Category Manager

M-D Canada is seeking a strategic and collaborative Category Manager to lead initiatives across a dynamic building products portfolio—including Flooring Accessories, Tile Installation, Weatherization, and emerging consumer categories—for the Canadian Retail and PRO markets. This role drives profitable category growth through product assortment strategy, merchandising (in-store and online), POS execution, packaging updates, and product data management. It also requires regular analysis of market trends and internal data to inform new product development and SKU optimization. Success in this role depends on strong leadership, analytical thinking, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with teams including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and New Product Development across Canada and the U.S.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute data-driven strategies to drive category sales, profitability, and competitive positioning across channels and customers by leveraging POS data, financial metrics, competitive audits, and market insights.
• Partner with the Sales team to lead product line reviews, delivering actionable, insight-backed recommendations based on category performance and SKU analytics.
• Collaborate with the New Product Development team to shape and advance a 3–5-year product innovation pipeline aligned with market trends, consumer needs, and competitive dynamics.
• Generate and present standardized category performance reports to benchmark results against fiscal targets and identify risks and growth opportunities for leadership.
• Design and recommend optimized in-store shelf layouts using GoPlanogram, informed by assortment strategy, performance data, profitability targets, and market insights.
• Lead the execution of in-store merchandising initiatives—from fixture and display design to signage (e.g., headers, aisle violators)—tailored to category needs and customer profiles.
• Oversee online merchandising, enhancing the digital shelf by optimizing product content, categorization, and A+ content across key e-commerce platforms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers, Sales, Operations, and Creative Services to develop cost-effective, brand-aligned merchandising assets for in-store and online.
• Lead SKU rationalization efforts to refine product assortment based on performance data, customer feedback, and market trends; communicate timely updates to the Sales team.
• Oversee packaging refreshes to ensure alignment with brand standards, regulatory compliance, and cost-efficiency, in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.
• Maintain and update the Master Marketing Data File (MMDF) to ensure all product specifications and details are accurate, current, and accessible.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative Services to update product catalogs and collateral in line with refreshed assortments and brand guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in category management, product management, or merchandising.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales, POS, and financial data to identify trends and support strategic decisions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; proven track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Operations).
• Experience leading projects from concept to execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities:

• Industry experience in building materials, durable goods, or manufacturing sectors (e.g., tools, appliances, automotive, furniture).
• Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Familiarity with planogram software (e.g., GoPlanogram) or other merchandising systems.
• Experience supporting or developing a multi-year product innovation pipeline.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a solutions-oriented mindset; able to operate independently while aligning with strategic goals.
• Comfortable working in agile, dynamic environments with shifting priorities.

Who is M-D?

At M-D Canada, we’re not just redefining industry standards – we’re pioneering the future of construction and building solutions. For over a century, our parent company, M-D Building Products name, has been synonymous with manufacturing excellence in weatherstripping, floor and tile trims, perforated aluminum sheets, digital levels, and caulking solutions, while the M-D Canada business has been serving the retail consumer and pro building products markets for over 6 decades. What truly sets us apart is our people – they are the heartbeat of our success. We believe in the potential of every individual to make a meaningful impact. We cultivate a culture of integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment from the factory floor to the boardroom. As a trusted leader in the construction and building products industry, we are driven by a passion for continuous improvement, service excellence, product engineering, and innovation. Our overarching philosophy of Customer Delight drives us never to stop being the best at what we do.

Benefits:

M-D Canada offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. This package is a great supplement to the government health benefits that are universally available. It includes Medical, Dental, and an HSA that covers a wide variety of medical and health expenses. Our plan also includes a life insurance plan, and employees can also take advantage of our RRSP top-up program.

M-D Building Products, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We strictly prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition, or any other characteristic protected by law.