Position Digital Imaging & Drone Category Manager

Digital Cameras, Lenses, Drones, Gimbals, Action Cameras, Creator Products, & Accessories

Reports to: Purchasing Division Manager
Location: Calgary, AB
Department: Merchandising / Purchasing

Role Purpose:

Key Responsibilities Category Strategy

- Develop annual category sales and profit plans.
- Identify emerging products, technologies and consumer trends.
- Determine assortment by store, channel and customer segment.
- Build the right mix of entry-level, enthusiast and premium products.
- Identify opportunities to expand into accessories and higher-margin attachments.

Purchasing & Vendor Management

- Negotiate pricing, rebates, MDF, freight, terms and promotional support.
- Develop strategic relationships with manufacturers and distributors.
- Manage purchase orders, forecasts and product launches.
- Negotiate exclusives and special buys where possible.
- Monitor vendor performance and resolve supply issues.

Profitability

- Own category gross margin and inventory productivity.
- Analyze sales, margin dollars, sell-through and inventory turns.
- Identify aged/slow-moving inventory early.
- Develop clearance and liquidation strategies.
- Maximize vendor funding and promotional dollars.

Digital Cameras

- DSLR/mirrorless cameras
- Lenses
- Action cameras
- Point-and-shoot / compact cameras
- Memory cards
- Batteries and chargers
- Camera bags
- Tripods




- Lighting
- Microphones
- Creator/vlogging equipment

Drones

- Consumer drones
- Camera drones
- FPV
- Batteries and charging
- Propellers and replacement parts
- Cases and accessories
- Gimbals
- DJI and competing brands
- Emerging drone technology

Retail & E-Commerce

- Determine appropriate assortment by store.
- Work with e-commerce to optimize online assortment.
- Create promotional calendars around launches and key selling periods.
- Develop bundles to increase average transaction value.
- Work with marketing on flyers, digital campaigns and vendor-funded promotions.

Requirements

- Purchasing, merchandising and or category-management experience.
- Robust understanding of consumer electronics.
- Proven vendor negotiation experience.
- Strong Excel/data-analysis skills.
- Understanding of inventory turns, GMROI, gross margin and sell-through.
- Strong commercial instincts.

Highly Preferred

- Camera industry experience.
- Drone experience.
- Existing manufacturer/distributor relationships.
- Experience with DJI, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, GoPro, Insta360, etc.
- Experience buying both hardware and accessories.
- E-commerce merchandising experience.

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Work Location: In person

📌 Category Manager – Digital Imaging, Drones & Creator Gear (Calgary)
🏢 Visions Electronics
📍 Calgary