Assistant Category Manager, General Merchandiser

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: To support the Category Manager in managing their categories by being accountable for key components of the process such as entering new items, entering recipes, implementing cost and retail changes, inserting items into the ad program, process ad commits from stores to vendors, proofing ads, and analyzing data that contributes to the overall goals of the categories. AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: * In collaboration with Category Manager, build advertising and merchandising activities including: * Provide item recommendations for promotional activities * Enter approved ad items into the ad program * Send ad commits to the stores, process return commits, and send to vendors for ordering * Meet ad submission deadlines * Proof ads as required by Category Manager * Provide promotion item analysis to the Category Manager which includes variance to projection, item lift, and profitability analysis * In collaboration with Category Manager, enter new items and build recipes * Enter all new items including seasonal commits, recipes, and ingredients * Build recipes in the program including pricing * Share new items in the weekly P&M; newsletter for stores * Assist the Category Manager in delivering annual and seasonal category strategies, including: * Ensure that item files are accurate and up-to-date in order to support category and store positioning strategies * Provide input into weekly, monthly, and quarterly variance reports for the Category Manager to use to create the reports * Monitor ongoing sales figures of all items and key activities as projected in order to maintain appropriate inventory levels for Category Manager’s vendors * Maintain costs in the system for proper pricing * Respond to stores and vendors as it relates to products JOB EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Extensive Microsoft Office experience including above average knowledge of Excel • Strong analytical skills • Strong organizational and prioritization skills • Strong communication skills both oral and written • Strong math skills • Previous retail and/or procurement experience preferred • Undergraduate degree in business or related field preferred Interested applicants should submit a letter of application via Fax or E-Mail stating their interest in the position and why they feel they would be a good candidate to the attention of: Sulu Setefano, Recruiting Specialist Email: ssetefano@northwest.ca