Shopper Insights Manager

Description:

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is seeking a Shopper Insights Manager – Shelving and Assortment, responsible for driving the development and execution of strategic shelving and assortment capabilities to support the company’s long-term growth. This is a critical role that will shape where and how products are placed across retail partners, maximizing both category and brand performance through data-driven insights and shopper-centric strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead shelving standards and SKU prioritization strategies to ensure impactful in-store presence aligned with Maple Leaf Foods' growth platforms.

• Use advanced data tools (e.g., JDA, Virtual Reality, NIQ Markettrack, Numerator shopper panels, POS data) to support shelving decisions and optimize retail performance.

• Collaborate with Category Sales Development and Customer Business Teams to close performance gaps and implement customized shelf strategies across major retailers like Loblaws, Walmart, Sobeys, and Metro.

• Act as the project lead for executing “test & learn” merchandising initiatives aimed at refining shelf execution and shaping the “Protein Department of the Future”.

• Integrate innovation into holistic category merchandising strategies through the creation of gold-standard planograms and identifying secondary display opportunities.

• Work directly with customers to influence key merchandising decisions such as space allocation and category placement.

• Support the Walmart Vendor Advisor Team with analytical and modular execution during critical promotional periods.

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Expertise in shelf and assortment management and execution in a vendor advisor or category management capacity.

• Experience developing and selling insights using a variety of data sources (POS, shipment, shopper panel, qualitative).

• Strong knowledge of shopper research execution and application to category development.

• Demonstrated ability to build compelling selling stories and tailor strategies to retailer needs.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional projects involving both internal teams and third-party vendors.

What Maple Leaf Foods Offers:

• An inclusive, high-performance culture grounded in sustainability, safety, and personal development.

• Day-one access to flexible health and wellness benefits.

• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer matching from day one.

• Tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education.

• Volunteer opportunities with paid time off to give back to the community.

• Engagement in a values-based company that is carbon neutral and committed to science-based sustainability targets.

About Maple Leaf Foods:
With more than 100 years in the food industry, Maple Leaf Foods is a leading producer of protein products in Canada and a pioneer in sustainability. Operating with over 13,500 employees across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Asia, the company is focused on delivering nutritious, sustainable food through its iconic brands like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment:
The company is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available during recruitment and employment processes.