Category Business Manager - Hardgoods (12 Month Contract)

What you'll do
Reporting to the AVP, the Category Business Manager is the key leader in the Merchandising Strategic Business Unit (SBU). Operating as the business owner for the category, within established policies, procedures, and FGL business goals, the Category Business Manager, is responsible for the selection, purchase, and allocation of product to achieve category sales, margin and inventory turnover targets. The Category Manager plays a leadership role in driving sales performance through the development and implementation of assortment, allocation and marketing strategies across both in-store and digital channels.Our Merchandising team is responsible for connecting our quality products and services with our customers. The team uses planning and forecasting frameworks and tools to ensure optimal financial results.The Category Business Manager is responsible for the curation of product assortments, marketing initiatives and promotional strategy. Development and implementation of the category plans, to effectively deliver and achieve the financial objectives related to the category and the management of inventory targets and deliveries. Our best Category Business Managers are SMEs (subject-matter-experts) who connect well with all key stakeholders and are committed to better understanding our customers by analyzing product, industry and customer data to evolve their merchandising category and enhance the overall customer experience.To excel as an Category Business Manager, you'll be able to integrate and align to the various cross-functional teams to conduct line reviews, support vendor negotiations and to create customer centric assortments. As an industry expert you will be actively identifying product and market trends within their associated lifecycles, owning product lifecycle decisions and influencing innovation pipelines, leading to your continuous advocacy for innovation and growth within the category.Develop and implement business plans for merchandise categories including analysis of sales, industry trends, building product sales projections, validation of margin targets, inventory levels, and stock turn levelsCollaborate with Financial Planners to ensure financial plans align with category strategyDevelop and implement assortment plans including the following: store and market analysis, product line reviews with vendors, selection of programs for various banners, establishment of initial store inventory levels, strategic price setting to balance competitiveness and margin, price negotiation, and confirmation of retail pricingOversees purchase order status including preparation, recording, and tracking of purchase orders as well as the resolution of shipping issues with distribution centers and suppliersOwn and manage the category Open-to-Buy and inventory productivity, including analysis of product and store sales, inventory sell through, and receiptsAnalyze performance by style, react to trends and opportunitiesOversee assessment of store inventory levels to provide the Merchandising Allocator support in driving sales and profitability, through the effective management of back stock and in-store inventoryCreate, manage, and communicate advertising support for both traditional and digital media. Collaborate with the social marketing team to create social engagement strategies for categoriesBe a Sport Chek ambassador. Speak knowledgably regarding the Sport Chek story, strategic plan, and directionBuild and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partnersLead and influence cross-functional partners to deliver category strategies and initiativesNegotiate policy agreements including discounts, payment and freight terms, volume rebates, brand development, co-op advertising and TRM extra project fundsCollaborate with the consumer brands division to develop private label products, support retail price point conversation, and approve samplesDevelop and implement seasonal and annual category strategiesConduct market tours of Sport Chek and competitive retail with the intent to drive continual improvementWhat you bring
You have 5+ years of experience in retail in a merchandising/buying/analytical role, or similar roleDemonstrated ability to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with colleagues and business members / managementStrong presentation skills with demonstrated ability to adjust style and format as required to suit the audienceMarketplace knowledge within the sportswear, lifestyle team sports, and outdoor industries, would be an advantageDemonstrated proficiency in inventory practices with an understanding of their financial and operational impactsThe ability to challenge and voice concerns, as well as be very adaptable and flexible in a dynamic retail environmentTime management and planning skillsWork with a sense of urgency and take extreme ownershipEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage complexity and adapt in a fast-paced re
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