Category Assistant (Household H/W & Stationery) at Clicks Group

Introduction

• We are looking to recruit a permanent Category Assistant. The role will be based in Cape Town and will report to the Category Manager.

Job description

• To maximise the efficiency of the departments' buying processes by ensuring effective communication and administration. Providing analytical support into product performance, promotional sell through, range reviews and category performance

Job Objectives:         

• Administratively manage and support all aspects of the Merchandise critical paths, e.g., accurate new lines listing, product development process, sign-off with the buyer, loading and maintaining Co-Ops, imports.
• Administratively manage and support all aspects of the New Product development processes which includes New line listings, RAG process, packaging briefs, product status changes, photographs for planograms and online.
• To co-ordinate internal marketing activities (including ClubCard) and to manage the control and review of marketing and omni-channel samples, images and pricing of promoted items, both internally (BTB, Club card, Red-line, Brand Managers) and externally (vendors).
• To prepare and complete the Merchandising manual for sign off by Buyers as per the Buyers brief.
• To obtain the supplier confirmation and submit TEM Bill backs to maintain and improve the profitability of the category.
• Weekly analysis of new product launches within category against Key Performance Indicators to provide key insights for scorecard and key reporting functions i.e. outstanding order reports, promotions sell through etc.
• To assist in ensuring speed to market in listing new products by timeously submitting accurate new line forms and cost and sell price information to the relevant teams.
• To administer and maintain the product database, e.g. listing products, vendors, product status etc.
• To co-ordinate and track supplier in-store promotion/product activation process.
• To manage and co-ordinate the 18 month plan thus ensuring that all projects are on track.  This includes supplier follow ups, Technical follow ups, Trafficking of Artwork and signatures of all documentation along the process.

Minimum requirements

Education

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management or similar (Essential)

Job Experience

• 3-6 months administrative retail experience (Essential)/ or successful completion of a Merchandise Graduate Programme.
• Previous experience as a category assistant
• Previous experience working with critical paths and project deadlines

Job Related Knowledge

• 3- 6 months’ administrative process' (Essential)
• Knowledge of buying and planning principles – 1 year (Essential)
• Knowledge of query resolution

Job Related Skills

• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Competency in all computer packages, i.e. Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
• Time Management
• Planning and Organising
• Decision making
• Verbal and written communication

Job Related Competencies

• Persuading and Influencing
• Analysing
• Learning and Researching
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
• Adhering to Principlse and Values
• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
• Following Instructions and Procedures