Hybrid Director, Merchandising – Category Management

at Article

• Job title: Director, Merchandising – Category Management
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: CA$200,000 - CA$240,000 per year
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Vancouver, Canada

About the role

• Director leading Outdoor, Decor, and New Business merchandising categories at Article. Overseeing sales performance and category management operations in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• You’ll be leading a team of 2 Category Managers, a Junior Category Manager, and a Category Specialist.
• Create and manage category management best practices that enable the function to operate effectively and reliably.
• Develop, in partnership with the VP, long-term growth strategies for product categories.
• Lead and mentor Senior Category Managers, Category Managers, and other team members to meet functional goals.
• Co-lead strategic contract negotiations, feedback, and accountability with cross-functional partners to ensure the team is equipped with the critical inputs and infrastructure required to perform at a high level.
• Ensure the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of strategies that can include identifying, documenting, and prioritizing investment proposals for business growth that will help grow your category’s share of the market.
• Lead category management efforts across cross-functional workflows to ensure business success.
• Act as a champion of the customer internally, negotiating performance commitments on behalf of our customer with function owners across the business.
• Be accountable for the performance (revenue and profitability) of an assigned Article product categories.
• Steer pricing and promotional pricing strategy for your scope of business, ensuring we meet revenue and margin targets.
• Analyze business performance with the ability to dive deep into the details and present high-level insights that translate into actions.
• Empower direct reports with decision-making autonomy while maintaining accountability for results.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching to drive individual and team development.
• Foster collaboration and effective communication across cross-functional teams.
• Develop succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential talent within the category management team.
• Oversee the execution of product lifecycle management activities, ensuring teams deliver on time and meet strategic objectives.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or product leadership within retail or eCommerce.
• 4+ years leading and developing high-performing teams in Category Management or Merchandising.
• Proven ability to influence business outcomes through strategy, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
• Experience leading in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills — able to dive into data and turn insights into action.
• Comfortable making pricing and promotional decisions that drive both revenue and profitability.
• Proficiency with business analysis tools and data platforms (e.g., Excel, BI tools, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with product lifecycle and assortment planning systems.
• A customer-first mindset and strategic thinking approach.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• A collaborative, “above the line” approach to working across functions.
• Adaptable and resilient in managing competing priorities and changing environments.
• Legally able to work in Canada.
• Completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

• 4% RRSP matched contributions through Wealthsimple
• 20 days of vacation*
• 1 extra day off (Inclusion and Diversity Day)
• 6 well-being (sick) days
• Hybrid work: 3 days a week in the office
• Work remotely (anywhere in the world) for up to 3 weeks
• Excellent extended health and dental benefits packages
• $1000 health/lifestyle spending account* for your total physical and mental well-being
• TELUS Health App
• Mental Health Assistance/Counseling
• Virtual medical appointments
• Free street parking (first-come, first-served; no reserved spots for senior leaders)
• Indoor secure bike storage with change rooms and showers
• 20-minute walk to either Main Street- Science World or VCC Clark Skytrain stations
• 45% discount on our entire product range (15% for friends and family)