Reporting to the AVP, the Category Business Manager is the key leader in the Merchandising Strategic Business Unit (SBU). Operating as the business owner for the category, within established policies, procedures, and FGL business goals, the Category Business Manager, Accessories is responsible for the selection, purchase, and allocation of product to achieve category sales, margin and inventory turnover targets. The Category Manager plays a leadership role in driving sales performance through the development and implementation of assortment, allocation and marketing strategies across both in-store and digital channels.

Our Merchandising team is responsible for connecting our quality products and services with our customers. The team uses planning and forecasting frameworks and tools to ensure optimal financial results.

The Category Business Manager is responsible for the curation of product assortments, marketing initiatives and promotional strategy. Development and implementation of the category plans, to effectively deliver and achieve the financial objectives related to the category and the management of inventory targets and deliveries. Our best Category Business Managers are SMEs (subject-matter-experts) who connect well with all key stakeholders and are committed to better understanding our customers by analyzing product, industry and customer data to evolve their merchandising category and enhance the overall customer experience.

To excel as an Category Business Manager, you’ll be able to integrate and align to the various cross-functional teams to conduct line reviews, support vendor negotiations and to create customer centric assortments. As an industry expert you will be actively identifying product and market trends within their associated lifecycles, owning product lifecycle decisions and influencing innovation pipelines, leading to your continuous advocacy for innovation and growth within the category.

Develop and implement business plans for merchandise categories including analysis of sales, industry trends, building product sales projections, validation of margin targets, inventory levels, and stock turn levels
Collaborate with Financial Planners to ensure financial plans align with category strategy
Develop and implement assortment plans including the following: store and market analysis, product line reviews with vendors, selection of programs for various banners, establishment of initial store inventory levels, strategic price setting to balance competitiveness and margin, price negotiation, and confirmation of retail pricing
Oversees purchase order status including preparation, recording, and tracking of purchase orders as well as the resolution of shipping issues with distribution centers and suppliers
Own and manage the category Open-to-Buy and inventory productivity, including analysis of product and store sales, inventory sell through, and receipts
Analyze performance by style, react to trends and opportunities
Oversee assessment of store inventory levels to provide the Merchandising Allocator support in driving sales and profitability, through the effective management of back stock and in-store inventory
Create, manage, and communicate advertising support for both traditional and digital media. Collaborate with the social marketing team to create social engagement strategies for categories
Be a Sport Chek ambassador. Speak knowledgably regarding the Sport Chek story, strategic plan, and direction
Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners
Lead and influence cross-functional partners to deliver category strategies and initiatives
Negotiate policy agreements including discounts, payment and freight terms, volume rebates, brand development, co-op advertising and TRM extra project funds
Collaborate with the consumer brands division to develop private label products, support retail price point conversation, and approve samples
Develop and implement seasonal and annual category strategies
Conduct market tours of Sport Chek and competitive retail with the intent to drive continual improvement

What you bring

You have 3-5 years of experience in retail in a merchandising/buying/analytical role, or similar role
Demonstrated ability to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with colleagues and business members / management
Strong presentation skills with demonstrated ability to adjust style and format as required to suit the audience
Marketplace knowledge within the sportswear, lifestyle team sports, and outdoor industries, would be an advantage
Demonstrated proficiency in inventory practices with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts
The ability to challenge and voice concerns, as well as be very adaptable and flexible in a dynamic retail environment
Time management and planning skills
Work with a sense of urgency and take extreme ownership
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage complexity and adapt in a fast-paced retail environment

We’re always looking for great talent! In addition to competitive pay, we offer:

Comprehensive benefits and retirement programs
Performance incentives, Continuing Education Programs
Other perks to support your well-being
Career growth opportunities and product discounts

Broadband Salary Range: $79,000 – $131,000 CAD.

Our typical hiring range is between $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 CAD Annual. Salary decisions are also dependent on other factors such as your experience, job-related knowledge, skills and competencies, market location, industry benchmarks, internal equity and other role-specific requirements.

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This posting represents an existing vacancy within our organization.

We may use artificial intelligence tools as part of our recruitment process to assist in the initial screening of resumes. All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters.

About Us

At Sport Chek, we want to find what moves you, and help build your career from there. As Canada’s destination for footwear, apparel, and sporting goods; we believe that sport and activity has the power to help shape your style, your relationships, and your mind. Along with colleagues across the Canadian Tire family of companies, you’ll be a part of a collaborative network of like-minded individuals who draw on their collective experience to best serve customers across all banners from coast-to-coast. Join us, where there's a place for you here.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are committed to fostering an environment where belonging thrives, and diversity, inclusion and equity are infused into everything we do. We believe in building an organizational culture where people are consistently treated with dignity while respecting individual religion, nationality, gender, race, age, perceived ability, spoken language, sexual orientation, and identification. We are united in our purpose of being here to help make life in Canada better.

Accommodations

We stand firm in our Core Value that inclusion is a must. We welcome and encourage candidates from equity-seeking groups such as people who identify as racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, women, people with disabilities, and beyond. Should you require any accommodation in applying for this role, or throughout the interview process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to help meet your needs.