Category Manager

The Dufresne Group is currently seeking aCategory Managerfor our Ashley Canada Merchandising Team within ourHome Officelocated at147 Commerce DriveinWinnipeg 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:

• Bachelors 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