Category Insights National Lead

About Us !
As part of the largest baking company in the world, Bimbo Canada is a leading producer and distributor of packaged fresh bread, bakery products and snacks. We produce and distribute more than 1,000 products across; 18 brands Canadians know and trust, like Dempster's®, Villaggio®, POM®, Bon Matin®, Stonemill®, Natural Bakery®, Takis®, Thomas'®, Little Bites™, Vachon®, Hostess® and more.

In business for more than 110 years, the company operates 15 bakeries and employs approximately 4,000 associates across Canada. Bimbo Canada creates value by being at the forefront of manufacturing and service delivery innovation in the baking industry through the continued improvement and refinement of its supply chain network while serving major grocery chains, retail outlets and foodservice operations across Canada.

At Bimbo Canada, we’re more than just a bakery - we’re a family dedicated to baking delicious moments for millions. Our beliefs are the foundation of our success, and we’re looking for people who share our commitment to excellence.

Hiring Requirements:
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Insights National Lead to guide a high-performing team in delivering actionable, data-driven strategies that enhance category performance and drive market share growth across Bimbo Canada’s portfolio. This role also serves as the lead for category insights in Western Canada, acting as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and retail partners.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Channel Strategy & Revenue Growth Management, the Insights Lead will play a pivotal role in integrating commercial insights with revenue growth strategies, elevating storytelling, and influencing decision-making to drive sustainable business impact.


Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute national category strategies based on market dynamics and consumer & shopper trends.
• Guide shelf space allocation and assortment decisions using POS and syndicated data.
• Strengthen relationships with retail partners as a trusted category expert.

Team Development & People Leadership

• Managing a team of 4 associates, role will focus on inspiring a high-performance culture focused on analytical excellence and commercial acumen
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities to team members.
• Lead transformation initiatives within the Insights function, fostering agility and innovation.
• Ensure the team is equipped with the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed.

Commercial & Strategic Support

• Translate insights into actionable strategies aligned with business and customer objectives.
• Validate volume projections and recommendations for innovation
• Lead strategic projects including SKU rationalization, battlefield analyses, and category deep dives.
• Support strategic presentations.

Regional Insights Leadership (Western Canada)

• Act as a Vendor Advisor to key accounts, delivering impartial, insight-driven recommendations.
• Monitor and report on retail trends, competitive landscape, and consumer behavior.
• Drive regional merchandising strategies and portfolio prioritization.
• Lead quarterly market reviews and oversee planogram development for innovation.

Analytics & Data-Driven Insights

• Leverage syndicated and retailer portal data to identify growth opportunities.
• Utilize AI-powered tools and predictive analytics to generate forward-looking insights.
• Deliver performance scorecards and strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure data integrity and optimal use of tools such as ACNielsen.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, RGM, and Marketing to align insights with strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the RGM team to translate insights into profitable growth strategies.

Customer Planning & Engagement

• Lead joint business planning, top-to-top presentations, and quarterly reviews with key accounts.
• Provide strategic input to customer teams to support planning and execution.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related discipline; MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with demonstrated expertise in Category Management and the strategic application of consumer and shopper insights.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, with at least 5 years of direct people management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the Canadian CPG landscape, including regional market dynamics.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deliver compelling, insight-driven narratives to influence key stakeholders.
• Strong commercial storytelling capabilities, with a passion for translating insights into business growth opportunities.
• Advanced analytical acumen and meticulous attention to detail.
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, recognized as a subject matter expert or super-user.
• Highly action-oriented, with a strong focus on execution and delivering measurable results.
• Creative, curious, and innovative thinker with demonstrated influencing and problem-solving skills.
• 25% travel required

Key Competencies

• Inspirational leadership with the ability to articulate a clear vision, foster organizational alignment, and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience navigating complex team environments and influencing senior decision-makers.
• Proven ability to transform data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making.
• Expertise in insights tools and data platforms, including:
• Nielsen (Discover IQ, MarketTrack, Homescan, Revenue Optimizer)
• Shopper Intelligence, Numerator, Circana, Toolbox 1Screen, Dunnhumby
• Proficiency in space management software, particularly Blue Yonder (JDA).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.

The annual salary range for applicants is: $107,500 - $157,000, which does not include discretionary bonus compensation or our comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other factors.

Growth Opportunities: Bimbo Canada is committed to personal and professional growth. We offer training, development, and advancement opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Innovation: Be part of a company that constantly innovates in the food industry. Your work will contribute to creating delicious products loved by millions.

The Bimbo Way: We believe in the special dignity and value of the human person. We believe that as people we form one community and we believe that this community is focused on getting results. We do this by competing and winning in the market with superior quality in everything we do. We believe in being sharp operators; that is, being very, very good at what we do, and always acting with integrity so that as a company we can transcend and endure for a very long time. That’s the Bimbo Way.
We are incredibly proud of our distinction as one of Canada’s Most Admired Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital. This recognition is a reflection of how strong, people-first culture drives exceptional performance and sets us apart as industry leaders. Bimbo Canada was also named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work by ! This tremendous honour recognizes our commitment to creating an outstanding workplace for our associates.
If you are ready to join a company that values its associates and bakes delicious moments every day, apply today!!

Your journey with Bimbo Canada starts here.