Manager, Merchandising - Bakery

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued – as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well. At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

General Purpose

The Merchandising Manager is a pivotal role which provides required support to Senior Director, District Manager and Franchisees to develop and maintain merchandising strategies to meet organizational objectives. Effective management of all merchandising to ensure great execution on both merchandising standards in order to achieve growth in sales, profit and market share.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop action/business plans for stores based on P & L to increase sales, market share and department contributions.
• Provide guidance to Franchisees and department managers, including training requirements and coaching level to deliver expectations, feedback on performance and areas for improvement, and setting department standards and specifications.
• Provide ongoing feedback to stores and DM’s, balancing the skills set of the department to the volume/layout of the stores, assisting in succession planning discussions based on observations.
• Ensure a high standard of planogram compliance and completion, and adherence to audits (e.g., LAR, H & S, Food Safety).
• Maintain working knowledge of all departments within the area of responsibility.
• Identify areas of opportunity and prioritize stores for focused Specialist support.
• Develop and execute an improvement plan for the bottom 20% of stores in the area with the Director and Sr. Director's assistance.
• Collaborate with assigned Specialists to ensure department adherence to company policies/procedures and consistent execution processes and strategy.
• Accurate inputting of information for ads and JDA and retail price adjustments.
• Act as a liaison to ensure effective collaboration between stores and merchandising.
• Analyze department performance and provide feedback. Develop action plans to address performance gaps, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Assist in reducing shrink in priority stores, developing and implementing action plans with Specialists and Franchisees.
• Work with others on customer complaints and requests for new products to ensure high levels of customer service.
• Communicate directives and updates clearly to stores.
• Develop vendor relationships.
• Ensure budgets are met and targets for CLASS measurements are achieved.
• Assist with resolving external and internal issues, including vendor credits, labour scheduling, and conflicts.
• Track the rollout of new standards and new store openings.
• Assist with new store openings and refurbishments as required.
• Other duties as required.

Education and Experience

• Retail management experience.
• Operational experience as a specialist, preferably in Bakery.
• Excellent problem solving, communication, interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Leading and motivating others.
• Minimum 5 years managerial experience.
• Merchandising and operations experience is an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Bakery operations.
• Ability to develop and execute short and long term plans in line with corporate strategy.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Food Safety training.
• Flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Adaptability to a rapidly changing environment.
• Good working knowledge of collective agreement, Health and Safety policies, practices and laws.
• Computer skills - Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.

Key Competencies

• Valid Ontario driver's license with ability to travel within Ontario semi-regularly.
• Strong problem solving skills, including formulating and executing action plans.
• Good people and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Superior customer relations skills and professionalism.
• Time management skills with the ability to multitask.
• Independence and ability to achieve results.
• Customer focus and nurturing positive customer relationships.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and colleagues with disabilities. Compliance with laws is part of our Code of Conduct. Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is essential to our business. We focus on three pillars – Environment, Sourcing and Community. We offer progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and competitive benefits – reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Best Diversity Employers, Greenest Employers & Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We seek varied perspectives and diverse experiences for our team. We focus on diversity, equity and inclusion for a better workplace and shopping experience. Requests for accommodation due to a disability can be made at any stage of application and employment.

Please Note: Candidates 18 years or older must complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.