Merchandise Administrator

Job Title: Merchandise Administrator

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Divisional Merchandise Manager

Location: Ottawa, ON (In Office)

About Lee Valley:

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service.

Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2023 by Deloitte and one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes in 2018. Additionally, we ranked #1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

Overview:

As the Merchandise Manager, you report into the Divisional Merchandise Manager and are primarily involved with collecting and consolidating requirements and other insights in support of vendor management activities. You also assist with the evaluation and onboarding of new products.

You work closely as a liaison with vendors and internal partners to provide support on initiatives that drive the business and reinforce Lee Valley’s position as a trusted, compelling place for our customers to shop.

You must be a proactive, detail-oriented team member who supports the category team through accuracy, accountability, and curiosity. You will develop a deep understanding of our business and products, and contribute through thoughtful insight—not just task execution.

You will serve as the source of truth for product setup, documentation, and sample management. You’ll also have great initiative and a passion for the customer.

If this describes you, then we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all required product information is received, verified, and logged before advancing stages in the New Product Process.
• Be the central auditor and gatekeeper for New Product records—ensuring consistency, completeness, and clarity in all files.
• Proactively manage the Merchandise drive; archive outdated, duplicate, or irrelevant information to protect data integrity.
• Develop and maintain the team SOP, train the team and hold them accountable for ensuring they are completing tasks correctly
• Critically evaluate information before sharing. Review for accuracy, relevance, and insight, and develop a clear perspective prior to communication.
• Own and coordinate all samples through their lifecycle stages, from initial vendor requests to holding the team accountable for the disposition of the samples by maintaining full visibility and documentation.
• Organize samples for new product meetings and track outcomes for accurate recordkeeping.
• Support samples set for NP meetings, or testing
• Support coordination for tradeshows, documentation, and necessary prep materials. This can include Exhibitors lists, travel, and sample requests
• Prepare departmental correspondence, spreadsheets, presentations, and statistics with clarity and accuracy.
• Provide administrative support to the category team, and participate in special projects, including import/export compliance and regulatory initiatives (e.g., U.S. Customs, Lacey Act, steel).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Post-secondary degree – Business, Purchasing, Finance
• Knowledge of Lee Valley products and retail experience considered as an asset
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with data in Excel using pivot tables and various other key Excel functions to analyze, organize and present data

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation program including competitive base salary, a robust health and dental benefits packages as well as matching group retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Lee Valley discount.
• A family-oriented environment that supports growth and development for all employees.

Diversity and Inclusion:
At Lee Valley, we are proud to celebrate and foster a diverse team of professionals. We take pride in nurturing an inclusive culture that empowers our people to be their authentic selves, celebrate their differences and love where they work. Our diverse community combined with our inclusive culture, is what sets us apart in the industry.

We encourage all candidates to apply for job opportunities with Lee Valley regardless of race, national origin, colour, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or disability.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

How to Apply:

Please visit our careers page at https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/careers

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.