Category Manager - Confectionery

Under the supervision of the director, the category manager is responsible for the development and management of the Confectionery and food products category. They negotiate with suppliers, optimize the product assortment, develop marketing strategies, and ensure the achievement of profitability and growth objectives for this category.

**Main Responsibilities**

• Negotiate purchase conditions and annual contracts with suppliers
• Plan weekly market launches for our banners
• Develop strategic marketing plans for each category (price, products, promo, place)
• Manage product categories based on market data (Nielsen and BES Nielsen reports) and internal data (BI) to achieve sales and profitability goals
• Communicate strategic plans with various departments (retail operations, procurement, merchandising) and collaborate on the implementation of these plans in pharmacies
• Respect and follow various budgets
• Ensure a quick introduction of new products in pharmacies (speed to market)
• Conduct market research and visit competitors
• Develop special programs (thematic, contests, cross-promotions)
• Coordinate the work of the assistant manager, oversee the development of their knowledge, and evaluate the quality of the work done
• Participate in various events such as the Business Forum, Annual Congress, Golf Tournament, and other marketing activities
• Perform all other tasks related to the function

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor's degree in administration or equivalent
• Have more than 6 years of relevant experience
• Have a strong knowledge of the pharmacy or retail industry
• Possess functional English to negotiate and deal with English-speaking suppliers
• Be proficient in MS Office suite
• Knowledge of SAP, an asset
• **Qualities Sought**
• Possess negotiation, management, and analysis skills
• Have good time and priority management
• Ability to manage multiple files simultaneously
• Ability to establish and maintain good business relationships with clients and suppliers
• Possess a sense of persuasion and business sense
• Have initiative, diplomacy, and a strong sense of listening
• Be very autonomous, have adaptability, and the ability to work with tight deadlines