Category Assistant

Category Assistant

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Very Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support category management for top brands like Microsoft and Google.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at Very, focused on helping families thrive.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days holiday, and a £250 benefits allowance.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Engage with leading brands and make impactful decisions in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in retail merchandising or buying, strong Excel skills, and a positive attitude.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We're the team behind digital retailer Very. Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do. And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you're high‑performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you'll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go.

About the role

We are seeking multiple Category Assistants to join our Technology department, supporting our work across leading brands such as Microsoft, Google, and Samsung. By integrating category management with our digital experience and marketing teams, we gain deeper insights into our customers' needs, enabling swifter, better‑informed decisions. You'll have the chance to engage directly with some of the world's biggest brands, working alongside trading, marketing, and customer experience teams within our wider Retail group. Your experience may stem from buying, merchandising, stock planning or a related field.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end‑to‑end product set‑up, through to go live and trading.
  • Create line‑level product forecasts and order requirements in response to performance and stock holding to maximise both availability and stock efficiency.
  • Manage stock through critical‑path management, progression and replenishment while identifying where price/promotional activity is required.
  • Act on pricing tools (e.g. Revisionics) to find matches and make pricing recommendations.
  • May be involved in sourcing new suppliers or brands, with ownership of range building, forecasting, trading and promo activity.
  • Produce ad‑hoc reports for the wider category.

About you

  • Experience in retail merchandising and/or buying.
  • Strong Excel and numerical skills.
  • Ability to analyse and communicate insights clearly.
  • Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
  • Collaborative approach and relationship‑building ability.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Benefits

  • Flexible, hybrid working model.
  • Inclusive culture and environment.
  • £250 flexible benefits allowance.
  • 27 days holiday + bank holidays.
  • Udemy learning access.
  • Bonus potential (performance and business-related).
  • Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk.
  • Matched pension up to 6%.
  • More benefits can be found on our career site.

EEO Statement

We're building a culture of everyday inclusion and welcome applications from anyone who believes they can do the job. We don't discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, interview, or perform a role, let us know via talentacquisition@theverygroup.com. We'll be happy to support you. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have nine colleague networks – including DAWN (Disability Awareness at Very) and Think (Neurodiversity at Very) – that help us make Very an even more inclusive place to work.

Category Assistant employer: The Very Group

At Very, we are dedicated to helping families get more out of life, and we extend that commitment to our employees by fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment. As a Category Assistant in our Technology department, you'll have the opportunity to engage with leading global brands while enjoying a wealth of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a flexible benefits package, and access to continuous learning through Udemy. Our culture prioritises collaboration and personal growth, making Very an exceptional place for ambitious individuals looking to thrive in their careers.
The Very Group

Contact Detail:

The Very Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Very or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the brands you'll be working with, like Microsoft and Google. Show us you know your stuff and can bring valuable insights to the table!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your Excel skills! Since strong numerical skills are key for the Category Assistant role, brush up on your data analysis and reporting abilities to impress us during the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and benefits we offer, making it easier for you to take the next step in your career.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant

Retail Merchandising
Buying
Stock Planning
Excel
Numerical Skills
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Collaboration
Relationship-Building
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Forecasting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Assistant role. Highlight your experience in retail merchandising or buying, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for. This helps us see why you’d be a great fit!

Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your proficiency. Mention any specific projects or tasks where you've used Excel to analyse data or create forecasts. We love seeing those numbers in action!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-organised application that gets straight to the good stuff!

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, you can check out more about our culture and benefits while you’re there!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Very Group

✨Know Your Brands

Before the interview, do your homework on the brands you'll be working with, like Microsoft, Google, and Samsung. Understand their products, recent news, and how they fit into the retail landscape. This will show your enthusiasm and help you connect your experience to their needs.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Since the role requires strong Excel and numerical skills, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. Bring along any relevant reports or analyses you've done to demonstrate your ability to analyse data and communicate insights clearly.

✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit

This position involves working closely with various teams, so emphasise your collaborative approach. Share stories about how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you’ve worked together to achieve common goals. This will illustrate that you're a team player who can thrive in their environment.

✨Prepare Questions About Flexibility and Growth

Since Very values flexibility and personal growth, think of questions that reflect your interest in these areas. Ask about opportunities for learning and development, or how the company supports work-life balance. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within the company.

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