Assistant Category Manager

CFMWS - WHERE PURPOSE MEETS PASSION! At Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), we're more than just a workplace; we're a proud community dedicated to supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families in their daily lives. We carefully curate and provide programs and services designed to meet their unique needs and enhance their mental, social, physical, financial and familial well-being. CFMWS employees deliver programs and services including recreation, sports and fitness programs, customized financial services, retail services, access to retail savings and discounts and offers family support and organizes charity events.
Our success stems from living our values. Our employees care about their role in supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families and act with integrity in all they do. Thriving in our close-knit environment, we act as one team with one mission. We constantly seek new ideas and creative ways to deliver the best possible programs and services.
As an employer, we offer a commitment to your health, wellness and growth. We provide a diverse range of roles across many locations and a career where you can make a meaningful impact.
THE ROLE Under the direction of the Senior Manager Category, the Assistant Category Manager provides support with planning, organizing, managing and evaluating the purchasing, retail pricing, and promotion of assigned categories and departments. They provide assistance with the implementation of assortment, allocation, space and replenishment strategies for assigned categories and departments.
The Assistant Category Manager assists in the management of vendor relationships and negotiations, with the procurement of products and the handling of item creation and purchasing, including but not limited to payment terms, shipping and delivery, rebates, advertising, cost and retail pricing. They implement category strategies based on customer needs, industry trends, competition and financial goals, including sales and gross profit.
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED Education, Certifications and Licenses
College diploma in business administration, commerce, economics, buying and merchandising, or related field, AND several years of experience in retail including supervision and/or management
Experience
In managing projects
In preparing reports
In planning and conducting presentations
In the delivery of marketing and promotional programs for retail products and/or services
In applying policies and procedures for merchandise and services
In dealing with suppliers
In developing marketing and promotional strategies
In using inventory information software
In inventory management and purchasing
In purchase order creation and follow up
In data manipulation
In creating, updating and maintaining products information in POS systems
In accounts payable
Competencies
Client focus, organizational knowledge, communication, innovation, teamwork and leadership.
Skills and Abilities
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS English or French Essential, Bilingual (English and French) an asset
Reading: Functional Level
Writing: Functional Level
Oral: Functional Level
BENEFITS AVAILABLE Health Benefits: Drug coverage, healthcare spending account, virtual care (telemedicine), Employee and Family Assistance Program, mental health support, travel insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance.
Work Life Balance: Flexible work options and a wide range of paid/unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family related leave and personal days.
Retirement Planning: A Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Group Savings Plans.
Learning and Development: Tuition Reimbursement Program, online learning opportunities including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and second language training.
Perks: Discounts through CF One Member Appreciation.
Explore all the benefits CFMWS offers by visiting:
OTHER INFORMATION This is a hybrid position with an assigned work location allowing the employee to work partly from a corporate office and partly from a home office in accordance with the CFMWS Flexible Work Options Policy, and with approval from the direct manager.
START DATE November 16 2026
INCLUSION AND ACCOMMODATION CFMWS is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who can help us build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Canadian society. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or assessment, you should advise the recruitment team in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.