At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the category team in analysing data to understand consumer behaviour.
- Company: Join innocent, a fun and innovative FMCG company.
- Benefits: £29,000 salary, private healthcare, birthday off, and free smoothies!
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Dive into data analysis and influence real business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience with Excel and PowerPoint; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 € per year.
We’re looking for our new category assistant to help the category team to see the “what” and the “why” behind the data. This is a 12-month placement starting in June 2026, ideal for a placement student as part of their sandwich course. It is a great place if you are interested in consumer goods, retailers and shopping habits or a career in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry.
First things first, what is 'category'? A 'category' is the fancy term for a group of similar products, like the ice cream category, the cereal category, or our personal favourite - the juice category. Category management is all about influencing growth by analysing data to understand why people buy a particular category and brand, and how to get them to buy more. At innocent, we partner with retailers and influence category growth through our “triple win” approach (great for retailers, great for consumers & great for innocent).
If you have ever wondered what happens to all the information from your loyalty cards, and think you would get a buzz from using data to help answer business questions, this could be the role for you.
You’ll have:
- Experience in working with Excel: comfortable with pivot tables, formulae and functions, as well as summary table outputs, graphs and merging complex data into clear trends.
- Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint: confident to present data in charts and graphs.
- Interest in FMCG and demonstrate an aptitude for understanding retail, supplier and shopper dynamics.
- Effective prioritisation skills: able to juggle multiple tasks and deliver on time.
- Good communication and networking skills as you’ll need to attend internal meetings to discuss big projects, get a wider business context, and to share some of your work.
You’ll also have:
- Curiosity and a burning desire to find out why.
- Strong analytical skills, able to manipulate data easily.
- Great attention to detail, providing accurate information that is totally reliable.
- Ability to play as part of a team: you get a buzz from helping others.
You’ll get:
- £29,000 a year (the fixed amount for placement).
- To work within a high performing team.
- To understand how the business really ticks.
- To present in front of different stakeholders and see how your work influences others and makes a difference.
- Exposure to some interesting projects.
We want innocent to be a great place to work, so we do lots of stuff to make people feel at home and try to make sure everyone’s career is shaping up the way they want it to. There are plenty of opportunities to have a go at something new or take things further.
In exchange for helping us do business in the right way, you’ll get a solid rewards package that includes a salary, private healthcare, a target-based bonus, and a bunch of other nice things like a day off on your birthday. And yes, you get free smoothies.
We also know that not all our drinkers come from the same background, or think the same – so why should we? At innocent, we want to be a great place to work where a diverse bunch of people from all backgrounds can turn up and thrive. When we hire, we want all the juice, bits, and pulp that make you who you are.
Even if you don’t think you can tick all the boxes, if the job sounds right for you, come and throw your hat in the ring. Probably best to get your skates on though, as we might close this early if we get loads of applications.
Category Assistant - 12 Month Placement employer: Innocent Drinks
At innocent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Category Assistant, you'll gain invaluable experience in the FMCG industry while working alongside a high-performing team, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone feels at home, and our generous benefits package, including private healthcare and free smoothies, makes innocent a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant - 12 Month Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research innocent's values, products, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Plus, it could give you an edge if they put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to data analysis and category management. Think about how you can demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining innocent and ready to dive into the FMCG world.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant - 12 Month Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Data Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Excel and PowerPoint in your application. We want to see how you can manipulate data and present it clearly, so don’t hold back on showcasing any relevant projects or coursework!
Express Your Curiosity:We love a curious mind! In your application, share examples of how you've explored data or tackled business questions in the past. This will show us that you have the burning desire to understand the 'why' behind the numbers.
Be Yourself:At innocent, we value diversity and authenticity. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. Share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team culture!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innocent Drinks
✨Know Your Data
Before the interview, brush up on your data analysis skills. Familiarise yourself with Excel functions, pivot tables, and how to present data effectively. Being able to discuss how you’ve used data to influence decisions in past experiences will show that you understand the role of a category assistant.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your curiosity about consumer behaviour and the FMCG industry. Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s approach to category management and how they use data to drive growth. This will not only show your interest but also your analytical mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex data in simple terms. You might be asked to present findings or insights during the interview, so being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated data-driven insights.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your teamwork skills and how you’ve collaborated with others in previous roles. The category assistant role involves working closely with various teams, so sharing examples of how you’ve contributed to team success will resonate well with the interviewers.
