Overview
Employer: Lee Valley Tools Ltd
Location: 1090 Morrison Dr. Ottawa, Ontario
K2H 1C2
Web: https://www.leevalley.com
Tel: 1-800-267-8761
Fax: 1-800-668-1807
Email: careers@leevalley.com
Position: Associate Category Manager NOC 62101 – Retail and Wholesale Buyer
General description:
The Associate Category Manager plays a vital role in delivering compelling and innovative products that resonate with our customers and drive business performance. This position supports the end-to-end management of assigned product sub-categories, with a dual focus on introducing new products to market and optimizing the performance of existing portfolios. By working collaboratively across internal teams and with external vendors, the Associate Category Manager helps ensure category strategies align with customer needs, financial goals, and the company’s strategic vision.
Duties and Responsibilities to include but not limited to:
New Product Development and Go-to-Market Execution
Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies by identifying and prioritizing new products and promotions that deliver value to customers.
Manage new and existing vendor relationships, collaborating to improve cost, quality, reliability, and innovation for a sustained competitive advantage.
Perform market research and liaise with internal departments to gather and communicate information relevant to new product opportunities and marketing initiatives.
Develop business cases for new products and promotions, incorporating data on competition, freight, duty, comparator sales, surveys, and testing.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on go-to-market strategies and marketing collateral for stores, catalogs, and digital platforms.
Align new product budgets and inventory forecasts in collaboration with the Planning team.
Oversee quality control, compliance, and SKU-level costing during product onboarding.
Participate in or lead presentations of findings and recommendations to leadership.
Select and purchase merchandise for resale
Determine strategic planning related to new product lines
Recommend suitable products
Identify potential markets
Negotiate with suppliers for the provision of products
Portfolio Management – Assigned Sub-Categories
Partner with the Category Manager to develop and execute merchant assortment and financial plans for assigned sub-categories.
Co-own seasonal planning processes and support execution across relevant channels.
Advocate for and contribute to portfolio strategies that enhance competitiveness and meet marketing and business objectives.
Conduct regular product reviews, including line rationalization, assortment planning, and new product development.
Monitor and manage financial performance to targets across key metrics: Revenue, Margin $, Margin %, Inventory Value, and Turnover.
Provide analytical insights and performance reporting on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to support continuous improvement.
Work with Planners to align budgets, optimize inventory levels, and maintain balanced assortments.
Perform other duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related discipline
Experience: 1-2 years of related experience in category management, or relevant experience in woodworking, power tools, or hardware
Skills and Qualifications:
Ability to makes routine, low-impact financial decisions within clear parameters and limited budget.
Ability to evaluate a product and recommend an appropriate business case
Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively
Self-driven and proactive
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
Negotiation skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full-time.
Hours of work: 40 hours per week – Monday-Friday.
Languages of work: English
Wages: $34.07 per hour & incremental wage increases
Benefits:
Health, Dental and Vision care, Employee and Family Assistance Plan, (3 month waiting period)
Matching group retirement plan – Registered Pension Plan – 3% employee contribution will be matched by 3% Employer contribution. Locked in
5 days sick leave.
Lee Valley discount.
Vacation: 15 days paid vacation
Location of work: Hybrid – 3 days in office and 2 days remote Work from Home
How to apply: Send resume and cover letter by email to: careers@leevalley.com
About Lee Valley:
Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service.
Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2023 by Deloitte and one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes in 2018. Additionally, we ranked #1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.
A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encourage
Diversity and Inclusion:
At Lee Valley, we are proud to celebrate and foster a diverse team of professionals. We take pride in nurturing an inclusive culture that empowers our people to be their authentic selves, celebrate their differences and love where they work. Our diverse community combined with our inclusive culture, is what sets us apart in the industry.
If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Lee Valley Tools Ltd
We partner with world class organizations to deliver exceptional marketing campaigns. Our dynamic team of in-house experts leverages prestige partnerships, uses state-of-the-art tools & technology, and undertakes proven digital marketing tactics to achieve maximum results.
Our mission is to make life better, whether it is creating a worry-free experience that results in clients achieving their goals, or proactively helping a new hire maximize their professional development with a on-going training programs.
