If you haven't been to a Duty Free before, imagine lots of great products (liquor, wine, beer, fragrance, skincare, jewellery, handbags etc.) for sale at prices lower than you can find anywhere else and customers who are in a great mood because they're on vacation and love a great deal. Sound like a fun place to work?
Position Summary
The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic management and performance of assigned product categories. This includes assortment planning, supplier management, pricing strategy, inventory optimization, promotional planning, and sales growth. The role works collaboratively with management, suppliers, and frontline staff to maximize category profitability, customer satisfaction, and inventory productivity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Drive sales growth, profitability, and inventory productivity within assigned categories.
- Analyze market trends, customer preferences, competitor activity, and category performance.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships.
- Negotiate pricing, promotional support, rebates, and supplier-funded programs.
- Monitor supplier performance, service levels, fill rates, and issue resolution.
- Participate in supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events.
Category & Assortment Management
- Analyze sales trends, market conditions, and customer demand.
- Identify, evaluate, and introduce new brands and products.
- Optimize assortment mix and discontinue underperforming products.
- Forecast inventory requirements based on seasonality, trends, and promotions.
Inventory Planning & Control
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.
- Monitor inventory turns, aging inventory, and stock availability.
- Develop action plans for excess, obsolete, and discontinued inventory.
- Reduce out-of-stock occurrences through proactive planning.
Pricing & Profitability
- Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability.
- Monitor competitor pricing within duty-free and domestic retail channels.
- Evaluate pricing impacts on sales, margin, and category performance.
Marketing & Promotions
- Develop annual promotional calendars and category marketing plans.
- Coordinate supplier-supported promotions, product launches, and sampling programs.
- Measure promotional effectiveness and return on investment.
- Support digital and social media initiatives related to assigned categories.
- Develop product education and sales support materials.
Team Support & Training
- Provide product knowledge training to sales staff.
- Support management in identifying category-specific training opportunities.
- Monitor incentive programs and category performance results.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Sales growth within assigned categories.
- Gross margin achievement.
- Reduction of out-of-stock occurrences.
- New product performance.
- Promotional effectiveness.
- Supplier performance and compliance.
- Inventory accuracy and aging inventory management.
- Effective management of underperforming/discontinued stock.
Reporting Requirements
- Category Marketing Plans
- New Product Evaluations
- Competitive Pricing Analysis
- Supplier Performance Assessments
- Inventory Evaluation
- Promotional Performance Reports
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Management Team
Works closely with:
- Office Administration
- Retail Supervisors
- Warehouse Staff
- Retail Sales Staff
- Key Suppliers and Brand Representatives
Authority and Decision-Making
The Category Manager is generally responsible for the following depending on experience and ability:
- Product selection recommendations
- Assortment planning
- Pricing recommendations
- Promotional planning
- Supplier negotiations within approved guidelines
- Inventory purchasing decisions
Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities
- 2–5+ years of retail buying, merchandising, or category management experience.
- Experience in duty free, specialty retail, or consumer packaged goods preferred.
- Strong interest or passion for perfume, cosmetics and fashion.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management experience.
- Advanced analytical and financial skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
- Experience with POS/inventory systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and problem-solving ability.
- A high level of dedication, focus, perseverance and persistence toward the pursuit of success
- Entrepreneurial spirit
Job Requirements
- Some regional, national and international travel is expected, including trade shows, industry events and training.
- Monday to Friday 9-5pm with occasional weekend work as required to support events, promotions and business needs
Compensation
- Annual Salary Range: $50,000 to $65,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Eligibility for annual performance-based bonus tied to sales growth, gross margin performance, inventory management, and achievement of strategic objectives.
- RRSP Plan
- Group insurance and benefits
- Cell Phone Allowance
Company Information
- In business since 1989
- Store hours are 24/7/365
- Approximately 45 employees
- Monthly schedule
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00-$65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Please describe your level of experience with the Beauty and Fashion industry.
- Duty Free is busiest during the summer and holidays. Especially during these periods, time off is very limited. How does this line up with your availability?
- This position requires advanced use of Microsoft Excel. What is your level of proficiency with MS Excel?
- What are your compensation expectations?
- When are you available to start?
Education:
Experience:
- Purchasing or retail management : 2 years (required)
- Beauty and Fashion: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
