Category Information Manager (12-month Contract) - Div Cheese - Montreal or Longueuil

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!

Lactalis Student Program:
At Lactalis, we are committed to cultivating talent and providing enriching opportunities that ignite passion and foster growth in our future leaders. Our student program is designed to nurture your potential by providing you with enriching work experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Lactalis Canada’s student program encourages curiosity, creativity, professional development, and personal growth. Not only will you develop your expertise through hands-on experiences, but you will also join a thriving network of Lactalis Students across Canada. All students will have the chance to participate in social events, group trainings and workshops, manufacturing plant tours, and an end-of semester project!

We are invested in your long-term success and aim to equip you with skills and experiences that will fuel your future!

Job Purpose

The Category Information Manager works with both internal and external contacts to increase sales, profitability, and shopper satisfaction of a designated category of products industry-wide.

Responsibility

• 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 to Account Managers of retailers in designated region.
• Shelf Space Management: Develop and maintain planograms for all innovation products in addition to maintaining current listings using space to integrate Lactalis Canada’s Marketing and Trade Marketing strategies.
• Market and Shopper Insights: Utilize 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. Perform ad hoc analysis as required and requested by the category manager.
• Collaboration with Sales: Assess and support the needs of the Sales team via regular performance review meetings, providing ad hoc analytical support using internal and external data to recommend category growth recommendations to optimize regional or account specific opportunities. Assist sales in executing action plans.
• Support for Category Team: Develop and manage customer business review templates to include customer penetration and comparative position in the marketplace to facilitate the development of business presentations to secure growth of key pillar categories.

Qualifications

• Post secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience within the CPG industry (i.e. Key Account Management) or performing analytical work (i.e. sales analyst or data science).
• Space management experience is preferred.
• Understands category management and the use of Nielsen information in a fact-based selling application.
• Has a solid understanding of business, financials, sku mix, products, the market, and the needs of the customer.
• Ability to understand retailer strategies and the strategies of the competition to make sound category-based recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate insights.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present insights and recommendations.

Competency

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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 15% 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.

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: $88,400.00 - $110,500.00.

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.