At a Glance
- Tasks: Support retail strategy through analysis, merchandising, and store visits.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading seasonal retailers with multiple locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, discounts, bonuses, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Great opportunities for ongoing learning and career growth.
- 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 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:
- £6,500 car allowance.
- 20% friends and family discount.
- Bonus potential.
- 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 in London employer: Quest Search and Selection
Join one of the UK's leading seasonal retailers as a Junior Category Manager, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer ongoing learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including a car allowance and discounts for friends and family. Our commitment to excellence in merchandising and customer experience ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the retail strategy while enjoying a supportive environment across our various locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their retail strategy and be ready to discuss how your skills in merchandising and category management can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Highlight your experience with sales analysis and stock forecasting to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Manager in London
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 with 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 this role and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities listed. Show us your enthusiasm for supporting retail growth strategies and improving in-store customer experiences.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to showcase your proficiency in data analysis and reporting. Mention any specific tools or methods you’ve used to track KPIs or analyse sales trends, especially if you’ve worked with Microsoft Excel.
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 us 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 be dealing with sales analysis and margin management. Brush up on your understanding of P&L performance and sales trends before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Merchandising Skills
Since this role involves developing planograms and merchandising strategies, prepare examples of your previous work in these areas. Bring along any visuals or reports that demonstrate your ability to optimise space planning and improve in-store presentation.
✨Understand the Retail Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current market trends in grocery and seasonal retail. Being able to discuss recent developments or shifts in consumer behaviour will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Build Rapport with Suppliers
Supplier relationships are key in this role. Think of examples where you've successfully managed supplier communications or negotiations. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can maintain effective partnerships to support category management.
