- Conduct regular price audits to ensure accuracy and competitiveness across all locations
- Ensure alignment of in-store execution with category plans and promotional initiatives
Vendor & Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and promotional support
- Source new suppliers and evaluate product quality, cost effectiveness, and reliability
- Ensure supplier performance aligns with company expectations and standards
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety regulations, including CFIA, public health requirements, and company standards
- Support store teams in maintaining proper handling, storage, labeling, and sanitation practices
- Ensure adherence to traceability and product recall procedures
- Promote and reinforce a strong food safety culture across all locations
Collaboration & Communication
- Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, both internally (store operations, senior leadership, marketing, and merchandising teams) and externally (vendors and suppliers)
- Work closely with store managers and department managers to support execution of category strategies
- Provide guidance, training, and support to store-level teams on merchandising and product standards
- Collaborate with marketing on flyer development and promotional execution
Financial Management
- Manage category budgets, including sales, margins, and expenses
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, gross margin, and promotional performance
- Prepare reports and present insights and recommendations to senior leadership
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Business or a related field (preferred)
- 3–5+ years of experience in retail grocery, within the meat/fish categories
- Strong knowledge of meat and seafood products, including fresh and frozen offerings
- Experience in category management, merchandising, or purchasing
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and industry best practices
- Valid driver’s license
- Use of a reliable personal vehicle is required for travel between store locations
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into actionable strategies
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Negotiation and vendor management expertise
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail systems
Working Conditions
- Combination of office and in-store environments
- Regular travel between store locations is required
- May require flexible hours based on business needs
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods when in-store
- Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs. occasionally
This is for an existing vacancy.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Meat industry: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
