About the RoleOur client, a leading national foodservice and wholesale distributor, is seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy, merchandising, and assortment optimization across stores, distribution channels, and ecommerce.This role is ideal for a commercially minded, data‑driven professional who enjoys shaping category direction, optimizing assortments, and driving growth through strategic supplier partnerships and pricing decisions. Occasional travel to supplier sites, company locations, and industry events is expected.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Ownership & StrategyOwn overall category performance including sales growth, margin, inventory health, and assortment effectiveness.Develop and execute multi‑channel category strategies aligned with business growth and profitability goals.Identify opportunities for SKU rationalization, assortment expansion, and product innovation.Monitor market trends, competitive pricing, and emerging foodservice opportunities.Supplier Strategy & MerchandisingBuild and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive value and service excellence.Negotiate pricing, promotional support, and rebate structures; manage vendor‑funded programs.Lead supplier business reviews and joint business planning initiatives.Source recent suppliers (domestic and international) and oversee onboarding and performance.Pricing & Margin ManagementDefine pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin targets.Analyze margin performance at category and SKU level and adjust pricing in response to cost and demand changes.Partner with finance to track and optimize rebates, vendor funding,



and related programs.Promotions & Marketing CollaborationPartner with marketing and ecommerce teams to design and execute promotional campaigns.Identify seasonal and tactical opportunities to drive category lift.Support new product launches and category‑based marketing initiatives across channels.Data & Performance AnalysisAnalyze sales, margin, and inventory data to uncover risks and growth opportunities.Track KPIs including revenue growth, gross margin, inventory turns, and SKU productivity.Translate data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.Assortment & Product InnovationManage broad assortments (1,000–2,500 SKUs), including optimization and rationalization.Identify underperforming items and implement changes to improve efficiency and profitability.Support private label and new product development initiatives where applicable.Cross‑Functional CollaborationWork closely with store operations, supply chain, and inventory planning to ensure product availability and execution.Collaborate with finance on rebate tracking and vendor funding compliance.Partner with marketing and ecommerce on promotional and growth planning.RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field.5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, ideally in foodservice, wholesale, or retail distribution.Strong commercial and financial acumen; comfortable owning P&L‑like levers (margin, volume, inventory).Proven negotiation and supplier / vendor management skills, including experience with rebate and vendor‑funded programs.Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP or merchandising systems (SAP or similar).Experience analyzing large sales and inventory datasets; familiarity with BI/reporting tools is an asset.Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills across multiple functions.Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset but not required.Compensation & BenefitsSalary: $85,000 – $90,000 per year, with performance‑linked incentives.Benefits: Extended health, dental, life insurance, paid time off, and on‑site parking.Workstyle: Primarily office‑based in Mississauga, with occasional travel.

📌 Category Manager - C$85,000 - C$90,000 A Year (Mississauga)
🏢 TalentFinity Recruitment
📍 Mississauga