Director of Category Management

What You Will Be Accountable For The Director of Category Management leads QBP’s Category Management organization and provides leadership oversight for the Canadian business. This role is responsible for the performance and growth of QBP’s distribution portfolio through leadership of category strategy, supplier and brand partnerships, assortment management, pricing execution, portfolio optimization, and commercial business planning. The Director develops strong supplier relationships, strengthens brand partnerships, improves category performance, and builds a high-performing Category Management organization. This role drives alignment across Sales, Purchasing, Demand Planning, Marketing, Global Product Supply, Proprietary Brands, and other business functions to deliver profitable growth and exceptional customer value. Success is measured through category performance, supplier and brand partnership effectiveness, assortment productivity, pricing execution, portfolio growth, talent development, execution of business plans, and the overall capability of the Category Management organization. Key Activities and Responsibilities Category Strategy, Supplier and Brand Leadership | 30% Lead the development and execution of category, supplier, and brand strategies across QBP’s distribution portfolio. Establish and strengthen strategic supplier and brand relationships that drive long-term value, growth, and competitive advantage for QBP and its customers. Lead executive-level supplier discussions, business reviews, strategic negotiations, and growth initiatives. Guide supplier portfolio decisions, partnership priorities, and commercial opportunities. Oversee assortment, pricing, and supplier strategies to ensure alignment with customer needs and enterprise objectives. Establish standards and expectations for supplier and brand relationship management across the department. Drive alignment among supplier strategies, category plans, customer needs, and company priorities. Category Performance and Portfolio Management | 25% Own overall performance of the distribution portfolio, including sales, margin, inventory productivity, profitability, and market share. Establish performance expectations, KPIs, and business objectives across the category portfolio. Lead portfolio business reviews and ensure accountability to performance plans. Identify portfolio risks, growth opportunities, and changing market conditions. Drive corrective actions and portfolio adjustments when performance falls below expectations. Evaluate supplier, category, and brand performance to support investment, pricing, assortment, and growth decisions. Promote disciplined decision-making through data, customer insights, and market intelligence. Team Leadership and Organizational Development | 20% Lead, coach, and develop Senior Category Business Managers, Category Business Managers, and the Senior Manager of QBP Canada. Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans. Build leadership capability, succession readiness, and organizational depth across the department. Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing talent. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement. Establish and maintain Category Management standards, processes, tools, and best practices. Lead organizational and process improvements that strengthen department effectiveness and scalability. Business Planning and Execution | 10% Lead annual category planning and goal-setting processes. Ensure category strategies translate into executable business plans and measurable outcomes. Align category priorities with enterprise objectives and long-term portfolio strategy. Evaluate market trends, competitive activity, customer insights, and supplier opportunities to inform business decisions. Monitor execution against strategic priorities and adjust plans as business conditions evolve. Present portfolio recommendations, opp…

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