Your Role :
Reporting to the Vice President, Negotiation and Category Management , the
Director, Pro Merchandising is the enterprise leader for the
Professional customer strategy within Merchandising . This role acts as the
primary Pro subject-matter expert for all banners and categories, ensuring that merchandising strategies, assortments, supplier partnerships, and financial levers are aligned with the specific needs of Pro customers.
The Director provides
strategic leadership , sets the Pro merchandising vision, and ensures strong execution through close partnership with Negotiation and Category Leadership, Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, and the Dealer network in all regions.
Key responsibilities :
Pro Merchandising Strategy & Leadership - Define and own the enterprise Pro merchandising strategy across all banners and categories.
- Act as the Pro expert within the Merchandising organization, influencing category roadmaps, line reviews, and long - term assortment strategies.
- Own the Pro merchandising operating model, including Pro-critical assortment, pricing architecture, supplier programs, job-lot availability and field feedback loops to ensure Rona delivers a differentiated and profitable experience for Professional customers.
- Translate Pro customer needs, market trends, and contractor behaviors into actionable merchandising priorities.
- Establish strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders responsible for Pro markets (Builders, Commercial and Institutional, Affiliates , etc.)
- Participate in strategic supplier negotiations for Pro - critical categories, programs, and partnerships, in collaboration with Category and Negotiation teams.
- Ensure Pro - specific commercial terms (pricing structures, rebates, programs, service levels, exclusivities) are embedded in supplier agreements.
- Act as a reference point for complex or strategic supplier negotiations impacting Pro performance.
- Establish strong, long - term partnerships with key Pro suppliers through regular business reviews and performance governance.
- Leverage supplier negotiations to unlock value beyond COGS, including programs, operational efficiencies, and differentiated Pro offers.
Financial & Commercial Accountability - Drive Pro performance across sales, margin, cost structure, and vendor funding in collaboration with Category and Finance teams.
- Identify growth opportunities and structural improvements to accelerate Pro contribution to overall enterprise results.
Cross -
functional Influence - Serve as a strategic partner to Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Dealer teams on all Pro - related merchandising topics.
- Ensure alignment between corporate merchandising strategies and execution in stores, distribution, and Pro programs.
- Represent Pro merchandising priorities in senior leadership forums.
Team Leadership - Lead, coach, and develop the Merchandising Pro team .
- Set clear objectives, priorities, and success measures for the Pro merchandising function.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and customer - centric decision - making.
Your profile :
- University degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Merchandising, Category Management, or Commercial leadership, preferably in retail or home improvement.
- Strong understanding of Professional / Contractor customer dynamics.
- Proven ability to influence at the executive level without direct authority.
- Excellent strategic, financial, and analytical capabilities.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Merchandising, Category Management,
- Strong understanding of Professional / Contractor customer dynamics.
- Proven ability to influence at the executive level without direct authority.
- Excellent strategic, financial, and analytical capabilities.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
By joining the RONA family, you'll enjoy many benefits, such as:
- A childcare centre that can accommodate up to 78 children (Remove if not applicable)
- A cafeteria with a delicious menu prepared by a dedicated chef, healthy options, as well as FARO Roasting Houses and Tim Hortons coffee stations
- Electric car charging stations
- A fitness centre, sports activities, and showers
- Exclusive employee discounts, plus a 10% discount on store merchandise (at all RONA locations)
- Benefits: retirement savings plan, annual bonuses, student incentive program, etc.
- Access to the GreenShield+ telemedicine platform, including virtual consultations with healthcare professionals and pharmacy services
- Career growth opportunities within the company
- An inclusive and safe working environment
- Promotion of work-life balance
- An employer that's involved in the community
- And much more!
