Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food

As an Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food at Accor, your pivotal role involves understanding customer needs and trends in non-food consumables. You'll contribute to defining product assortments and help manage our procurement marketplace. Your responsibility will extend to compiling and analyzing supplier contract data, leading to effective supplier negotiations and performance assessments.

To qualify for the Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food position at Accor, you'll ideally have an interest in sustainable sourcing and category management. A background in business-related fields and a passion for environmental issues will be advantageous as well. Commitment and motivation to thrive in a dynamic, international environment are crucial.

The main responsibilities of an Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food at Accor include understanding customer needs, contributing to product assortments, compiling supplier data, participating in supplier contract negotiations, and assessing supplier performance regarding environmental and social governance standards.

Applying for the Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food position at Accor opens the door to significant career growth within a leading hospitality group. You'll gain hands-on experience in procurement strategies, work in a multinational team, and benefit from numerous talent development opportunities, making this an invaluable step in your professional journey.

As an Apprentice – Junior Category Manager Non-Food at Accor, you can expect a vibrant, hybrid work environment that combines both office and remote work. You'll collaborate with a diverse, multicultural team and engage in meaningful corporate social responsibility activities, all while contributing to our mission of innovative and responsible hospitality.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for sustainable practices and the hospitality industry. Discuss your eagerness to learn about impactful procurement strategies and how your values align with Accor's commitment to responsible sourcing.

In your response, describe category management as an organizational strategy focused on planning and managing product assortments based on customer preferences and market trends. You can also mention your interest in using this understanding to enhance Accor's non-food procurement efforts.

Explain that assessing a supplier's environmental performance involves reviewing their sustainability practices, certifications like Clé Verte or Green Globe, and analyzing their decarbonization strategies. Emphasize your commitment to responsible sourcing and improving supplier relationships.

Choose an example from your past experiences, whether academic or work-related. Explain how you collected and analyzed relevant data, and detail how your findings influenced the decision-making process in a positive manner.

Share your methods for staying informed, such as following industry publications, engaging in online forums, and utilizing networking opportunities. Highlight your proactive approach toward sustainability.

Discuss essential skills like analytical thinking, effective communication, relationship management, and a solid understanding of procurement processes. Highlight how these skills would enable you to contribute effectively to the Accor team.

Provide a framework for your task prioritization, such as assessing urgency, importance, and deadlines. Offer a past example where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities, emphasizing your organizational skills.

Describe your approach to conflict resolution, focusing on open communication, understanding the supplier's concerns, and working collaboratively to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Share a specific experience where you collaborated with a diverse team, focusing on how you navigated cultural differences and utilized each member's strengths to achieve a common goal.

Discuss challenges like balancing cost management with sustainability goals, adapting to regulatory changes, or keeping pace with rapidly evolving consumer preferences. Show your understanding of the complexities of the role and how you're prepared to tackle them.