At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Category Controller, analysing data and creating stunning displays for greeting cards.
- Company: UK Greetings is a leading publisher of greeting cards, dedicated to making life’s moments special.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, employee discounts, and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values innovation and celebrates diversity in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: We're looking for self-motivated individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for data analysis.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to work closely with teams in the UK and ANZ.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for retail? What about working with bright, creative, dynamic, and constantly evolving greeting card and gift wrap products? We have a fantastic opportunity for a Category Controller to join our John Sands Strategic Account Team. Working on one of the largest variety retailers in Australia and a leading account for John Sands, you will be pivotal in helping the business drive forwards our Celebrations strategies.
This role will involve working closely with John Sands UK and Australia product management teams and national account retailers in the Australia / New Zealand markets to help create assortments and opportunities to drive retail sales and productivity in the ANZ markets.
Who are we looking for? Are you self-motivated and keen to develop in a Company that puts people first? Do you have excellent communication skills and a passion for data analysis? If so, then this could be the role for you!
This is an exciting role with a true mix of both the science of data analysis and the art of display planning. We are searching for someone who will ideally possess a creative flair and a very keen eye for detail. A flexible approach, along with the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities, to meet strict deadlines in a demanding retail environment, are an absolute must in this role.
Key activities & responsibilities include:
- Your key focus of responsibility will be the analysis of item and module level performance, leading to recommendations for, and creation of exceptional greeting card and gift dressings displays.
- You will work closely with our John Sands national account managers and retail partners to develop the best strategy, range, and implementation for our category, whilst keeping a sharp focus on the cost benefit analysis of driving change.
- Along with regular, close communication with a wide range of internal departments in the UK and ANZ, the role involves a broad variety of activities and responsibilities, focused on delivering category management best practice to our accounts.
- Analysis and interpretation of data to make recommendations for our category and drive sales and productivity within your account.
- Project management of all year round and seasonal activity. Liaising with internal operational teams and the retailer to manage strict adherence to critical date paths.
- Working closely with Product Management & Business Information teams to make assortment recommendations to ensure the account receives the most appropriate product ranges.
- Regular communication with the National Account Manager, CDS, Customer Operations and Product Management teams on the needs of the account.
- Display Planning, including visual merchandising where necessary.
- An awareness and understanding of competitive and product trends in the ANZ markets.
For the right candidate, there are distinct opportunities for autonomy within the role. The Company operates in a hybrid working model to support work-life balance (Tuesday and Wednesdays are our core office days). Head Office is based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
If you believe that you have what it takes to make a difference in this role, apply today.
Here at UK Greetings we take pride in being an inclusive and diverse employer - we are dedicated and committed to building a culture where difference is valued and everyone is able to fulfil their potential at work regardless of their background.
Among the great benefits of working at UK Greetings are:
- Hybrid Working, working from home and our Dewsbury offices with flexibility around start and finish times
- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Free onsite parking at Head Office sites
- Employee discount shop
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- Development opportunities; offering qualifications from Level 3 to 7
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee wellbeing support including Mental Health First Aiders
- Employee Recognition scheme
So if you have a passion for greeting cards and celebrations product and would love to be part of a talented team, you’re in the right place!
Category Controller (John Sands) employer: UK Greetings
Contact Detail:
UK Greetings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller (John Sands)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in greeting cards and gift wrap products. Understanding what’s popular in the market will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and category management sectors, especially those who have experience in the ANZ markets. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive sales in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how your recommendations led to successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the Category Controller position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creative flair by preparing a mock display plan or assortment strategy that aligns with the company's product offerings. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller (John Sands)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail and data analysis. Emphasise any previous roles where you've worked with product management or category control, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and how it aligns with the role of Category Controller. Mention specific examples of how your skills in data analysis and display planning can contribute to the company's Celebrations strategies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to liaise effectively with various teams. Highlight any experience you have in project management or working under pressure.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with UK Greetings and their products. Understanding their market position and recent developments will help you tailor your application and show genuine interest in the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Greetings
✨Show Your Passion for Retail
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the retail industry during the interview. Share specific examples of how your passion has driven your previous work, especially in areas related to greeting cards or gift products.
✨Demonstrate Data Analysis Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis. Bring examples of how you've used data to make recommendations or drive sales in past roles, as this is a key aspect of the Category Controller position.
✨Highlight Your Creative Flair
Since the role involves display planning and visual merchandising, be ready to showcase your creative side. Discuss any relevant projects where you’ve successfully combined creativity with strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully managed tight deadlines or shifting demands in a retail environment.