Job Description

The Opportunity:

The Vendor Advisor is responsible for analyzing customer specific data and providing ongoing reviews and recommendations addressing category performance, assortment, pricing, promotion and shelving to optimize retailer performance.  Maple Leaf is awarded this role by the retailer and categories are assigned as awarded.  This role is viewed as an unbiased source of category and shopper insights by the retailer and therefore cannot report directly to the Customer Business Team, however they will be a member of the CBT as it relates to understanding category strategies and trends.  The role reports directly to the Director, Customer Insights and is part of a team of Vendor Advisors working with Wal-Mart.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by June 09. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Periodic reviews of category performance leveraging Customer specific data sources to determine opportunities focused on improvements to shelving, assortment and display.
• Recommends optimal assortment strategies by region for all products in the category.
• Develops and maintains category plan-o-grams, executed in key timeframes as determined by the retailer.
• Completes ad hoc analysis related to retailer specific requests
• Provides recommendations for pricing and promotional strategies that will build category performance.
• Builds a strong relationship with retailer s Category Managers and is seen as a trusted advisor for the category. Has deep knowledge of retailer strategies and role of the category.
• Liaises with the CBT and marketing as appropriate to understand Maple Leaf s strategies and opportunities.
• Delivers category insights that explain current performance and highlight opportunities to improve performance vs. the marketplace.
• Provide ongoing category business health overviews.
• Complete ad hoc requests.

What You ll Bring:

• Bachelor s degree in business with a passion for analysis.
• 1-3 years of experience in Category management, with at least 1 year of Vendor Advisorship
• Advanced knowledge of retailer data sources (Retail Link), and advanced knowledge of Nielsen or Numerator tools (answers desktop, panel data) is imperative.
• Advanced knowledge of JDA (Space Planning / ProSpace).
• Ability to synthesize a variety of data sources (consumer, shopper, loyalty) into presentations that are easily understood.
• Must be able to provide strong, executable recommendations that reflect the retailer and category strategy.
• Strong project and time management skills are required.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships.
• Must be proactive and performance driven, have a bias for action and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• A hybrid work model that embraces remote work for eligible roles, helping team members achieve work-life balance combining the best of both spending time working remotely, benefitting from focus time, and purposeful collaboration in the office setting. 
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, speaker series events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.