At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category management and supplier relationships in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, founded to disrupt the market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and more.
- Other info: Fast-moving role with genuine ownership and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and gain direct access to the Founder and Senior Leadership Team.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in consulting, banking, or high-growth retail; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Nine Elms, London, Full-time
About Zapp
Zapp is London's leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world's leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
About the Role
This is a high-energy role for someone who wants to get into the engine of a fast-scaling retail business and make a real mark quickly. In this role, you will sit within Zapp's Category Management team, which owns the full product range: what we sell, who we buy it from, what we pay for it and how it performs. You will work directly alongside the Director and the Founder's Office on the projects that matter most. You will not be given a narrow task list. Depending on where the team needs most, you may own specific categories outright: managing the range, running the supplier relationships and being accountable for the commercial performance of that space. The ideal profile has come out of banking, consulting or a high-growth environment, or has built real commercial experience as a buyer or category manager at a high-performing retailer or e-commerce business. What matters is that you think clearly, move fast and take ownership. This role is a clear pathway into a Category Management leadership position at Zapp.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Analysis and Insight: Build analysis that drives real ranging, pricing and negotiation decisions: category performance reviews, margin deep-dives, competitor benchmarking and trend identification. Translate data from Zapp's internal systems into clear, actionable recommendations that the team can move on quickly. Own the category reporting cadence: weekly performance packs, supplier scorecards and range health dashboards.
- Category and Supplier Ownership: Own specific categories end-to-end: managing the range, running supplier relationships and being accountable for the commercial performance of that space. Lead supplier meetings and negotiations for your categories, building the commercial cases and driving the outcomes independently. Manage the ranging process for owned categories: from market scouting and NPD identification through to onboarding, launch and in-life performance tracking. Track supplier compliance against agreed terms and resolve issues directly, escalating only where genuinely needed.
- Project Ownership: Lead discrete commercial projects from scoping to delivery: category reviews, new product launches, promotional programmes and cross-functional initiatives. Work across Marketing, Operations, Product and Finance to coordinate delivery and keep projects on track without being chased. Prepare materials for leadership reviews, Founder meetings and partner engagements.
- Day-to-Day Execution: Get into the detail of the business: understand how the range is performing, where the gaps are and what needs to move. Spot inefficiencies in how the team operates and propose improvements with a clear rationale and a bias for action. Be the person who picks up the hard problem and solves it before being asked twice.
What We're Looking For
- 2-4 years of experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, VC/PE, a high-growth start-up, or a buying or category management role at a high-performing retailer or e-commerce business.
- Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data; SQL is a plus but not required.
- A clear communicator who can write a tight brief, build a compelling slide and hold a room in a supplier meeting.
- Highly organised and self-directed: you manage your own workload, hit your deadlines and do not need to be followed up.
- An instinct for commercial problems and a drive to resolve them, not just document them.
- Any exposure to buying, supplier negotiation or category management is a strong plus.
- Curiosity about AI and automation tools and how they can be applied to commercial work; hands-on experience using AI to improve analysis, reporting or workflows is a strong plus.
- Familiarity with Looker or other BI tools is a strong advantage.
- Exposure to retail, grocery or consumer goods is a bonus.
Benefits
This is a genuinely differentiated opportunity: direct access to the Founder and Senior Leadership Team of one of London's most ambitious retail platforms, with real ownership of a function that sits at the core of the business. Your work will be visible, consequential and fast-moving. We also offer:
- Competitive salary & equity package
- 25 days holiday per year (plus all bank holidays)
- Private Health Insurance
- Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay
- Cycle to work scheme
Associate, Founder's Office (Category Management) employer: Zapp
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Nine Elms, London, where innovation meets convenience retail. Employees enjoy direct access to the Founder and Senior Leadership Team, fostering a culture of ownership and rapid career progression within a fast-scaling business. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits, Zapp is committed to supporting its team members both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Founder's Office (Category Management)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Zapp. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Zapp's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our vision of disrupting the convenience retail market. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We want to see that you can translate numbers into actionable insights, just like you'll need to do at Zapp.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Zapp team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Founder's Office (Category Management)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and Zapp shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about joining our fast-paced team and making a real impact in the convenience retail space.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Focus on your analytical skills, commercial experience, and any exposure to category management or supplier negotiations. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be clear and concise, and don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive results.
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 proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Numbers
Since this role involves a lot of commercial analysis, brush up on your data skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Think about specific examples where your analysis led to tangible outcomes.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Zapp values curiosity, especially regarding AI and automation tools. Come ready to discuss any relevant experiences you have with these technologies. If you’ve used AI to improve processes or analysis, share those stories—they’ll show your innovative side!
✨Be Ready to Take Ownership
This position requires a proactive mindset. Prepare to talk about times when you took the lead on projects or solved problems independently. Highlight your ability to manage supplier relationships and how you’ve navigated challenges in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present a brief or lead a mock supplier meeting, so being able to convey your ideas effectively will set you apart.
