Category Manager - Merchandizing
Lufa Farms
United States
Posted on Feb 27, 2025
Sourcing & Merchandising - VSL Offices
Full-time
Presence: On site
Contract position : No
Description
At Lufa Farms, we’re on a mission to create a better food system by growing food where people live and growing it more sustainably. To do this, we built the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse and partner with hundreds of farmers and foodmakers to offer fresh, local, responsible food to our customers across Quebec. To optimize our customers’ experience on our online Marketplace, we need a motivated and dynamic Category Manager to forecast promotions and present products in the best way possible.
The Category Manager reports to the Purchasing Director and is responsible for implementing merchandizing and promotion strategies based on forecasts and market trends, anticipating the needs of Lufavores all while respecting the Lufa Farms vision and values. They’ll also be responsible for developing their category through solid relationships with our suppliers.
Responsibilities
Product marketing:
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Participate in the development of annual promotional plans with category development managers;
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Negotiate complementary promotions to plans negotiated as part of commercial agreements;
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Establish the company's weekly promotional calendar, within prescribed deadlines and for assigned categories;
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Monitor and maintain a promotional calendar with each supplier;
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Develop seasonal strategies in collaboration with development managers;
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Call our largest suppliers regularly to secure attractive promotions for our customers;
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Visit competitors, monitoring market pricing and promotional strategies to maintain a better negotiating position and competitive pricing within established budgets;
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Establish and adjust retail pricing strategy in relation to competition and company objectives;
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Monitor budget objectives and promote their achievement;
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Respect basic company merchandizing rules;
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Regularly audit your own product categories;
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Ensure rigorous follow-up of Lufavores' comments in order to propose quick and effective solutions, and communicate these to the category development team as needed.
Collaboration with other departments:
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Communicate to the development team any needs made necessary by an opportunity;
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Monitor stock availability and shrinkage with purchasing staff, taking immediate corrective action as needed;
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Monitor KPIs - sales, margins, average basket, price index vs. competition;
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Be a positive leader in a constantly changing environment;
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Demonstrate an attitude that promotes team success.
Requirements
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Strong communicator in French and English;
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Strong work ethic, adaptability, and respect for products and deadlines;
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Experience in negotiation and demonstrated organization skills;
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Post-secondary degree.
Assets
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Three to five years of work experience in the food industry;
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Two to three years of management experience;
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Bachelor’s degree in commerce or marketing.
Schedule
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Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, and available to respond to suppliers on evenings and weekends.
Benefits
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You’ll be eligible to participate in the firm’s health insurance, dental, and disability programs after completion of a probationary period (paid 50% by the employee and 50% by Lufa Farms);
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Access to TELUS Health Virtual Care (direct contact to health professionals by phone, video, or chat) and the Employee and Family Assistance Program (professional, short-term counselling, covering a broad range of interpersonal issues);
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30% discount on your Lufa Farms basket.