Senior Manager, Category Management - Contract
Bolton, Ontario, Canada, L7E 3A9
Who We Are
Becoming experts on beer doesn't happen overnight - we've been in business since 1927 and today, The Beer Store is the primary distribution and sales channel for beer in Ontario and is owned by 28+ Ontario-based brewers! Through our Retail Stores, Distribution Centres, Draught Services, Customer Experience Centre, and our Corporate Office, we form one large team that is passionate about the beer business. The Beer Store is proud to foster a respectful and inclusive culture that expands and leverages the diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of our team members to deliver exceptional service for our customers. We continue to be successful by working together, respecting each other, having a positive attitude and by trying new and innovative ideas. Not only are we knowledgeable, passionate, and loyal ambassadors for beer, we’re also health and safety advocates, environmental champions, DEIB enthusiasts and we give proudly back to our communities.
The Role
We are currently searching for a Senior Manager, Category Management reporting to the Director, Brand and Communications. This vacancy is a 22-month, full-time contract opportunity. This Senior Manager, Category Management will define and execute the retail Category Management arm for The Beer Store. This position requires a thought leader who can leverage consumer and shopper insights, combined with internal data and other meaningful resources to develop a playbook guiding assortment, categorization, and promotional space in retail (in-store and online). An enterprise mindset is required to understand and execute on logistics and operational considerations to enable a successful execution of a Category Management playbook.
Location
Our Corporate Office is located in Bolton, ON. We offer a hybrid work model with visits into the office a minimum of three times per week and on an as-needed basis depending on the role and function. Up to 10% of business travel is required to support organizational needs, therefore a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.
What You'll Be Doing
- Strengthening the Category Management Playbook for The Beer Store (TBS)
- Support long and short-term strategies to grow the category at TBS. Identify themes and trends within existing or adjacent product categories to inform strategies and tactical efforts
- Stay on top of consumer and shopper data, specific to the beer category and related beverage trends. Share insights with key stakeholders to shape category strategies and planning
- Expertly communicate data-driven narratives, leveraging insights to guide short and long-term business strategies effectively
- Monitor KPIs, analyze results, and provide proactive plans and solutions for achieving and exceeding targets
- Drive merchandising and planogram strategies, ensuring customer-centric store layouts and enhancements while balancing current needs with future vision Collaborate with internal stakeholders for seamless execution
- Support the implementation of new listing policies and planogram resets, ensuring timely communication with brewers and efficient process management
- Identify and mitigate risks to category growth. Monitor regulatory changes, economic conditions, and consumer trends impacting performance
Who You Are - Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Education
- University degree or College diploma in Marketing, Business Administration, or comparable designation
- MBA considered an asset
Experience
- A minimum of 8 years experience in category management or adjacent role
- Experience with developing marketing and digital strategies with execution plans, including 4+ years managing teams that extend across digital and brick and mortar
- Knowledge and experience in Alcohol and/or beverage category is considered an asset
- Experience working with upper management and senior stakeholders such as Board members
Skills
- Strategic and analytical thinker with ability to inspire and manage execution with direct reports, cross-functional teams, and third-party experts
- Collaborative and solution-oriented, with passion in our industry, encouraging innovation, questioning the boundaries and building a dynamic and supportive team
- Proven track record of success across development of strategies, execution plans and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners
- Ability to understand and navigate regulations/politics, policies and brewer dynamics. Understanding of the regulatory and political implications on marketing execution and public relations
- Highly motivated champion of change
- Understands consumer trends and needs and translates insights into actionable plans to drive ROI
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, using clarity, concision, and persuasion
Deadline to Apply:
May 6th, 2026 @ 11:59pm EDT
Compensation
Salary range? Yup, we’ve got one: $54.87-$68.56 CAD per hour. But here’s the real deal - if you’re the perfect brew of experience, skills, and personality, we’re open to exploring beyond the range. Tell us what you’re working with, and let’s pour over it together.
What We Offer
Our success as an organization is a result of our commitment to our greatest strength…our people! We believe that any opportunity we can provide to help further your career growth and development is an investment in not only your individual success, but our overall success as a business.
We work to recognize you in meaningful ways including a competitive compensation, a health benefits program, employee & family assistance program, recognition programs, employee special offers, and a casual dress and work environment.
*Benefits and perks are dependent upon role and status and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to providing a respectful and empowering workplace that values our greatest resource, our people. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging are essential components of our culture that empower us to meet the needs of our employees, customers and communities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and any other characteristic. We’re an equal opportunity employer and provide employment accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. If contacted for an employment opportunity or testing, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
We genuinely thank you for your interest in this opportunity with us. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
