Category Manager

About SNDL

SNDL is the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada with retail banners that include Ace Liquor, Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Value Buds, Spiritleaf, and Firesale Cannabis. Additionally, the Company operates as a licensed cannabis producer and stands as one of Canada’s premier vertically integrated cannabis enterprises, focusing on premium indoor cultivation, cutting-edge product development, and cost-effective manufacturing.

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced

Category Manager

to join our dynamic team at SNDL in the retail division. As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to drive sales, maximize profitability, and enhance the overall customer experience within specific product categories. You will collaborate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure the success of our retail operations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a rapidly evolving industry.

Role and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Category Manager designs, develops, and executes category and assortment strategies as determined by established sales, profits, qualitative, and quantitative criteria
Sets category price strategy and develops pricing tactics to achieve financial and customer objectives, including initial regular pricing
Conducts ongoing analysis of category performance, trends, and competitive assortment and pricing
Conducts item level assortment analysis and determines assortment including coverage of needs analysis for priority sub-categories, vendor & SKU optimization
Accountable for new item and promotional forecasts, identify item deletes, manage and communicate markdowns/markups price adjustments and develop exit strategies
Develops and/or recommends product flow plans to maximize availability at the lowest possible inventory levels
Visits corporate and competitor’s stores to build category strategy and price ladders. Proactively communicates those strategies to leadership and their respective cross functional teams to allow for appropriate planning and execution for all teams
Initiate, negotiate and manage accessory vendor agreements, costs, vendor allowances/terms, quality, and delivery terms to drive supplier performance. Develop and maintain vendor relationships both locally and nationally
Partners with Category Management team to create compelling assortments that reflect emerging market trends, seasonal themes, highly rated product, and latest brands/labels
Works across the organization to support a best in class Omni-channel shopping experience for the customer

Experience and Qualifications

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data to drive category performance and make informed decisions.
Broad retail experience including working knowledge of cross functional areas/processes and their inter-relationships
Proven track record in building customer partnerships and delivering quantifiable business growth results, including demonstrated P & L management skills
Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capacity to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in using analytical tools such as Excel, PowerBI, or other data visualization software.
Sound knowledge of retail operations and related operating practices
Knowledge of the Canadian retail cannabis market, including product trends, regulations, and competitive landscape considered an asset.
Working knowledge of regulations as it pertains to the selling of Cannabis in Alberta
Current SellSafe Certification
AGLC (Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission) approval to become a QCW (Qualified Cannabis Worker) and able to work at a Cannabis Store
Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

Personal Characteristics and Requirements

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and effective working relationships with other business units quickly
Proactive self starter adept in recognizing and identifying need and opportunities for improvement
Ability to take ownership of the category while collaboratively working with leaders in the organization and industry to move initiatives forward and champion growth
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to influence others and follow-up on team accountabilities to ensure deadlines and goals are met
Team player and with a positive attitude and ability to manage in ambiguity
Ability to be flexible, in keeping with the needs of our growing company and industry
Passion for the cannabis industry and staying up-to-date with industry developments.
Ability to leverage data from a variety of sources and synthesizing them into actionable business building recommendations
Strong business and financial acumen and ability to offer strategic solutions
Ability to gather input, negotiate and work through new challenges effectively
Results-oriented professional with a high degree of initiative and autonomy
Highly organized and able to manage a high volume of work in a high energy environment
Detail oriented and the ability to produce high quality work with accuracy
Uphold confidentiality, ethics, and demonstrate a high level of discretion at all times
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Must pass a basic security clearance

We are grateful for the interest in this role from all candidates, however, we will be contacting only those that are selected for next steps in the hiring process.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

SNDL is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and safe workplace where all of our team members have equal opportunity to succeed. We know this begins with recruitment. To honor our commitment, SNDL encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, ages and abilities.