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- Tasks: Lead product initiatives in the protein category and drive sales growth.
- Company: Join a top family-owned food distribution company in North America.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous vacation, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in protein markets and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
Blue Shock Executive Search, established in 2003, is a renowned executive search firm excelling in recruiting top‑tier candidates across restaurant, hospitality, and food service‑related sectors. As industry leaders, we specialize in forging connections between exceptional talent and leading employers in Canada and the US.
Client Summary
One of North America’s largest family‑owned food distribution companies, serving restaurants, healthcare providers, hospitality groups, and institutions across Canada and the U.S. The company specializes in delivering high‑quality food products, equipment, and supply solutions, with a strong focus on customer relationships, operational excellence, and long‑term partnerships. Its model blends large‑scale distribution with a people‑first culture, emphasizing innovation, service, and local market expertise.
Job Title: Division Merchandising Manager – Protein Specialist
We’re searching for a strategic and detail‑driven Merchandising Manager to lead product and vendor initiatives within the protein category (beef, poultry, pork, seafood). This role supports divisional goals for sales growth, margin optimization, and brand leadership by aligning internal teams and supplier networks toward shared objectives.
Offer
- Competitive Compensation: They offer a competitive base salary package, ensuring your skills and contributions are duly recognized. Ranging from $90,000 to $110,000.
- Vacation and Leave: Enjoy a generous vacation policy, allowing you the flexibility to maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
- Comprehensive Benefits: The benefits package includes dental coverage, health insurance, and other wellness perks.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with national category, marketing, and sales teams to align on goals, product strategies, and key performance indicators.
- Act as the communication bridge between category management and divisional sales teams.
- Deliver timely product updates, including new items, discontinuations, and supply changes.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to identify market opportunities and deliver customer‑focused solutions.
Category Management
- Execute North American category strategies at the divisional level.
- Provide analysis and insights on local market conditions and competitive activity.
- Support product lifecycle management—from sourcing and market introduction to discontinuation.
- Develop strategies to achieve volume, margin, and market share targets across all categories.
Vendor & Broker Relations
- Serve as the key liaison for all regional vendor and broker communications.
- Build strong partnerships that support divisional growth and long‑term strategy.
- Conduct regular business reviews to measure performance and align mutual objectives.
- Manage vendor activity and contact data within CRM systems.
Pricing & Margin Management
- Provide feedback on costs and market conditions to category and revenue management teams.
- Monitor and adjust divisional pricing to align with market shifts and profitability goals.
Supply Chain & Inventory
- Communicate supply chain disruptions and collaborate on solutions.
- Support inventory optimization and liquidation of aging stock.
- Ensure division remains within slot allocations and manages inventory efficiently.
Protein‑Specific Functions (Canada)
- Execute sourcing plans for protein categories that drive growth and profitability.
- Maintain a competitive and market‑relevant product mix through national and regional sourcing.
- Manage high‑risk inventory and make time‑sensitive purchasing decisions.
- Negotiate contracts with new suppliers in partnership with procurement and category teams.
- Provide insights on protein trends, market pricing, and new product opportunities.
What You Bring
- Strong knowledge of protein markets, sourcing, and category management.
- Experience in foodservice distribution, wholesale, or protein merchandising.
- Solid analytical skills and proficiency with Excel or similar tools.
- Financial acumen, with an understanding of margin, pricing, and freight metrics.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Highly organized, with the ability to multitask and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
- Collaborative, positive, and solutions‑oriented mindset.
Out‑of‑Country Applicants
We appreciate your interest in our organization. Regrettably, we are unable to provide sponsorship or assistance with international relocation. To be considered for this position, we kindly request that applicants presently reside in Canada.
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Merchandising Manager - Protein - Greater Toronto Area employer: Blue Shock Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Blue Shock Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Manager - Protein - Greater Toronto Area
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the food service sector, the better your chances of landing that Merchandising Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their product lines, especially in the protein category, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in merchandising and how you can contribute to their success. A confident and concise presentation of your skills can make all the difference in standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Manager - Protein - Greater Toronto Area
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandising Manager role. Highlight your experience in protein markets and foodservice distribution, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and financial acumen!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sales growth or managed vendor relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use bullet points to clearly outline your experience with category management, pricing strategies, and supply chain optimisation. We want to see how you can add value!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Shock Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Protein Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the protein market. Understand current trends, sourcing strategies, and key players in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've optimised margins or improved product performance through analytical insights. This will highlight your financial acumen and problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves liaising with various teams and vendors, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships in the past and how you can bridge communication gaps effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally to achieve goals. Highlight your positive mindset and solutions-oriented approach to challenges.
