Job Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to play a leading role on a team accountable for building fact-based, customer driven category marketing plans? The Category Assistant, at The North West Company (NWC), uses sales data, customer research, market data, and industry information to better meet the needs of our unique consumer and to optimize financial performance. Your role includes the development, formulation, and execution of strategy and tactics within the context of the overall marketing strategy, including assortment planning, procurement, merchandising, retail pricing advertising and promotion, as well as assisting in vendor negotiations and supply agreements.

Joining NWC gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, a competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

NWC is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighbourhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.

Your Role:

• In conjunction with the Category Manager, you will negotiate and source product, costs, rebates and discounts, FOB points, and contracts/agreements on behalf of NWC, while ensuring NWC quality standards are understood and met by each vendor;
• Determine and authorize-in conjunction with the Category Manager-category assortment, pricing, and quantification for seasonal and ongoing store programs;
• Develop and manage 1-year Category Plans, inclusive of financial performance goals of sales, gross margin, volume incentives, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity
• Complete assortment and margin reviews as well as pricing strategies to ensure gross margin expectations are met or exceeded and are in alignment with corporate targets;
• Gather and analyze consumer, market, and industry information to formulate strategies and tactics within the context of the overall marketing strategy;
• Work with Supply Chain Analysts and Sales/Operations Managers to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and are operating effectively; and
• Coordinate the implementation of new product initiatives and new work processes.
• Provide support to attain financial performance goals, related to sales, gross margin, and inventory productivity; and
• Assist in executing new work processes and provide direction for planogram refreshes and assortment in stores and on line.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Must possess a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the marketing field, or a combination of education and experience;
• Must have a post-secondary education (degree, diploma, or certification) or an equivalent combination of education/training, and experience;
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills;
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills with a high attention to strict deadlines;
• Must work well in a fast-paced dynamic team environment;
• Excellent communication-written and verbal-and interpersonal skills;
• Must possess strong customer service skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships within the organization;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information;
• Previous buying and retail merchandising experience is a definite asset;
• Have the desire to develop an in-depth understanding of NWC\'s customers; and
• Able to accommodate a flexible schedule with limited travel (up to 20 days a year).

Location: Gibraltar House, 77 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB

Reports To: Category Manager-HABA & Beauty

We create a collaborative and constructive culture by:

• Being Enterprising \xe2\x80\xa2 Committing to our Customer \xe2\x80\xa2 Working with Passion \xe2\x80\xa2 Leading and Developing Others \xe2\x80\xa2 Demonstrating Respect and Inclusivity \xe2\x80\xa2 Building Trust

The North West Company is committed to inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from all candidates including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities.

A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For Internal Applicants Only:

Salary Grade: C0R006

NOTE: Prior to applying, an internal employee MUST obtain a written endorsement email from their current Manager or Manager - once - removed and provide this to the recruitment team before they can be considered for opportunities. This position adheres to the Corporate Job Posting Guidelines.

The North West Company