Category Manager

About Us
Cannabis NB is a government-owned corporation and New Brunswick’s leading retailer of cannabis products. We are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers. As we continue to expand and evolve, we are seeking a skilled Category Managerto join our team and lead our category management strategy to drive business growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Our Goal:
To deliver a world-class customer experience rooted in knowledge, care, and safety.

Our Mission:
To provide access to quality-assured products while empowering customers through meaningful conversations and accurate information.

Our Mandate:
To support public education and harm reduction by promoting socially responsible cannabis use across the province.

About the Role
The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic and commercial performance of assigned product categories. This role owns the end-to-end category strategy, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, vendor management, inventory strategy, product lifecycle management, and overall category performance.

Reporting to the Director of Category, the Category Manager serves as the business owner and subject matter expert for assigned categories and is accountable for driving sustainable sales growth, margin performance, inventory productivity, and customer satisfaction. The role works collaboratively with Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, Marketing, and vendor partners to translate organizational objectives into actionable category strategies and measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Business Ownership: Develop and maintain category strategies aligned with organizational objectives while owning category performance and identifying risks and growth opportunities. Aid in establishing category goals, KPIs and priorities. Analyze market trends, customer behavior and competitive activity.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer insights to identify category opportunities and challenges, using this information to develop actionable strategies. Leveraging tools such as Power BI, Excel, and D365
• Assortment & Product Portfolio Management: Ensure the right mix of products is available in-store and online to meet customer demand and maximize sales. Identify opportunities for product introductions, substitutions, delistings, and innovation.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure optimal product availability, pricing, and promotional support. Negotiate contracts and terms to support category growth and profitability. Hold suppliers accountable for agreed commitments and performance standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Improve category management processes, reporting, and decision-making all while sharing best practices across the organization.

· Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Supply Chain, Marketing, Retail Operations, Finance & IT while leading cross functional initiatives

What do you need to be successful?

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in category management , or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of category management principles, product assortment strategies, and retail operations.
• Data-driven with advanced analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex sales and market data to inform decision-making.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and influence decision-makers in a cross-functional environment.
• A customer-focused approach.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI and Microsoft D365.

Why Join Us?

• Salary range: $80,226 - $93,044
• Sick time, pro-rated vacation, wellness time & generous pension plan.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and support for continuous learning and career growth.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse group of professionals in a dynamic and evolving industry.
• A chance to contribute to a growing organization with a commitment to delivering high-quality customer experiences.

Working Conditions

• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• Must be willing to travel to Cannabis NB locations throughout New Brunswick for meetings and events as required.
• Some events may occur outside regular business hours or on weekends.
• Remote position (candidate must reside in New Brunswick at the time of employment).
• Must have a dedicated home office space and reliable high-speed internet.

Language Competencies

• English (Bilingual English French considered an asset)

Candidates selected for further consideration will participate in a competency-based selection process and may be required to complete additional assessments.

Cannabis NB is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and strive to maintain an inclusive environment where employees feel safe, respected, and supported.