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- Tasks: Drive innovation in Smart Home, Office, and Photography categories while managing key brands.
- Company: Join The Very Group, dedicated to helping families balance life with flexible payment options.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, 27 days holiday, and up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment and shape the future of exciting product categories.
- Qualifications: Strong MS Excel skills and experience in Merchandising or Analytical roles are preferred.
- Other info: Expect a two-stage interview process with opportunities for remote or in-person interviews.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
About us
We are The Very Group, and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love when they need them most.
About the team
Join a high-growth, strategic category driving innovation across Smart Home, Office, and Photography. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key brands and product areas, playing a central role in shaping the category’s future. A unique opportunity to develop professionally while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-moving and evolving space. You’ll monitor emerging brands, spot market trends, and collaborate across functions to maximize success.
About the role
Lead brands, innovate product ranges, drive performance, and fuel category growth. Work closely with the team to align on strategy and execution. Spot trends, track emerging brands, and stay ahead of the curve. Influence decisions across Trading, Marketing, Supply Chain, Pricing, and Commercial. Build strong relationships with industry leaders like DJI, Sony, Ring and Cricut. Negotiate deals, track performance, and support product launches.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to take ownership, develop key relationships, and drive category success, this role could be your next step.
Key Responsibilities
Review performance of sub-category, understanding drivers of performance and be able to articulate this well. Conduct weekly/biweekly calls with key brands to ensure alignment and foster collaboration. Understand KPIs and their drivers and take action to support delivery of budgets and quarterly plan. Own the end-to-end product set up process. Use of pricing tools daily to ensure we’re competitive vs the market, make pricing decisions and input supplier funding. Maintain an awareness of the market, keeping track of competitor activity and actively looking for ways to drive overall category trading performance. Work closely with the category FSP (forecast and stock planner) to ensure the forecast reflects promotional plans to maximise availability and stock efficiency.
About you
Strong experience with MS Excel. Experience within a Merchandising or Analytical head office role is desirable. Creative, organised and innovative. Passionate, driven and brings energy to the role. Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. Champions what is right for the business, team and customer.
Our benefits
Flexible hybrid working model. £250 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs. 27 days holiday + bank holidays. Up to 25% discount on our Very.co.uk. Private pension matched at 6%. Bonus potential (performance and business related). More benefits can be found on our career site.
How to apply
Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you may be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS and CRB check.
What happens next?
Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely. You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:
1st stage - A one-hour interview where you can expect both competency and technical questions. This will be held in-person at our Speke, Liverpool office or virtually via Microsoft Teams.
2nd stage – A 30-45 minute, task-based interview where you will be provided with some data in advance to analyse and present back to the recruitment team. This will be held in-person at our Speke, Liverpool office.
As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Equal opportunities
We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Contact Detail:
Very Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant - Smart Home, Office & Photography
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in smart home, office, and photography products. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the category.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who work with brands like DJI, Sony, and Ring. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the task-based interview by practising data analysis and presentation skills. Being able to effectively communicate your findings will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proficiency in MS Excel by discussing specific examples of how you've used it in previous roles. Highlighting your analytical skills will align well with the job requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant - Smart Home, Office & Photography
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising or analytical roles. Emphasise your skills with MS Excel and any previous work with product ranges or category management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the Smart Home, Office, and Photography categories. Mention specific brands you admire and how you can contribute to their growth at The Very Group.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Prepare examples of how you've used data analysis to drive performance in previous roles. Be ready to discuss KPIs and how you’ve influenced decisions based on market trends.
Research The Very Group: Familiarise yourself with The Very Group's mission and values. Understand their approach to customer service and how they support families, as this will help you align your application with their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Very Group
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with the key brands mentioned in the job description, such as DJI, Sony, and Ring. Understanding their products and market positioning will help you articulate how you can contribute to the category's success.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since strong experience with MS Excel is a requirement, be prepared to discuss your proficiency. Consider bringing examples of how you've used Excel in previous roles to analyse data or track performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect both competency and technical questions during the first stage of the interview. Brush up on relevant merchandising and analytical concepts, and be ready to demonstrate your understanding of KPIs and market trends.
✨Show Your Passion
The role requires someone who is passionate and driven. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the smart home, office, and photography categories, and share any personal experiences that highlight your interest in these areas.
