Category Manager

The Dufresne Group is currently seeking a Category Manager for our Ashley Canada Merchandising Team within our Home Office located at 147 Commerce Drive in Winnipeg, MB.

As a Category Manager you will be responsible for using sales data, customer research, market data and industry information to build fact-based, customer-driven category merchandising and marketing strategies to better meet the needs of the customer and to optimize financial performance.

The Dufresne Group is committed to investing in our team members; we offer:

• Market competitive wages;


• Comprehensive benefits plan and excellent employee discounts;


• Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan;


• Career growth and continuous development;


• Respectful and family-oriented working environment with strong company values.

As the Category Manager you will:

• Identify retail trends and synthesize information from multiple touch points – providing forecasts and supporting business solutions in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment


• Bring the “art” to the “science” – using intuition and expertise fueled by data, analytics and a passion for serving our guests


• Negotiate and source product, prices, and contracts/agreements on behalf of the store, while ensuring quality standards are understood and met by each vendor


• Create and maintain positive vendor relations while adhering to ethical business standards 


• Drives sales and gross profit through the optimization of the product assortment in assigned department or categories


• Maximize the return on inventory investment in partnership with the Supply Chain team, cross-functional partners, and suppliers


• Determine and manage the financial performance goals related to sales, pre-shrink, gross margin rate, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity


• Determine and authorize category assortment, pricing and quantification for ongoing store programs


• Provide on-going analysis of competitor information / flyers / promotions


• Conduct and maintain competitive line-ups; conduct competitive shops and gather competitor information


• Work with Store Managers, to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and are operating effectively


• Provide a strategic perspective on the presentation and merchandising of category assortment


• Provide direction to Assistant Category Managers. Collaborate with the retail stores on store initiatives.  This includes all aspects of troubleshooting, problem solving, and category management.


• Ensure the development of weekly analysis, sales and profitability reports


• Attend industry related trade shows

As a successful candidate you will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, and/or recognized purchasing designation


• 5+ years related merchandise/marketing experience with preference given to those with experience in a multichannel/omnichannel or direct/eCommerce retail environment


• Previous experience in buying, retail merchandising, planning and/or analysis required


• Proficiency with MS Office products is required, with advanced Excel skills


• Clear and efficient written and verbal communication


• Strong interpersonal skills required


• Creativity and agility required to adapt to changing trends


• Ability to travel as required


• Criminal Record Check required