The Dufresne Group Home Office147 Commerce DriveWinnipeg, MB R3P1A2, CAN Description The Dufresne Group is currently seeking a Category Manager for our Ashley Canada Merchandising Team within our Home Office located at 147 Commerce Drive in Winnipeg, MB . As a Category Manager you will be responsible for using sales data, customer research, market data and industry information to build fact-based, customer-driven category merchandising and marketing strategies to better meet the needs of the customer and to optimize financial performance. The Dufresne Group is committed to investing in our team members; we offer: Market competitive wages; Comprehensive benefits plan and excellent employee discounts; Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan; Career growth and continuous development; Respectful and family-oriented working environment with strong company values. As the Category Manager you will: Identify retail trends and synthesize information from multiple touch points – providing forecasts and supporting business solutions in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment Bring the “art” to the “science” – using intuition and expertise fueled by data, analytics and a passion for serving our guests Negotiate and source product, prices, and contracts/agreements on behalf of the store, while ensuring quality standards are understood and met by each vendor Create and maintain positive vendor relations while adhering to ethical business standards Drives sales and gross profit through the optimization of the product assortment in assigned department or categories Maximize the return on inventory investment in partnership with the Supply Chain team, cross-functional partners, and suppliers Determine and manage the financial performance goals related to sales, pre-shrink, gross margin rate, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity Determine and authorize category assortment, pricing and quantification for ongoing store programs Provide on-going analysis of competitor information / flyers / promotions Conduct and maintain competitive line-ups; conduct competitive shops and gather competitor information Work with Store Managers, to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and are operating effectively Provide a strategic perspective on the presentation and merchandising of category assortment Provide direction to Assistant Category Managers. Collaborate with the retail stores on store initiatives. This includes all aspects of troubleshooting, problem solving, and category management. Ensure the development of weekly analysis, sales and profitability reports Attend industry related trade shows As a successful candidate you will have the following: Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, and/or recognized purchasing designation 5+ years related merchandise/marketing experience with preference given to those with experience in a multichannel/omnichannel or direct/eCommerce retail environment Previous experience in buying, retail merchandising, planning and/or analysis required Proficiency with MS Office products is required, with advanced Excel skills Clear and efficient written and verbal communication Strong interpersonal skills required Creativity and agility required to adapt to changing trends #J-18808-Ljbffr