Available Position (Company name withheld)

JUNIOR CATEGORY MANAGER - PRODUCE

We are seeking a Junior Category Manager - Produce to join our Corporate Purchasing team located in Vernon, BC. 

The Junior Category Manager supports the Category Manager with day-to-day category administration, vendor communication, promotional coordination, seasonal planning, store communication, and new store growth as needed. This role is responsible for managing the floral program, coordinating seasonal prebooks with stores, supporting seasonal backhaul opportunities with warehouse and local vendors, maintaining vendor price lists, assisting with flyer coordination, and completing administrative work that keeps category programs organized and communicated clearly. The role may occasionally require time in stores to support execution, new store growth, or Interior/Okanagan store support. The Junior Category Manager helps ensure information is accurate, timelines are followed, stores receive the tools they need, and vendor programs are executed in alignment with Nature’s Fare standards and category direction.

PERKS:

• Competitive wages with a hiring range from $60,000 - $75,000 annually
  • Based on experience and skill set
• Flexible benefits - including Comprehensive medical, RRSP Program, HSA and more
• Up to 25% store discount
• Education allowance
• Free swag (products, food, clothing + more)
• Share in some laughs, air high-fives, and fun each day

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Support the Category Manager with day-to-day category administration, follow-up, store communication as needed, and program coordination.
• Assist with product, vendor, pricing, promotional, and seasonal information to help keep category files, tools, and communication accurate and current.
• Coordinate information between Category Management, Purchasing, Marketing, warehouse, local vendors, and stores to support smooth execution of category programs.
• Track deadlines, collect required information, organize updates, and follow up on outstanding items related to category programs and seasonal initiatives.
• Provide administrative support to the Category Manager as required, including preparing summaries, updating working documents, maintaining lists, and supporting internal communication.

• Manage the floral program, including seasonal planning, vendor coordination, store communication, ordering support, and promotional execution.
• Work with vendors and stores to support floral availability for key seasonal periods, holidays, and promotional opportunities.
• Communicate floral program details, order timelines, product expectations, and execution notes to stores in a clear and timely manner.
• Monitor floral program feedback, order issues, quality concerns, and store questions, escalating opportunities or concerns to the Category Manager as needed.

• Coordinate seasonal prebooks with stores, including collecting order information, confirming timelines, organizing vendor details, and supporting clear store communication.
• Work with local vendors, warehouse, and internal teams on seasonal backhaul programs to support efficient movement of local and seasonal products.
• Maintain accurate local vendor contact lists, including key contacts, ordering details, holiday closure information, and communication preferences.
• Collect and distribute holiday closure information from vendors to ensure stores, Purchasing, warehouse, and Category Management have timely visibility to ordering or delivery impacts.
• Support vendor follow-up related to seasonal opportunities, order deadlines, delivery expectations, pricing updates, credits, and program questions.

• Update vendor price lists and maintain accurate pricing information for review by the Category Manager.
• Support flyer coordination by gathering item details, pricing, vendor confirmation, product availability, and required information for promotional planning.
• Assist with tracking flyer deadlines, following up on missing details, and communicating updates between Category Management, Marketing, vendors, and stores.
• Maintain category administration tools, vendor lists, communication trackers, and seasonal planning documents as assigned.

• Communicate program details, deadlines, vendor updates, price list changes, seasonal opportunities, and closure information to stores and internal partners.
• Respond to store and vendor questions within scope, escalating decisions, concerns, or exceptions to the Category Manager when required.
• Support the Category Manager by preparing clear communication for stores, vendors, warehouse, Purchasing, and Marketing.
• Occasionally spend time in stores to support program execution, seasonal initiatives, new store growth, or store needs requiring additional category support.
• Provide additional support to Interior/Okanagan stores as needed, helping with communication, follow-up, vendor program execution, and category-related store support.
• Help maintain organized follow-up so seasonal programs, flyer items, prebooks, and vendor administration move forward on time.

• Strong foundational knowledge of MS Office Suite.
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with Excel is a must.
• Strong system/process skill set.
  • The ability to understand, manipulate, manage, analyze and report data in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Familiarity with sales management systems or enterprise resource planners (beneficial, not mandatory).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Administration, or a related field is an asset
• Previous experience in retail, merchandising, purchasing, administration, vendor coordination, or natural foods retail is preferred
• Experience coordinating information across multiple stakeholders, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate records is an asset
• Experience with floral, produce, seasonal prebooks, or local vendor programs is an asset

YOU CHECK ALL THE BOXES IF:

• You have amazing attention to detail and enjoy a good puzzle - critical thinking is a must
• You have strong communication skills and you love collaboration
• Excel spreadsheets, sales reports and standardizing processes (all on repeat!) is your jam
• You are open to new ideas or challenges that may come your way and can easily adapt to shifting priorities and managing multiple priorities
• You enjoy being part of a dynamic team
• You are looking for an in-office opportunity in Vernon, BC

Put your passion into work that matters with a growing, BC-based company committed to be a better company for our customers, our employees, and the planet. We’ll surround you with a great team and a supportive learning environment where you can grow and thrive.

Nature's Fare Markets is an equal opportunity employer and as such we strive to foster a workplace where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected.

Apply online today!