Divisional Merchandising Manager

We are hiring a Protein Sourcing Manager for one of our food service clients based in Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta. The Protein Sourcing Manager will execute product merchandising activities within the assigned division that support goals for all categories of products. In alignment with the Regional Merchandising Manager, collaborates and communicates with key stakeholders on the NA category teams, marketing teams, sales teams and with vendors to execute strategies to achieve sales, margin, and brand goals. Communicates and supports the strategic market share growth and product positioning of the division by aligning our Vendor / Broker partner network to direct selling and educational opportunities that support the best interest of the customers we serve. This role serves as the primary point of contact for the regional vendor/broker community and is responsible to develop, prioritize, and execute best in class partnership strategies that align with the company’s long range plan and divisional goals. This position will require 4 days in office and 20% travel to Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.

Responsibilities

Communication & Relationship Management

• Act as the main divisional liaison with category management, marketing, sales, and vendor partners.
• Communicate division-specific KPIs, category performance insights, and market needs.
• Build strong partnerships with sales and marketing through regular updates, ride-alongs, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide timely product and vendor communications including new items, discontinuations, supply issues, and pricing changes.
• Deliver actionable, relevant product insights to divisional sales and marketing teams.
• Support execution of category initiatives, product life‑cycle activities, and vendor strategies.
• Provide analysis and resolution related to product inquiries or customer concerns.

Category Management

• Execute North American category strategies within the division.
• Implement go-to‑market plans tailored to divisional needs.
• Support slot management, product sourcing, and division‑wide merchandising activities.
• Provide division‑specific analytics and recommendations aimed at achieving sales, margin, and brand objectives.
• Serve as the primary contact for regional supplier and broker partners.
• Lead vendor/broker business reviews and align strategies to divisional goals.
• Maintain vendor & broker activity in the CRM and monitor partnership performance.
• Solicit internal feedback on broker engagement and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.

Cost, Pricing & Supply Chain Support

• Provide divisional cost/price feedback to Category and Revenue Management.
• Communicate supply chain disruptions and resolution plans to sales and marketing.
• Support category teams in managing slot allocations and resolving aging inventory issues.

Continuous Learning & Market Expertise

• Maintain strong knowledge of market trends, category developments, and product innovations.
• Leverage internal data, external insights, and customer feedback to guide decision‑making.
• Attend trainings, supplier visits, conferences, and seminars to enhance product and industry knowledge.

Canada‑Specific: Centre of Plate (Protein) Responsibilities

• Execute protein sourcing plans to meet divisional sales, margin, and brand goals.
• Maintain a competitive and relevant product portfolio using a mix of sourcing solutions (national partners, strategic alliances, specialty suppliers).
• Manage high‑risk inventory, large buys, and supplier negotiations in partnership with procurement and category management.
• Lead full product life‑cycle management for protein items, including sourcing, introductions, and discontinuations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of product/category knowledge, merchandising, or marketing experience.
• Experience working with vendors, brokers, and cross‑functional commercial teams.
• Strong financial acumen (margin, pricing, freight) and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and analytics tools (Excel, reporting platforms).
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Creative problem‑solver with strong critical‑thinking skills.
• High attention to detail with excellent organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Ability to influence others and collaborate across departments.
• Comfortable working evenings/weekends as needed based on business demands.
• Hybrid role with 20% travel.
• Regular interaction with customers (15%) and suppliers/brokers (30%).
• Role is primarily office‑based with minimal physical demands.

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