At a Glance
- Tasks: Support retail strategy through analysis, merchandising, and store visits to enhance customer experience.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading seasonal retailers with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, flexible working, ongoing development, and free parking.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make an impact in retail while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or buying, with strong analytical and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Quest Search & Selection are currently hiring for a Junior Category Manager who will support with the branch category & merchandising team in delivering the retail strategy for grocery, gifting & seasonal. In this role, you will support range planning, stock forecasting and merchandising activity across the retail estate. The position also involves conducting regular store visits to review product presentation, support merchandising execution and build effective planograms to optimise space planning and in-store customer experience.
Key Responsibilities of this Junior Category Manager role:
- Support retail growth strategy through sales analysis, margin management and KPI performance tracking in partnership with Buying & Finance teams.
- Analyses customer insights, market trends and trading performance to support category direction, stock forecasting and commercial decision-making.
- Produces and analyses reporting including best-seller performance, stock optimisation and trading analysis to drive commercial performance improvements.
- Maintains product data, cost files and administrative reporting processes, supporting accurate pricing and category management activity.
- Supports product ranging, pricing and seasonal promotional activity across retail categories.
- Develops and implements merchandising planograms, POS materials and space planning initiatives to improve in-store presentation and compliance.
- Conducts store visits to review merchandising standards, product presentation and range execution across locations.
- Coordinates supplier relationships, tenders and day-to-day communication regarding deliveries, merchandising and product activity.
- Supports the end-to-end development of bespoke products, ensuring quality, margin delivery and timely execution.
- Assists with communication of promotions, range changes and merchandising updates across the retail estate.
Key Requirements of this Junior Category Manager role:
- Background in Merchandising, Buying, Space Planning, or POS management.
- 3+ years’ experience within FMCG or retail environments.
- Exposure to multiple product categories across grocery and/or non-food sectors.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and supporting buying activities.
- Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of P&L performance, sales trends, and margin drivers.
- Knowledge of ranging, planograms and space planning/analysis is highly desirable.
- Strong administrative capability with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including report creation and analysis.
- Able to balance customer, operational, and commercial priorities when developing and implementing strategies.
Benefits of this Junior Category Manager role:
- 20% friends and family discount.
- Ongoing learning and development support.
- Flexible working arrangement: Head office based in Hertfordshire, with a mix of branch visits, 1 day office-based, and 2 days working from home.
- Free parking.
- Life assurance.
If this sounds like you and you are keen to apply for this Junior Category Manager, please apply today!
Junior Category Manager employer: Quest Search and Selection
Quest Search & Selection is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the retail sector. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous friends and family discount, team members are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Hertfordshire, this role provides the unique opportunity to engage with various retail sites across the UK, enhancing your career while contributing to a leading seasonal retailer's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to category management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Category Manager role. Highlight your background in merchandising, buying, or space planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant experience in FMCG or retail environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our retail strategy. Be sure to mention your understanding of P&L performance and sales trends.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Whether it's stock forecasting or trading analysis, we want to see your analytical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Search and Selection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Junior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of sales trends and margin drivers. Brush up on key metrics related to retail performance, and be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in past roles to drive decisions.
✨Showcase Your Merchandising Skills
Prepare examples of your experience with planograms and space planning. Bring along any visuals or reports that highlight your ability to optimise product presentation and enhance the customer experience in-store.
✨Understand the Brand
Research the company’s retail strategy and product categories thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your background in merchandising and buying aligns with their goals, and think about how you can contribute to their seasonal offerings.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, supplier relationships, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
