Category Assistant (Sports & Slimming)

Introduction

• We are looking to recruit a permanent Category Assistant to maximise the efficiency of the Merchandise department's buying processes by providing effective administrative, communication, and analytical support.
• The role supports product performance monitoring, promotional execution, range reviews, category performance reporting, supplier coordination, and the maintenance of merchandising systems and processes to ensure operational excellence and speed to market. 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

Merchandise Administration

• Provide administrative support across all Merchandise critical path activities.
• Accurately process new product listings and maintain product information adding it to the Buy-Plans.
• Loading Promotions onto JDA.
• Track promotions and obtain Buyer approvals and signoffs.
• Load and maintain Co-op agreements
• Maintain accurate product, vendor, and product status information within relevant systems. Supplier & Store Co-ordination

Supplier & Store

• Liaise with suppliers and stores regarding pricing queries, product availability, and promotional activities.
• Resolve supplier and store queries efficiently and within agreed timelines.
• Obtain supplier confirmations and process TEM Bill Backs to improve category profitability before promotions start.
• Able to do monthly store visits.

Marketing & Promotional Support

• Loading of promotional campaigns & Club Card initiatives on JDA, ticket sign offs for promotions.
• Manage promotional samples, images, pricing, and marketing content for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage samples, images and listing content for the Omni Team.
• Assist in the leaflet sign-off process.
• Doing till point checks prior to promotions going live.

Product Listing Administration

• Ensure accurate and timely submission of new line forms.
• Co-Ordinate samples for New Line Meetings.
• Verify cost and selling price information with the suppliers before submission to relevant business units.
• Support initiatives that improve speed to market for new products.

General Administration

• Manage departmental filing and document control.
• Record meeting minutes and distribute action items.
• Resolve administrative queries.
• Perform general office administration and ad hoc duties as required.

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
• 6 -12 months' administrative experience within a retail or FMCG environment; or

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
• An understanding of Sports Supplements and Health Foods products
• Passion for the Sports industry

Key Performance Indicators KPIs

• Accuracy of new product listings.
• Timely completion of Merchandise critical path activities.
• Accuracy of promotional pricing and product information.
• Turnaround time for supplier and store query resolution.
• Timely submission of new line documentation.
• Product database accuracy and maintenance.
• Promotional sell-through reporting accuracy.
• Supplier documentation processed within agreed service levels.
• Compliance with merchandising and administrative procedures.

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