At a Glance
- Tasks: Create data-driven planograms and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience.
- Company: Join SSP, a leader in the food and beverage industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, hybrid working, and award-winning training programmes.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape commercial performance and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in space planning software and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Category Planner will create sales driving, data led, customer-oriented planograms and range distribution summaries for all categories in the c70 Retail Stores and c90 Coffee & Bakery units. SSP is on the category planning journey, and as such, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced Category Planner to help shape the way forward, working closely with multiple cross-functional stakeholders.
Additionally, the Category Planner will support planogram compliance, develop Distribution Matrixes, create bespoke plans, assist in-stores and further down the line, will develop planograms for our exciting Bars and Casual Dining channel. This is an exciting time to step into Category Planning with SSP to develop this area of specialism.
What you'll be doing:
- Create and own the development and maintenance of sales driving planograms using a planogram software package.
- Maximise planogram efficiency whilst minimising operational complexity and maximising customer ease of purchasing decision.
- Utilise Range Review outputs to review SKU performance and market data to inform layout decisions.
- Plan workload to accommodate Range Review calendar, rotational planograms and launch dates.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve layout, density and visual appearance of planograms.
- Present planning recommendations with clear, evidence-based rationale.
- Ensure the Feature Stand space is refreshed monthly and Counter Baskets are updated quarterly by collaborating with the Retail Manager, Trade Marketing and Procurement.
- Support seasonal changes, NPD launches and refits requiring bespoke planograms.
- Create a planogram library for each unit and work closely with Operations to monitor and drive compliance across the estate.
- Create and maintain a Category Distribution matrix for each category in Retail and Coffee & Bakery in order that planogram distribution of every SKU is identifiable.
- Work closely with Commercial Managers, Trade Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver compelling planogram and range plans suited to a travel environment.
- Attend new store openings to guide unit teams with planogram implementation and assist with merchandising.
- Conduct monthly unit visits to review merchandising standards, planogram compliance and space effectiveness with a view to colleague coaching and seeking feedback.
- Provide clear, actionable and commercially focused feedback to units and support centre teams.
- Maintain industry and competitor awareness of space, range and planogram developments and create clear, insight-led communications to support commercial decision-making.
- Work with Commercial Retail Manager to make recommendations for further software capability developments with a clear business case.
- Further developments in due course include implementing sales and space analysis to right-size categories, fixtures and ranges on a unit level, and developing planograms for Bars and Casual Dining units.
To be successful in this role you will need:
Essential:
- Strong experience with space planning using Scorpion, JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman or similar software packages.
- Awareness of customer behaviour, product placement principles and the considerations necessary to create successful sales driving planograms.
- An eye for detail, accuracy and a passion for layout optimisation.
- Ability to make data-led and customer insight recommendations and decisions.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously to meet all launch dates.
- Great communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Commercially driven and results-focused taking ownership of remit and working within SSP Values.
- Advanced Excel skills.
Desirable:
- The ability to interpret sales data and customer insight.
- Ability to interpret reports and present findings clearly.
- Experience with in-store merchandising.
Why join SSP?
At SSP, we're passionate about creating places people want to be - whether that's for our customers, our partners or our colleagues. When you join us, you'll be part of a business where commercial thinking, collaboration and ownership really matter, and where your work can make a visible difference.
We offer:
- Employee discounts across our brands.
- Friends and Family Discount App.
- Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Hybrid working with flexibility to support work-life balance.
- An inclusive and diverse workplace, with employee networks and communities.
Ready to join us? If you're excited by the opportunity to shape commercial performance in a key market, work closely with senior leaders and turn insight into action, we'd love to hear from you. Start the best part of the journey with us. At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.
Category Planner - London employer: MindMatch
Selwood Housing is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive team environment where collaboration and knowledge sharing are key. With a commitment to inclusivity and a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working opportunities, and ongoing training, you will not only gain hands-on experience as an Apprentice Electrician but also build a rewarding career in a respected trade within a growing not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing affordable housing in the Southwest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Planner - London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like MindMatch, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like MindMatch!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Planner - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at MindMatch, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at MindMatch and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show MindMatch that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
