Category Specialist

CATEGORY SPECIALIST

We are seeking a Category Specialist to support our Corporate Purchasing team Surrey, BC. 

The Category Specialist plays a key support role within the Corporate Purchasing team, providing essential administrative , executional, and analytical support to the Category Manager(s). This position ensures accurate data management, supports cross-functional alignment to deliver sales growth and margin improvement and assists in category strategy implementation. Success in this role is built on strong collaboration with internal team members and external partners, as well as a commitment to accuracy, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Maybe you have been working on the brand or distributor side of the Consumer Packaged Goods ("CPG") world and you have been looking for the opportunity to make the shift to more execution focused retail side or perhaps you are an accountant looking for a creative way to employ your data and analysis skills...then this may just be the role for you!

PERKS:

• Competitive wages with a hiring range from $50,000 - $60,000 annually
  • Based on experience and skill set
• Flexible benefits
• Up to 25% store discount
• Education allowance
• Free swag (products, food, clothing + more)
• Share in some laughs, air high-fives, and fun each day

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Administrative & Data Management
  • Accurately maintain and update product, vendor, and broker information within internal systems.
  • Execute administrative functions including new item setup, delisting, description changes, vendor updates, and tax/eco fee management.
  • Process vendor cost change requests and ensure timely approval and implementation in coordination with the Category Manager and Promotions Coordinators.
• Vendor & Partner Coordination
  • Maintain strong relationships with brand, broker, and distributor partners to facilitate smooth communication and issue resolution.
  • Ensure vendors comply with administrative requirements, including pricing notice periods, MAP policies, and accurate item submissions.
• Strategic Support
  • Act as a core support partner to Category Manager(s) to help execute category strategies, assortment plans, and promotional initiatives.
  • Assist in preparation for vendor meetings, line reviews, and business proposals.
  • Identify issues and opportunities within categories and escalate insights for action.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the Corporate Purchasing team to ensure alignment and consistency in data, communication, and processes.
• Reporting & Analytics
  • Prepare reports, summaries, and data packages to support internal planning and vendor negotiations.
  • Analyze category performance and sales trends to provide actionable insights to Category Manager(s).
  • Support decision-making for listings and delistings through data interpretation and margin analysis

• Possess high attention to detail.
  • The ability to consistently maintain high accuracy in data entry and analysis.
  • The ability to identify inconsistencies and understand the process in how to fix them.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • The ability to prioritize tasks, adapt quickly to shifting demands, and maintain clarity amidst complexity in a dynamic environment.
  • The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and brokers.
• Adaptive and critical thinking.
  • The ability to understand different processes well enough where you can adapt a process as business needs change.
  • The ability to reflect on the priority of your work and be able to pivot to a new task based on said priority.
• Collaborative approach with a focus on team success.
  • The ability to approach tasks and responsibilities with other members of your team.
  • The willingness to assist other members of your team when they ask for help.
• Strong administrative and technical capabilities.
  • The ability to set and manage your own deadlines to meet job responsibilities.
  • The ability to understand data and interlay connections between information.

• Strong foundational knowledge of MS Office Suite.
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with Excel is a must.
• Strong system/process skill set.
  • The ability to understand, manipulate, manage, analyze and report data in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Familiarity with sales management systems or enterprise resource planners (beneficial, not mandatory).

REQUIREMENTS:

• Business certificate program or related education required
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a related role
• Experience using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, such as LOC Store Management System (SMS), considered a strong asset
• Experience participating in a new system implementation considered an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge of MS Office Suite (Advanced Excel required.  Experience using PowerBI a strong asset.)
• Strong analytical skills with experience collecting, organizing, analyzing and disseminating abundant information with accuracy
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

YOU CHECK ALL THE BOXES IF:

• You have amazing attention to detail and enjoy a good puzzle - critical thinking is a must
• You have strong communication skills and you love collaboration
• Excel spreadsheets, sales reports and standardizing processes (all on repeat!) is your jam
• You are open to new ideas or challenges that may come your way and can easily adapt to shifting priorities and managing multiple priorities
• You enjoy being part of a dynamic team
• You are looking for an in-office opportunity in Vernon, BC

This full-time role is based in person at our Head Office at 19580 Telegraph Trail in Surrey, BC

Nature's Fare Markets is an equal opportunity employer and as such we strive to foster a workplace where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected.

Apply online today!