Category Manager

Who we are:

In 1996, Farmers Depot was established and has grown to be the complete animal health and equipment supplier for livestock producers across Canada providing thousands of quality animal health products at a competitive price with next day delivery, and product support. Farmers Depot is under the GVF Group of Companies umbrella and operates in close affiliation with Grand Valley Fortifiers and Fortified Nutrition Limited. Both brands manufacture and sell high-quality, leading-edge vitamin and mineral premixes and supplements for swine, dairy, beef and poultry producers.

The GVF Group of Companies empowers farmers to produce meat, milk, and eggs profitably and sustainably for the advancement of human lives, nutrition and health.

Ours is a family business that cares about its employees and its community. We make sure that all our staff get what the best in class team members deserve: benefits, good wages, and respect. Whether through our charitable work, or our dedication to staff, GVF is committed to living out our principles and values.

Why we have this role:

Farmers Depot has expanded its category and product offerings in animal husbandry and bio-security with the goal of improving animal health and achieving better performance for our customers. This role will focus on core products/categories and ensure that each product group is achieving its full potential for growth.

Working with us:

Typical work hours for this position are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a one hour unpaid lunch break each work day. Your role will be based out of the Farmers Depot office at 455 Dobbie Drive Cambridge, Ontario.  From time to time, you may be required to work outside of these typical hours given the nature of the business.

What you’ll do:

PRODUCT MIX SELECTION & MANAGEMENT

Based on your understanding of what is selling well and what isn’t, coupled with a strategic goal of having everything the livestock farmer needs to achieve good animal health as they raise their livestock, you will:

• Decide what products to add, keep, or delete from your portfolio.
• Spend time with salespeople and customers to learn what products work best.
• Work with both existing vendors and select new ones to achieve a steady supply of the products in your portfolio.
• Forecast the first 6– 12 months of sales for new products and ensure that the first order (pipeline fill) is appropriate.
• Assist customer service in sourcing and pricing customer requests for products not currently carried by Farmers Depot.
• Set up new products to your portfolio using the new product system at Farmers Depot.

MARGIN & RETAIL PRICE MANAGEMENT

• Build strong relationships with the vendors you work with to ensure the best price possible for Farmers Depot.

• keep track of key competitor retail pricing and set your retail prices for your portfolio to ensure Farmers Depot remains competitive.

PROMOTION PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

• Train the internal sales teams on the advantages of key products in your portfolio.

• Liaise with the marketing team at to ensure that your key products get exposure in the existing communications channels that Farmers Depot has available (flyers, website, email blasts, social media, magazine advertising, digital advertising, catalogue, physical stores).

• Work with your vendors to obtain their support and funding for product-specific promotions and/or advertising in our annual catalogue.

• Attend various trade shows to represent your portfolio on behalf of Farmers Depot.

• Participate in certain industry groups and events to represent Farmers Depot and to stay abreast of the trends affecting your categories.

Your background includes:

• 3+ years relevant work experience in a similar role.

• A Bachelor's degree or diploma in business administration, marketing, procurement, or related field is preferred.

• Advanced Microsoft Office and Excel skills with an ability to create pivot tables and manipulate formulas

• Strong attention to detail with highly developed organizational skills and record keep

• An analytical mind with a strategic ability.

• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast paced team environment

• Able to prioritize tasks under pressure with competing demands.

• Background in the farming or agriculture industry and a passion for animals is an asset.

Why work with us: 

• Canadian Family Owned and Operated Company

• Extended health and dental benefits

• RRSP matching program

• Profit sharing bonus

• Donation matching program

• Professional development opportunities

How we behave: 

• Passion: Serving customers innovatively and well.

• Humble Confidence: Confidently choosing to forgo our status, deploy our resources and use of influence for the good of others before ourselves.

• Integrity: Consistently honest while honouring commitments with our customers, co-workers and suppliers.

• Professional: Committed to excellence in the way we lead, serve and relate.

• Caring: With a servant heart, truly caring for customers and co-workers. Find satisfaction in assisting with others’ challenges and joy in witnessing their success.

All interested applicants are asked to apply with a copy of their resume. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only candidates considered for the position will be contacted for an interview.