Associate Category Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 13, 2026.
Compensation
Base salary: $65,000 – $80,000
Reason for Opening
Existing Vacancy – Yes
Job Summary
The Associate Category Manager provides analytical, project-management, and operational support for the Flame and Consumer Products (CPG) portfolios. Reporting to the Category Manager, this role helps translate category priorities into well-coordinated execution by maintaining product and business data, tracking portfolio performance, coordinating product launches and lifecycle activities, and following up with cross-functional teams and suppliers. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, organization, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. We’re looking for someone who’s eager to learn, work collaboratively across departments, and help bring innovative, high-quality products to market.
Duties & Responsibilities
Product Commercialization and Project Leadership
Support product launch and go-live initiatives through project management under the direction of the Category Manager by coordinating project activities, tracking timelines, following up on key deliverables, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to help ensure successful execution.
Coordinate cross-functional project activities across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Sourcing, and other stakeholders to ensure assigned projects remain on track and aligned with approved objectives.
Maintain project documentation, timelines, action items and launch deliverables, proactively identifying dependencies, risks, and issues, and escalating matters requiring Category Manager review or decision-making.
Product and Business Analysis
Monitor and analyze existing product line performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) including sales, margin, inventory, and other relevant metrics.
Maintain market data, competitive product and pricing information, by organizing and tracking competitor products, features, specifications, pricing, and other relevant market factors.
Support the analysis of market and competitive data provided through Category Management activities to identify consumer trends, competitor activity, potential growth opportunities, and business risks.
Support market research initiatives led by the Category Manager by organizing, validating, and analyzing assigned data and information.
Prepare clear, concise, and visually effective reports, dashboards, presentations, and summaries that highlight key findings, trends, competitive activity, opportunities, and risks to support Category Manager decision-making.
Assist in monitoring emerging regulatory, legislative, and industry developments that may impact current and future products, including product standards, certifications, energy efficiency requirements, environmental regulations and other compliance requirements.
Product Support
Prepare presentations, dashboards, reports, and summaries based on Category Manager direction and provided information, and coordinate with Sales and Marketing on promotional campaigns and product presentations.
Maintain the Replacement Parts (RP) list, ensuring part numbers, descriptions, costs and other relevant information are accurate and up to date. Coordinate with Product Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and other stakeholders to validate changes and proactively resolve discrepancies.
Support make-versus-buy evaluations by gathering, organizing, and analyzing relevant data in collaboration with Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
Execute approved product lifecycle activities directed by Category manager including product updates, SKU changes and phase outs ensuring required activities and documentation are completed accurately and on schedule.
Coordinate the execution of approved product lifecycle activities directed by the Category Manager, including product updates, SKU changes, and phase-outs, ensuring required activities, communications, and documentation and completed accurately and on schedule.
General
Develop and maintain strong working relationships across cross-functional teams to facilitate effective communication, timely project execution, and resolution of product-related issues
All other duties as assigned
Qualifications & Educational Requirements
3–5 years of experience in product coordination, category or product management support, business analysis, project coordination, merchandising, or a related business role.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to organize, validate, interpret, and present data to identify trends, variances, and actionable insights.
Strong project coordination skills, including maintaining timelines, tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders, documenting decisions, and escalating risks.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and confidence working with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Understanding of basic business and financial concepts, including sales, gross margin, inventory, forecasting, product costs, and product lifecycle management.
Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Preferred:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, product management or supply chain management.
Advanced Excel skills, including working with large data sets, pivot tables, lookups, and reporting; experience with ERP, BI, or product-information systems.
Experience in consumer goods, retail, or a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with data visualization or project management tools.
Exposure to product sourcing, supplier coordination, import processes, or international manufacturing.
Experience supporting products sold through major retail accounts or multi-channel distribution.
Total Rewards
Core Total Rewards
Fully funded Group Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, dependent life, AD&D, short term disability, & long-term disability)
Group RRSP with 100% Employer Match up to 4%
Freedom to Choose, Consult +, and Telus Pharmacy Group
Employee Assistance Program
Workplace Wellness Program
Support of professional memberships/certifications
Additional Rewards
Educational Reimbursement Program
Employee Charitable Donation Program (monetary and product donations)
Employee Service & Recognition Awards
Referral Bonus Program
Summer Fridays
Employee Engagement Committee initiatives
Smart casual dress atmosphere
A unique opportunity to be a key player in a growing global organization
An innovative fast-paced culture focused on people