Job Summary
Every great painting project takes more than paint. The right brushes, rollers, tape, and tools help our customers achieve the best results, while also playing an important role in the continued growth of our Dulux and Sico paint stores across Canada.
The Category Manager owns the sundries business for Canada end to end, leading assortment strategy, vendor relationships and negotiations, pricing and promotions, and stocking model efficiency across multiple product categories. Working closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising, this role will build a disciplined, well-negotiated, and well-merchandised sundries portfolio that supports the broader paint business and strengthens the in-store customer experience.
As we accelerate our growth and transformation, this is an opportunity to take meaningful ownership of a diverse portfolio, make a visible impact across our store network, and help shape the future of Canada’s Paint Company.
In this role, you will
- Build and own the sales and margin growth plan for sundries, including strategies to increase sundries attachment to paint sales.
- Lead a full assortment review across all categories, identify gaps and new opportunities, and rationalize underperforming SKUs.
- Own the sundries promotional and marketing plan, deciding where to use everyday low pricing (EDLP) versus deeper promotions by store format and customer segment (DIY, residential repaint and Pro).
- Partner with the Dulux and Sico marketing teams on flyers, in-store communication and campaigns, using competitive shops to guide your plans.
- Manage and negotiate with Canadian and North American vendors on cost, terms, promotional funding and rebates, and run competitive bids where it makes sense.
- Monitor pricing and margins and adjust as vendor costs change.
- Optimize the stocking model and inventory levels to improve profitability and in-stock performance.
- Partner with the Visual Merchandising team to keep planograms current and ensure the assortment is set up to sell in store.
- Track category performance, vendor scorecards and promotional results, and share regular updates with leadership.
- Act as a business owner for your categories, with accountability for financial performance, commercial decisions, and the negotiation of large, complex supplier contracts.
What we’re looking for
- 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, buying or product marketing, ideally in retail, home improvement, building materials or specialty hardgoods.
- Strong financial and analytical acumen, with the ability to interpret financial and market data, evaluate business opportunities, and make sound commercial decisions.
- Hands-on marketing experience, including owning or leading promotional plans, campaigns, or marketing programs.
- A track record of growing sales across a broad category with many SKUs and vendors.
- Experience negotiating directly with vendors on cost, terms and promotional funding.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use sales, margin, and inventory data to make and defend decisions.
- Experience with planograms and in-store merchandising is an asset.
- An independent, decisive go-getter who takes ownership and is comfortable making decisions on their own.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment and is ready to roll up their sleeves.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Bilingual (English/French) is an asset.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is determined based on factors such as location, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, full-time permanent employees are eligible for our broader total rewards package, which includes comprehensive benefits, including paid vacation and wellness days, as well as other incentives for eligible employees.
The estimated salary for this role will be within the following range: $85,000 – $100,000 CAD annually.
Candidates whose compensation expectations fall outside of the posted range are still encouraged to apply. We recognize that each candidate brings unique skills and experience, and compensation will be discussed throughout the recruitment process.
About Us
For over a century, Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) has been a trusted leader in paints and coatings, serving homeowners and professionals across Canada. With local manufacturing in Ontario, offices in Vaughan and Boucherville, and a coast-to-coast distribution network, CIL combines national scale with strong local expertise. Our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Dulux®, SICO®, Glidden®, Olympic®, and Mulco®, trusted across both retail and professional channels. As we accelerate our next phase of growth and transformation, this is a unique opportunity to join a proudly Canadian company and help shape the future of Canada’s Paint Company.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
At Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities free from discrimination.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially and respectfully.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Talent Acquisition Team
