The Dufresne Group is currently seeking a Category Manager for our Ashley Canada Merchandising Team within our Home Office located at 147 Commerce Drive in Winnipeg, MB.
As a Category Manager you will be responsible for using sales data, customer research, market data and industry information to build fact-based, customer-driven category merchandising and marketing strategies to better meet the needs of the customer and to optimize financial performance.
The Dufresne Group is committed to investing in our team members; we offer:
- Market competitive wages;
- Comprehensive benefits plan and excellent employee discounts;
- Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan;
- Career growth and continuous development;
- Respectful and family-oriented working environment with strong company values.
As the Category Manager you will:
- Identify retail trends and synthesize information from multiple touch points – providing forecasts and supporting business solutions in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment
- Bring the “art” to the “science” – using intuition and expertise fueled by data, analytics and a passion for serving our guests
- Negotiate and source product, prices, and contracts/agreements on behalf of the store, while ensuring quality standards are understood and met by each vendor
- Create and maintain positive vendor relations while adhering to ethical business standards
- Drives sales and gross profit through the optimization of the product assortment in assigned department or categories
- Maximize the return on inventory investment in partnership with the Supply Chain team, cross-functional partners, and suppliers
- Determine and manage the financial performance goals related to sales, pre-shrink, gross margin rate, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity
- Determine and authorize category assortment, pricing and quantification for ongoing store programs
- Provide on-going analysis of competitor information / flyers / promotions
- Conduct and maintain competitive line-ups; conduct competitive shops and gather competitor information
- Work with Store Managers, to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and are operating effectively
- Provide a strategic perspective on the presentation and merchandising of category assortment
- Provide direction to Assistant Category Managers. Collaborate with the retail stores on store initiatives. This includes all aspects of troubleshooting, problem solving, and category management.
- Ensure the development of weekly analysis, sales and profitability reports
- Attend industry related trade shows
As a successful candidate you will have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, and/or recognized purchasing designation
- 5+ years related merchandise/marketing experience with preference given to those with experience in a multichannel/omnichannel or direct/eCommerce retail environment
- Previous experience in buying, retail merchandising, planning and/or analysis required
- Proficiency with MS Office products is required, with advanced Excel skills
- Clear and efficient written and verbal communication
- Strong interpersonal skills required
- Creativity and agility required to adapt to changing trends
- Ability to travel as required
- Criminal Record Check required