Associate Product Development Merchant – Home Depot, Toronto, ON
Location: Toronto, ON | Company: Home Depot
Home Depot Canada is hiring a full-time Associate Product Development Merchant for its Store Support Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This corporate merchandising role supports the development, sourcing and commercialization of products purchased from domestic and international suppliers.
The position works across the full product development lifecycle, from identifying category opportunities and preparing product specifications to negotiating costs and supporting product launches. It requires close collaboration with merchandising, global sourcing, supply chain, marketing and vendor partners.
Supporting Product Development and Category Strategy
The Associate Product Development Merchant helps transform product concepts into merchandise that can be introduced across Home Depot Canada’s retail network. The role involves evaluating customer and category needs, developing new products and reviewing existing merchandise for possible improvements.
This position also supports private-brand initiatives, including identifying cost-reduction opportunities while maintaining product quality, safety and brand requirements. Candidates should be comfortable reviewing detailed specifications and considering how product decisions may affect sales, margins, inventory and the broader category strategy.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The position combines product development, international sourcing, financial analysis and cross-functional project coordination. Responsibilities may vary according to the product category, supplier network and stage of development.
Product Development
Develop new merchandise or manage existing products from initial concept through commercialization and store launch.
Cost Negotiation
Work with suppliers to negotiate product costs, evaluate commercial terms and support margin improvement opportunities.
Product Specifications
Create and manage detailed requirements covering packaging, quality, safety, performance and environmental expectations.
International Sourcing
Identify, assess and manage international vendors in accordance with Home Depot sourcing and supplier standards.
Launch Materials
Coordinate the development of packaging, product knowledge resources, point-of-purchase materials and marketing assets.
Business Reviews
Support presentations for line reviews, marketing meetings and business reviews involving merchants and cross-functional partners.
Global Sourcing and Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires a strong understanding of domestic and international supply chains. Associates may work with factories, sourcing offices and external vendors to assess product capabilities, timelines, quality expectations and manufacturing requirements.
Collaboration is central to the position. The Associate Product Development Merchant partners with Global Sourcing, Supply Chain, Merchandising and other internal teams to keep projects aligned. Clear communication is important when reviewing specifications, resolving development issues and preparing products for commercial introduction.
Skills That May Help Candidates Succeed
Home Depot is seeking candidates with experience in product development, global sourcing, merchandising or manufacturing. Strong negotiation, vendor management and project coordination skills may help candidates manage multiple products and partners effectively.
The ability to discuss costs, margins and supplier terms supports profitable product development and responsible purchasing decisions.
Maintaining productive relationships with international suppliers helps projects remain aligned with timing, quality and compliance expectations.
Understanding how product decisions affect sales, margin and inventory is important when evaluating development opportunities.
Clear communication helps sourcing, merchandising, supply chain and marketing partners coordinate decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
Managing specifications, reviews, vendors, timelines and launch materials requires structured planning and dependable follow-through.
Qualifications, Salary and Work Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, along with at least five years of related experience in product development, global sourcing, merchandising or manufacturing. Experience working with international suppliers and strong negotiation, communication and vendor management skills are required.
The advertised base salary range is $80,000 to $110,000 per year. The posting also lists potential semi-annual performance bonuses, deferred profit sharing, paid benefits, a Home Depot stock purchase discount and merit-based salary increases. This is an in-office position scheduled Monday to Friday at 1 Concorde Gate in Toronto, with weekly store visits and approximately 10% to 20% domestic or international overnight travel depending on sourcing needs.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the Associate Product Development Merchant position should review the complete vacancy on Home Depot Canada’s official careers website. The posting contains the latest information about qualifications, compensation, travel and application availability.
Applications must be submitted directly to Home Depot using the official link below. Joblyz is an independent employment information website and does not receive, assess or manage applications for this position.