Category Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Specialist supports the development and execution of merchandising strategies across front store categories. Reporting to the Senior Director, Merchandising and Marketing, this role contributes to the performance of assigned product categories by optimizing assortment, pricing, and in-store presentation. The Specialist is a highly analytical, detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and communication skills, and a passion for retail.

This role is ideal for someone with early to mid-career experience in retail merchandising or category management who is looking to grow their career in a dynamic and expanding company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Category Management

• Support the Senior Director in managing sales and profitability of assigned product categories.
• Analyze category performance using sales data, vendor reports, and market intelligence tools.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of core assortment recommendations for national and regional banners.
• Monitor product lifecycle and recommend actions such as new item listings, discontinuations, and rationalization.
• Support the evaluation and execution of vendor contracts, product submissions, and cost agreements.
• Provide insights to internal teams and store operators on category trends and sales drivers.

Space Planning & Visual Merchandising

• Collaborate with space planning partners and internal stakeholders to create and update planograms and floorplans.
• Support store implementation of category planograms and merchandising updates.
• Participate in store resets, new store openings, and renovations as needed.
• Ensure merchandising standards are maintained across banners to enhance product visibility and customer experience.

Pricing & Promotional Support

• Assist in implementing regular and promotional pricing strategies through the Recommended Retail Pricing (RRP) and other pricing programs.
• Analyze the impact of price changes and promotional performance to inform future decisions.
• Monitor price positioning against competitors and flag opportunities for margin or volume growth.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with vendor partners, regional teams, and internal departments to support category initiatives.
• Respond to inquiries from stores regarding product listings, pricing, and planogram details.
• Provide support materials and documentation to stores to aid in category execution and compliance.
• Works closely with Marketing, IT and business partners cross functionally.
• Works with external banners and partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or retail buying (pharmacy or CPG sector preferred).
• Post-secondary education in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint); experience with BI tools is an asset.

SKILLS

• Experience with space planning tools.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and performance data.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of store layout, space optimization, and category management principles.

Experience in pricing strategy, inventory management, and financial acumen to manage cost of goods (COGs) and optimize inventory turns.

• Experience with Smartsheets an asset.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and driving results in a retail setting

This job description represents the general responsibilities and duties of the position but should not be construed as an all-inclusive detailed job description.

Neighbourly Pharmacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to deliver accessibility and equality to all job applicants, staff, and our customers. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.