The Little Potato Company is North America’s leader in the breeding, growing and marketing of proprietary little potatoes. It’s all we do. Founded in 1996, we are a family owned and operated business that is guided by a clear vision and strong core values. We believe that millions of people are either not getting enough food or getting too much of the wrong food. We are on a mission to better feed the world and it all starts with our small Creamer potatoes and our team of passionate potato champions. We foster a healthy, safe and fun work environment where quarterly celebrations bring everyone together to celebrate our employees and our successes. We believe each employee is as unique and wonderful as our potatoes! We’ve worked hard to build an award-winning workplace where everyone feels like a family. If you share our people-centered values, we’d love to hear from you. And just so you know, our potato passion is infectious!
PRIMARY FOCUS:
The Category Analyst, reporting to the Director Sales, will provide support to the sales department by providing analysis and assisting in the introduction of new products and reviews, supporting all aspects of the administration of marketing/promotional activities and preparing store communications. The Category Analyst works in conjunction with the Category Manager providing strong and effective exchange of information between sales, vendors, marketing, inventory management, visual merchandising, and all support groups including the stores. Success in this role will require a highly organized, detail-oriented (accurate and thorough), excellent communicator who can effectively collaborate cross-departmentally, who is solutions-oriented and who thrives in a high-tempo, dynamic and changing environment. This position is preferably based in Toronto, ON.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide leadership in category management initiatives and strive for mutually beneficial, consumer-centric, fact-based decision making.
Support sales to become customer’s first choice in driving customer and category development and establishing strategic leadership. Committed to long-term solutions management with retailers.
Develop actionable selling stories using fact-based information.
Help to prepare category/business reviews incorporating market intelligence and customer intelligence to drive superior business results.
Evaluate trade strategies and activities, and provide direction and support to sales to ensure effectiveness and efficiencies.
Integrate category management approach and analysis into every product launch/line extension.
Present at sales and customer meetings as required.
Uncover and develop actionable category opportunities and insights (e.g. listings, pricing, assortment, and POGs).
Collect and complete new product listing forms.
Manage all aspects of new item setup and item maintenance; including vendor data, life cycle and listing types, item descriptions, web info, and appropriate duty classification and import permits are in place.
Generate and analyze data concerning item performance and provide recommendations to sales and customers concerning possible changes or improvements.
Collaborate with sales and marketing to execute promotional activities (e.g. promotional samples, fulfilment of vendor support agreements, POS, retailer specific promotions, contest, and give-aways).
Assist sales with evaluation of cost changes with additional analysis and review of cost change templates.
Coordinate all levels of pricing with the team, preparing cost change templates, and promotional pricing.
In collaboration with inventory management, support inventory initiatives, including new product and promotional forecasting and solutions to service level/fill rate issues.
Prepare store communications for new products, promotions and sales information.
Coordinate product samples and promotional content for sales.
Assist sales in design and communication of planograms to store teams.
Maintain image database.
Complete and archive purchase agreements.
Produce new product launch and product knowledge training presentations.
Work cross functionally with website teams to ensure correct product content, copy and images.
Handle vendor questions/issues/problems on an as needed basis.
Perform general administration and other duties and projects as assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
5 or more years’ experience in Category Management, Sales or Marketing.
Post-secondary education with a focus in Business/Retail (preferable), Marketing or Communications; or equivalent experience in Sales or Marketing.
Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods would be an asset.
Strong computer skills (including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).
ACNielsen knowledge and experience required.
Good working knowledge of space planning software (e.g. Nielsen Spaceman).
Excellent analytical skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Leadership skills.
Very customer service oriented.
Travel required.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
Strong organizational skills.
Works well interdepartmentally.
Attention to detail.
Sense of urgency.
Excellent follow up skills.
Ability to adapt to constant changes in priorities.
Solid critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated strong knowledge and experience.
Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with vendors, colleagues, and management.
The Little Potato Company is an innovative, fast-growing company in a unique niche market. Our future looks very bright, and so could yours. Not yet passionate about potatoes? No worries – it’s infectious around here.
We’ve worked hard to build an award-winning workplace where people feel like a family. If you share our people-centered values, we’d love to talk.
SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER:
Interested candidates, please submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources by email at hr@littlepotatoes.com.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.