Director, Trade Marketing & Category Management

As a global leader in flavour, McCormick & Company Inc. has built a portfolio of leading flavour brands that enhance people's enjoyment of food around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavoured by McCormick. Founded in 1889, McCormick envisions A World United by Flavour where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com.

Our Canadian consumer products division serves retail grocery customers and emerging channels with our exciting portfolio of brands including Club House, McCormick Gourmet, French’s, Frank’s Red Hot, Cholula, and Billy Bee.

The Power of People is one of our five pillars and has been the foundation for McCormick's success for decades. There is something inspiring about working at McCormick. We have created a dedicated workforce by fostering a culture of respect, recognition, inclusion and collaboration based on the highest ethical values. Without our employees, our success is not possible. Our commitment to our customers, our consumers and our employees is unsurpassed.

McCormick Canada is seeking a Director, Trade Marketing & Category Management to join the Sales team. The position reports to the VP of Canadian Sales and NA Retail Operations. This role is part of McCormick’s Canadian Consumer Products Division and is based at the Drew Road office in Mississauga, ON. It is eligible to participate in McCormick's hybrid work program (50% onsite, 50% remote per month). 

POSITION OVERVIEW

 This position leads Trade Marketing, Category Management, and Sales Operations for the Canadian Consumer Products Division. The team’s purpose is to bring the Joy of Flavour to Life by developing and executing category and shopper-led strategic growth plans, grounded in best-in-class insights, processes, and thought leadership to drive McCormick’s business objectives. The Director of Trade Marketing and Category Management will build strong relationships with North American cross functional teams, serving as a clear voice for Sales, Canadian customers, and shoppers. This role will play a key part in shaping and executing strategic plans while ensuring alignment with business needs and performance goals. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a growth and analytical mindset, a proven track record of delivering results through strong leadership, and the ability to navigate challenges and influence others. Strong people leadership skills are critical, as this role requires developing and fostering a high-performing team environment within an inclusive and empowering culture. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of go-to-market strategies and annual plans, aligning category, brand, shopper, and customer initiatives to drive mutual growth and achieve business objectives. Act as a key liaison between Marketing and Sales, optimizing merchandising, assortment, promotions, and shelving in collaboration with Category and Revenue Management.
• Empower the Category Management team as thought leaders for Sales and customer partners. Support the development and execution of national, regional, and customer strategies focused on assortment, space optimization, pricing, promotions, and merchandising solutions, leveraging deep expertise in retail landscapes, categories, and shopper behavior.
• Guide Sales Operations in leading the forecast while contributing to Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and annual planning. Serve as the primary link between Sales, Marketing, and Supply Planning.
• Lead, develop, and engage the Trade Marketing and Category Management team, fostering a high-performance, growth-driven culture through coaching and talent planning.
• Strengthen cross-functional partnerships across North America by providing strategic insights and recommendations while representing the voice of Sales, Canadian customers, and shoppers.
• Provide leadership for the Annual Planning process and National Sales Meeting, collaborating with Sales and cross-functional partners to shape strategic plans that drive fiscal business objectives.
• Manage third-party relationships (e.g., NielsenIQ, Circana), overseeing contracts, budgets, and procurement of data, insights, and merchandising equipment.

EDUCATION
University Degree in Business Administration or equivalent experience. MBA is preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of experience in the consumer package goods (CPG) industry
• Proven expertise in Sales Account Management, Trade Marketing, and Category Management is also preferred; Marketing experience is an asset.
• Strong strategic thinking and thought leadership capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Shopper Insights, and Supply Planning teams
• Deep understanding of the Canadian marketplace and retail environment
• Advanced analytical skills and expertise in shopper insights
• Strong proficiency in syndicated data sources, including NielsenIQ, Circana, and customer-specific databases.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Bilingual skills (English/French) are an asset

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Strong leadership, with a proven track record of driving action, delivering results, and developing high-performing, inclusive teams 
• Innovative Mindset with the ability to think strategically, challenge the status quo, and foster diverse perspectives
• Ability to build and nurture strong teams and effective cross-functional relationships while fostering a collaborative culture
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communication complex ideas clearly and persuasively

Throughout the selection process, accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request.  Please notify H.R. if required.

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