FAQs
What is the primary role of the Associate Merchant at Loblaw Companies Limited?
The primary role of the Associate Merchant is to support both the SuperMarket and Hard Discount Divisions by delivering great products and customer programs to over 400 grocery retail stores across Canada. This includes working closely with various teams and vendors to achieve category objectives.
Who will the Associate Merchant report to?
The Associate Merchant will report to the Category Director and work closely with the Merchant(s) within a diverse and dynamic team.
What are the key responsibilities of the Associate Merchant?
Key responsibilities include collaborating with various business units, building relationships with category vendors, supporting promotional program execution, providing insights on category performance using data and analytics, assisting in product assortment planning, and managing the financial activity of the category.
What skills and experience are required for the Associate Merchant position?
Candidates should demonstrate a curious, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset, have experience in retail, sales, or merchandising (or relevant knowledge of related processes), possess strong analytical skills, and be familiar with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Is prior experience in the retail sector necessary for this position?
While prior experience in retail, sales, or merchandising is preferred, it is not strictly necessary. Knowledge of retail, financial, or business processes can also be beneficial.
What educational qualifications are preferred for the Associate Merchant role?
A post-secondary education or equivalent experience is preferred for the Associate Merchant position.
How does the Associate Merchant use data in their role?
The Associate Merchant uses data and analytics to provide insights on category performance, support their Merchant(s) in decision-making, and respond to ad-hoc inquiries in a timely manner.
Will the Associate Merchant work independently or as part of a team?
The Associate Merchant will work collaboratively as part of a diverse team, requiring the ability to influence without authority and collaborate productively with numerous teams across the organization.
Are there opportunities for participation in vendor meetings and product evaluations?
Yes, the Associate Merchant will attend vendor program meetings, participate in costing negotiations, and may also help evaluate new private label products and platform innovations as requested.
What kind of mindset is encouraged for the Associate Merchant?
A curious, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset is strongly encouraged for the Associate Merchant role, aiming to drive innovative insights and solutions.