Reporting to the Director of Retail Inventory & Merchandising. The Retail Category Manager is responsible for leading the channel category strategy and innovation pipeline for Lindt Retail, including Lindt Stores, eShop, and B2B. This role will manage portfolio development for finished goods and secondary packaging by leveraging channel and consumer insights to drive alignment with brand strategies and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the short-, mid-, and long-term innovation pipeline for Retail in alignment with corporate and brand strategies
• Develop portfolio strategies across finished goods, fresh goods, and secondary packaging by leveraging consumer and channel insights
• Lead the annual Retail portfolio assessment process, presenting findings and actions to senior leadership teams
• Ensure portfolio compliance with Canadian nutrition regulations and sustainability requirements
• Develop and oversee the secondary packaging strategy from concept to in-store implementation
• Source vendors, negotiate pricing, and manage secondary packaging introductions
• Identify channel-specific product opportunities and build business cases to drive profitable growth
• Oversee the new product development process for Retail channels, including vendor management and item setup
• Conduct post-launch analysis to apply learnings to future innovations
• Collaborate with Brand Marketing to ensure new product launches align with brand and Retail strategies
• Assist in developing the Retail pricing strategy for new product launches and annual price reviews
• Conduct comprehensive impact analyses on volume and gross profit
• Communicate new pricing strategies to cross-functional teams and oversee implementation through to in-store execution
• Manage supplier purchase orders, billing, and monthly media budget reporting related to this role

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Merchandising, Category Management, or a related field
• Previous experience with a seasonal business, preferably in Confectionery
• Proven expertise in retail forecasting and portfolio management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Familiarity with JD Edwards is an asset but not required
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to develop creative solutions and drive innovation
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Proactive self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively in team settings

Why Lindt Canada? Join our winning culture and become part of our team of passionate and dynamic individuals in our journey to become the leader in the Canadian chocolate market. Our environment characterizes personal commitment, drive, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, working together as one team to reach outstanding results. We encourage, recognize and reward innovation, personal initiative, leadership and accountability throughout the organization. We are recognized as a Great Place to Work so come and grow your career with us, it’s a pretty sweet deal. To learn more about our winning culture, visit https://careers.lindtcanada.caand or follow us on LinkedIn

Lindt & Sprüngli is recognized as a leader in the market for premium quality chocolate, offering a large selection of products in more than 120 countries around the world. During more than 170 years of Lindt & Sprüngli's existence, it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate, with 12 production sites in Europe and the USA, and distribution and sales companies on four continents.

We thank all those who have applied however, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Lindt is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Please contact our Human Resources department for more information. We thank all those who apply, however, only selected candidates will be contacted. #CORPORATE #RETAIL #LI-LINDTCA #LI-Hybrid #LI-AR1