Category Assistant - Major Domestic Appliances

As a Category Assistant at The Very Group, you will manage relationships with major brands like Indesit, Bosch, and Hoover, ensuring their products perform well in a competitive market. Your responsibilities will include analyzing category performance, reviewing KPIs, and managing forecasts to maximize stock availability. You'll work cross-functionally with teams across the business, contributing to marketing and pricing strategies while supporting the category's growth objectives.

To qualify for the Category Assistant position at The Very Group, candidates should have strong experience with MS Excel and preferably previous experience in a merchandising or analytical head office role. The ideal candidate should also display creativity, drive, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. A passion for the retail industry and a keen understanding of commercial dynamics will be beneficial in this role.

The Very Group is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Category Assistants. In this role, you will have opportunities to own a supplier or product type, enhancing your trading skills and commercial knowledge. You'll work alongside experienced professionals who are eager to share insights and best practices, ensuring that you can advance your career while contributing to the team's success.

As a Category Assistant focusing on Major Domestic Appliances at The Very Group, you will work closely with renowned brands such as Indesit, Bosch, and Hoover. This role gives you the chance to build and cultivate relationships with these key suppliers, optimizing their product launches and negotiating deals, which are crucial for your category's success.

The Very Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Category Assistants, which includes a flexible hybrid working model, a generous holiday allowance, and discounts on their products. Additionally, employees can enjoy a £250 flexible benefits allowance, a private pension matched at 6%, and potential bonuses based on performance. These offerings reflect The Very Group's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment.

When prioritizing tasks as a Category Assistant, it's important to focus on deadlines and the potential impact on category performance. I recommend creating a to-do list, categorizing tasks based on urgency, and always communicating with team members to align priorities. This method enables me to balance daily demands while contributing effectively to long-term goals.

In my previous roles, I have extensively used MS Excel and other analytical tools to interpret data. For example, I track sales performance metrics, analyze trends, and identify opportunities for improvement. In the Category Assistant role at The Very Group, I would apply my analytical skills to assess category performance, forecast demand, and ensure we meet our KPIs.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with brands involves consistent communication and transparency. I would schedule regular check-ins to discuss performance, gather feedback, and address any concerns. Additionally, collaborating on marketing efforts and promotions helps strengthen these partnerships, ensuring both parties benefit from the relationship.

To understand competitor activity, I would monitor their marketing strategies, pricing, and product launches regularly. Utilizing market research tools and competitor analysis reports would also help me gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge allows me to make informed decisions on our category’s strategy and identify opportunities to enhance our competitive edge.

I believe that the most important KPIs for a Category Assistant include sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction metrics. These indicators not only gauge category success but also influence strategic decisions in inventory management and promotional planning. Regularly monitoring these KPIs helps ensure we are meeting our financial goals and delivering value to our customers.

In my previous role, I encountered a scenario where a major product launch was moved up unexpectedly. Working under pressure, I quickly reassessed our inventory, coordinated with suppliers, and aligned our marketing efforts to ensure a successful launch. I found that staying organized and focused during high-pressure situations enhanced my problem-solving skills and ultimately led to a positive outcome.

I view feedback and criticism as essential components of personal and professional growth. When receiving constructive feedback, I take the time to reflect on it and develop a plan for improvement. This approach not only helps me learn from my mistakes but also strengthens my relationships with peers and managers, as they see my commitment to continuous improvement.

To ensure efficient product setup, I would first familiarize myself with the process and establish clear timelines for each step. Collaboration with the category team and using organized checklists would help streamline the process. I would also anticipate potential roadblocks and proactively address them to minimize delays, ensuring that setup is complete before launch deadlines.

I am motivated by the desire to contribute positively to my team and the business as a whole. The prospect of driving category growth and maximizing opportunities excites me. Furthermore, I am passionate about developing my skills, learning from colleagues, and being part of a collaborative environment where everyone aims for success.

My strong analytical skills, combined with my experience in merchandising and my ability to build meaningful relationships, make me an excellent fit for the Category Assistant role at The Very Group. I am eager to leverage my knowledge and enthusiasm for retail to contribute to the company’s growth while continually developing my capabilities in this dynamic industry.