Category Director - Cannabis Retail

Job Responsibility:

Work Location

Ontario Office

About SNDL

SNDL is a public company whose shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "SNDL."SNDL is the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada with retail banners that include Ace Liquor, Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Value Buds, Spiritleaf, and Firesale Cannabis. SNDL is a licensed cannabis producer and one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in Canada specializing in low-cost biomass sourcing, indoor cultivation, product innovation, low-cost manufacturing facilities, and a cannabis brand portfolio that includes Top Leaf, Contraband, Palmetto, Bon Jak, Versus, Value Buds, and Vacay. SNDL's investment portfolio seeks to deploy strategic capital through direct and indirect investments and partnerships throughout the North American cannabis industry.

About the Role:

We are seeking an innovative and dynamic Retail Category Director to lead category management, merchandising, and assortment strategy for our cannabis retail operations. Based in Toronto, this role is responsible for driving category and margin growth, optimizing product offerings, and enhancing the overall consumer experience within our retail network. As a senior leader within our Retail team, you will define and execute a comprehensive category management strategy that balances profitability, customer insights and supplier partnerships. This role is ideal for a highly strategic retail leader with experience in category management—preferably within CPG or Cannabis retail—who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, margin, and market share growth.
• Oversee product assortment, pricing, and promotional planning in alignment with consumer trends and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including retail operations, marketing, supply chain, and compliance to ensure a seamless retail experience.
• Establish relationships with licensed producers and suppliers to negotiate contracts and ensure optimal product selection.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to optimize category performance.
• Drive innovation in product placement, merchandising strategies, and retail activations.
• Ensure all category management decisions align with federal and provincial cannabis regulations.
• Monitor and manage category KPIs including sales, margin, inventory turns, sell-through, and product velocity.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or retail strategy, preferably within the cannabis, CPG, or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of the Canadian market and consumer purchasing behaviors.
• Proven track record of delivering revenue and profitability growth through strategic category management.
• Experience working with data analytics tools to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of retail trends, merchandising best practices, and product lifecycle management.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Vision
• Financial & Business Acumen
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Innovation & Trend Forecasting
• Regulatory Awareness

Why Join Us?

• Be part of one of the largest cannabis retail operations in North America.
• Work with a passionate and entrepreneurial leadership team shaping the future of cannabis retail.
• Competitive compensation package, performance bonuses, and benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement in a fast-scaling organization.