• Manages a team of category managers, supporting the Canadian business
• Improves and recommends the product assortment for the stores on a national/regional and market basis for assigned category.
• Performs narrowing (SKU rationalization) of categories and works with suppliers to narrow products supplied to the stores.
• Identifies leverage opportunities and working with procurement negotiates contracts, supply agreements and/or programs to achieve the lowest possible acquisition costs (cost of goods) for products selected for the categories on an on-going basis.
• Working with the Canadian leadership team, they will develop annual category plans which include current situation analysis, vision/strategy, and specific category plans. Plans include assortment and positioning product improvements and development plans projected revenues and gross profit tactical elements for placement (display), price, promotion, and communication to
• Drills plans down into seasonal calendars; monthly implementation plans, and 13-week assortment change calendars (add/delete).
• Performs monthly verification of plans and provides explanations for variances in budgeted sales/gross profit and provides projections for upcoming month.
• Develops an in-depth understanding of the key strategic initiatives and policies of merchandising and ensures assigned category strategies are within Merchandising and Corporate strategy and
• Manages product development process for assigned category. Identifies new suppliers to distribute products through CDC and works with Logistics and Procurement in negotiating quality expectations, reduced product costs, with supplier at the senior management level.
• Manages the implementation of field tests for new products and categories. Provides on-going management, evaluation and refinement of new products and categories during field
• Oversees verification of tests performed by Merchandisers and determines next course of action based upon verification results. Develops pricing strategy. Develops recommended retail pricing guidelines (which are subject to executive committee approval) for the stores to optimize category profitability and establishes suggested retail prices within these
• Reviews solicitations from potential suppliers to determine if potential product is viable for 7- Reviews competitor pricing information gathered by Division Merchandising Managers and Merchandisers and pricing group and sets prices or approves pricing recommendations.
• Works with Marketing Department or advertising/promotions for assigned category. Works on POP, co-op agreements and promotion timetables and strategies. Ensures promotion information is included in Merchandise packet with suppliers.
• Develops cost/benefit analyses to determine return on advertising and promotion
• Works with Logistics group to forecast product supply as needed and provides information to suppliers or other relevant parties. Works with suppliers and/or other SEI managers to stabilize product supply through forecasting of key products and working with logistics to solve
• Reviews and works with Logistics group and manufacturers to resolve out-of-stock
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with representatives and senior management of national Meets on a regular basis to discuss new product development and ways to lower costs.
• Works with logistics and senior management of key suppliers to ensure that we based on the products current method of distribution and changes recommended.

• As lead for the category management department, you would own the communication of key strategic initiatives across Merchandising Senior leadership, Zone Leaders and other crucial leadership positions.
• Manages day to day communication of key messaging to assigned categories across Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, and other related groups.

• Education: 4 Yr Degree or Equivalent Experience
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of retail experience
  • 10+ years of managing different client groups
• Understanding of financial methodology to determine costs and to develop annual business
• Position requires use of mathematical and statistical concepts to analyze information and to prepare financial
• Position requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must possess exceptional written, oral communication and presentation

7-Eleven is an Equal Opportunity Employer