Category Director, National Otc & Hard Discount Wellness & Feminine Hygiene (12-Month Contract)

Why is this role important:
The Category Director has ultimate accountability for the sales and EBIT of the National OTC & Hard Discount Wellness & Feminine Hygiene categories. This includes all functions that impact these financial objectives, including determining product assortment, pricing, promotion, and planogram layout, liaising with marketing, conducting financial analysis, reporting, and monitoring store execution. The incumbent will liaise with various internal and external partners and teams in order to achieve category objectives, including but not limited to Marketing, Finance, Operations & Vendors. A strong focus on understanding our customer's needs and preferences are critical to success in this role. We have a passion for customers and are looking for a leader who will thrive in a fast paced environment by taking full ownership of all key decisions and results, has a passion for their business and a desire to develop their team to similar visionWhat you’ll do:
Develop, monitor and manage a customer focused strategy for each banner, in line with assigned category roles and banner objectives set out to achieve on a monthly/quarterly/annual basisAchieve national category P&L for the categories;
manage within assigned category budget by building and delivering differentiated, customer-led programsImplement product assortment, sales and buying plans in order to achieve category targets. Review implementation throughout the year, adjusting as required to meet targetsPerform regular category and customer reviews by using our world-class loyalty database to unlock customer growth opportunitiesCommunicate category and merchandising standards for each format;
Participate in setting merchandising direction for each retail format for assigned categoryDevelop and implement promotions and programs using price as well as loyalty tacticsLead, mentor, coach, develop and inspire a team of merchants in line with Loblaw's culture journey and through objective setting, individual development planning and consistent timely feedbackCollaboratively plan activities and develop strong relationships with the vendor community in order to improve customer engagement and category profitabilityResponsible for weekly Category Reports and LE's including Vendor IncomeBuild strong, collaborative relationships and leverage all key partners to invest in their business for growth ahead of marketBuilding and leading diverse teams that foster a workplace of inclusiveness and belongingWhat you bring:
Post secondary education (university or college) or equivalent experienceBilingual in English/French would be a strong asset5-7 years of business experience in merchandising or experience managing a P&L preferred.An effective change agent who possesses the influencing skills needed to help the organization adopt new ways of thinking and to embrace more sophisticated business toolsExcellent communicator up, down and across the enterprise. Proven strength in having a 'customer lens' in all decision making processesProven commitment to coaching and mentoring direct reports and team with a focus on colleague developmentStrategic approach and eye for businessDemonstrated ability to develop short and long term plans in line with corporate and banner specific strategies supplemented by a strong understanding of the market and competitive landscape in order to recognize and capitalize on opportunitiesAbility to gather and synthesize customer and market insight and information in the product identification and development processCreative problem solver who is progressive and innovative: aggressively seeks out opportunities to improve competitiveness and demonstrates an innovative spiritStrong data management and analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to develop business insights and effectively communicate them to the businessOur commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars - Environment, Sourcing and Community - and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values - Care, Ownership, Respect and Ex
#J-18808-Ljbffr