Associate Category Manager in Kitchener

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

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!

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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