Category Business Manager – Backyard Fun – Canadian Tire – Toronto, ON

Canadian Tire is looking for a strategic and results-driven Category Business Manager – Backyard Fun to join their merchandising leadership team in Toronto, Ontario. This is a high-visibility role that sits within one of Canada’s most recognized retail organizations, overseeing a dynamic portfolio that includes Backyard Amusement, Pools & Spas, Pool Chemicals, Pool Toys & Accessories, and Seasonal Toys.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Backyard Living, Backyard Fun & Seasonal, this position offers the chance to shape category strategy at a national scale — translating consumer insights and market trends into compelling assortments, pricing structures, and vendor partnerships that drive real business results.

About the Role: Category Business Manager – Backyard Fun

At the heart of this role is category ownership. The CBM is accountable for delivering financial and strategic plans across the assigned categories, leading assortment architecture, managing the full product lifecycle, and building innovation pipelines across national brands and private label. You’ll develop and execute 3-year category strategies aligned to Canadian Tire Retail’s Seasonal & Gardening vision while ensuring strong execution both in-store and through digital channels.

Collaboration is central to success here. You’ll work closely with Inventory & Forecasting, Marketing, eCommerce, Supply Chain, Quality, and Store Operations teams to bring category plans to life. You’ll also lead and develop a direct report — a Category Business Analyst — while partnering with key vendors through joint business planning, line reviews, and negotiations. This role demands strong leadership presence, comfort with complexity, and a genuine passion for highly seasonal, high-profile retail categories.

Benefits and Salary

Canadian Tire offers a broadband salary range of $81,000 – $131,000 CAD, with a typical hiring range of $81,000 – $106,000 CAD depending on experience, internal equity, and market conditions. In addition to competitive pay, employees receive comprehensive benefits and retirement programs, performance incentives, continuing education programs, mental health benefits of $5,000 per year for eligible employees and their families, Canadian Tire Profit Sharing, product discounts, and career growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

As the Category Business Manager for Backyard Fun, you’ll own the full commercial picture — from financial delivery to strategic planning and vendor relations. These responsibilities span both the analytical and relational dimensions of category leadership, making this a well-rounded and challenging role.

• Own financial delivery for assigned categories including sales, shipments, margin, and inventory turns
• Develop and execute 3-year category strategies aligned to Canadian Tire Retail’s Seasonal & Gardening vision
• Lead assortment architecture, lifecycle management, and innovation pipelines across national brands and private label
• Establish pricing and promotional strategies that balance competitiveness, margin delivery, and customer value
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Backyard Fun, with deep knowledge of consumer needs, competitive landscape, and store execution requirements
• Build and maintain strategic vendor partnerships, including negotiations, line reviews, joint business planning, and issue resolution
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Inventory & Forecasting, Marketing, Digital & eCommerce, Supply Chain, Quality, and Store Operations
• Translate customer and market insights into clear, executable plans that improve both in-store and online experiences
• Lead and develop a direct report (Category Business Analyst) through coaching, prioritization, and performance management

Requirements / Skills

This role is best suited to a seasoned retail or category professional who thrives in complex, seasonal environments and brings both strategic vision and operational discipline. Canadian Tire values leaders who are consumer-obsessed, analytically sharp, and capable of inspiring the people around them.

• 5+ years in Category Management and/or progressive growth in a relevant cross-functional retail role
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business plans that achieve financial and operational targets
• Strong business acumen including expertise in retail marketing, consumer trends, and inventory management
• Consumer-focused mindset with superior innovation management skills
• People management experience with a demonstrated ability to develop and coach others
• Superior leadership skills with a strong sense of accountability and a track record of delivering results
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade key stakeholders
• Post-secondary education or equivalent professional experience
• Ability to travel 2–4 weeks per year, both domestically and internationally

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to reflect your category management experience before submitting.

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