Category Manager - Fresh Foods

Category Manager - Fresh Foods
Category Managers are responsible for sales optimization in their specific category group of products.  This position oversees purchasing for given category through listing related products, determining competitive pricing, meeting with vendors, and coordinating sales and promotions. Supported by the Category Specialist, this position analyzes industry trends, product movement and sales trends to make an informed decision on product mix within our stores. This role provides direction to department managers for corresponding categories across all Nature’s Fare Markets locations as well as are responsible for driving the success of a product category by strategically managing product selection, supplier relationships, pricing, inventory, and sales performance to meet both customer needs and business goals.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
You will take the lead on establishing vision, direction and overall successful performance of all fresh food initiatives across our locations.  You will use your experience and knowledge to maintain our current offerings and grow our portfolio of products to match our customers' needs. 

Category Management

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for assigned categories.
• Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and product performance to optimize assortment and merchandising.
• Oversee product selection, pricing strategies, and promotional planning.
• Monitor product life cycles, discontinuations, and store-level performance across all locations.
• Drive sales and margin growth through vendor negotiations, special buys, and warehouse opportunities.
• Support store teams by ensuring appropriate product mix, space allocation, and inventory levels.
• Ensure all products meet Nature’s Fare ingredient and quality standards.
• Collaborate with marketing and purchasing departments to support seasonal and promotional campaigns.

People Management

• Provide leadership, support, and direction to Department Managers and Category Specialists.
• Collaborate with Store Managers for coaching and performance feedback.
• Conduct store visits or calls to foster communication, share best practices, and identify challenges.
• Manage administrative assistants for vendor setup, product listings, and data tracking.

Vendor Relations & Sourcing

• Build strong relationships with brokers, distributors, and vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, free fills, EDLPs, opening discounts, and promotional support.
• Source new products and vendors, with an emphasis on local offerings.
• Ensure vendors meet listing requirements and support ongoing product performance evaluations.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Review category sales reports, analyze performance, and identify growth opportunities.
• Use analytics to measure effectiveness of assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Coordinate with administrative analyst to compare product movement across stores.
• Monitor and manage category-level margins to meet profitability targets.

Marketing & Promotional Planning

• Coordinate vendor special buys and promotional activity across all stores.
• Assist in flyer planning by selecting relevant products and verifying pricing.
• Identify areas where marketing support can improve product performance.

• Minimum 3 - 5 years minimum experience in Category Management
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with purchasing in a retail/grocery environment - specifically related to grocery
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing product categories across multiple store locations
• Passion for natural fresh food grocery options
• You know the best products and are obsessed with delivering high quality options while always having your eye on gross margin management
• Strong people leader who is willing to roll up your sleeves and assist in training & development while never losing sight of the entire business operation
• Someone who loves digging into analytics, developing KPIs and driving performance to hit targets.  You have a strong and proven track record of financial success
• Strategic leader and able to communicate annual, monthly and weekly plans to various stakeholders
• Someone who loves people and is passionate about building meaningful, collaborative relationships.
• This position is located at our Head Office in Vernon with the requirement to travel periodically throughout the year to our locations as well as industry events and trade shows

• Competitive wages with a starting range of $70,000 - $85,000 annual salary.  The compensation offered for this position will take into consideration location, education, skills, experience, and other factors.
• Flexible benefit package (Comprehensive package and health spending account) 
• Up to 25% store discount
• Education allowance
• Free swag (products, food, clothing + more)
• Positive team environment (working with like-minded, vision-driven people who enjoy what they do!)

• We connect as a team to solve problems
• Challenging the status quo – this is always a focus in our conversations – we love influencing positive change across departments
• Work/life balance is important to us – we’ve mastered the art of focusing our efforts during the day so we’re mindful of not bringing work home each day
• Documentation and constantly strengthening structured processes are our jam
• We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously
• We like to remain humble but take pride in a job well done!

Put your passion into work that matters with a growing, BC-based company, committed to being a better company for our customers, our employees, and the planet. We’ll surround you with a great team and a supportive learning environment where you can grow and thrive.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply online today!