Director of Merchandising - Center Store - UNFI Canada : Job Details

Director of Merchandising - Center Store

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Primary Function

The Corporate Director has responsibility for establishing the strategic vision of their merchandising mega-categories and/or departments over a 2–3 year time frame and communicating that vision downward to their team and outward to banner merchandising. This includes adjusting, as needed, to annual plan(s) to ensure financial targets are met. This position also oversees the yearly plan and quarter/period/weekly results. The Director ensures the integrity and execution of Center of Excellence (COE) merchandising initiatives and business development plans. Collaborates with banners to ensure business plans reflect local, regional, and industry knowledge. Ensures compliance with all industry, corporate, and government regulations. Responsible for building the department platform to support the company's platform. Ensures tactics executed by category managers align with strategic and financial objectives and resolves conflicts between categories or initiatives. The Corporate Director will have 1-2 category managers and assistant category managers reporting and will manage sales between $500 million to over $2 billion.

Job Responsibilities and Activities

• Business Planning: Establishes strategic vision for 2–3 years, sets growth and financial objectives, and reviews progress. Drives strategic planning with national vendors and approves category business plans.
• Ad/Promo Strategy: Develops promo strategies, supervises their execution, and ensures local relevance.
• Assortment and Presentation: Approves section sizes, adjacencies, and capital expenditure business cases.
• Pricing: Approves pricing recommendations for banners.
• Sourcing: Oversees vendor relations and approves contracts.
• Managerial: Leads and develops category managers and support staff, manages recruitment, performance reviews, and succession planning.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred; 8+ years of retail merchandising experience across multiple banners and geographies; MA/MBA preferred. Deep understanding of store operations, merchandising, and financial management.
• Strong analytical skills in retail, consumer behavior, and financial performance.
• Proven interpersonal skills, vendor management, and ability to work across organizational levels.
• Innovative mindset, negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to new systems.

Some travel required. Good judgment needed as supervision may not always be immediate.

Physical Requirements

Some travel required.

Additional Information

We value diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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