Assistant Category Manager

Company Description

At Farm Boy, it is our mission to create a fun, fresh experience for all! Whether you are a team member or a customer, Farm Boy is passionate about creating a unique fresh food shopping experience and ensuring that we deliver on our commitments.

As we continue to grow within Ontario, Farm Boy is excited to welcome new team members that share our passion for providing the best fresh shopping experience!

Job Description

The Assistant Category Manager is responsible for supporting and assisting the Procurement team in achieving Farm Boy’s vision, and maximizing sales and profitability, and for the strategic growth of their department(s).

The performance of the duties must ensure a quality service approach to all employees, customers and suppliers. All responsibilities must be performed in a manner consistent with the Farm Boy Way.

Major Responsibilities :

• Maintain database of up-to-date vendor list ensuring that suppliers are activated and delisted as required.
• Work with the Finance Department on vendor invoicing, claims and collection of funds when necessary and ensure all forms are completed and accurate.
• Invoice supplier for side deals using the internal revenue file.
• Update movement analysis for category items at the end of each period.
• Analyze specific product information and make recommendations to the Category Manager regarding item listings and de-listings.
• Respond to supplier, production team and retail inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Conduct preliminary meetings with potential suppliers and make recommendations to the Category Manager as to the proper course of direction.
• Manage vendor relationships and communicate needs that align with our rapid store growth targets.
• Work as a liaison between Product Development, Production, Replenishment and Retail to optimize inventory for sales and profit and delivery of the freshest and best quality food.
• React to and resolve all inventory issues; distribution, pick up, shortages etc.
• Recommend cost reductions or supplier support when inventory issues arise.
• Inbound quality auditing and claims process.
• Perform competition retail audits as requested.
• Keep sales up to date to ensure accurate flyer forecasting.
• Coordinate demonstrations and sampling between suppliers, stores and the Finance Department.
• Keep informed on Category sales and profit.
• Support Order Desk as required.
• May be requested to undertake other related duties on a periodic basis.

Qualifications

• Typically requires completion of a post-secondary education with an emphasis in Merchandising, Marketing or Business Management, plus 3 to 5 years experience in a progressively responsible role working with fresh perishables or grocery items or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A passion for food retailing and people.
• Sound negotiation skills.
• Good knowledge of retail industry and food products.
• Superior standards of quality.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Experience in working with various computer software programs and the ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Clear and effective communication style, both written and oral.
• Impeccable organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Skilled at working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining priorities and a high level of performance.
• Ability to travel with reliable transportation.
• Fluency in English and French shall be considered an asset.
• Flexibility with regards to hours of work.

Work & Sensory Environment :

• Providing service to several people or departments, working under many simultaneous deadlines.
• Required to travel between Farm Boy stores, Home Office and / or Central Operations.
• Exposure to eye strain from computer terminals.

Additional Information

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities.