Category Assistant

The Category Assistant is responsible for taking a product through its journey from its original source right through to it being put onto the shelves in store.

TITLE: Category Assistant

 REPORTS TO: Category Manager

 LOCATION: Head Office, Chaguanas

 TYPE: Full-Time

Position Overview

Excellent Stores Limited is seeking a driven Category Assistant to support the Category Manager in ensuring our product lines are the number one choice for our customers. The Category Assistant will be responsible for taking an item/product through its journey from its original source, anywhere in the world, right through to it being put onto the shelves in one of our stores. With day-to-day responsibilities including liaising with suppliers, creating information for product marketing, understanding what our customers want, and assisting in monitoring product performance and replenishment, this role offers valuable exposure to the Retail world.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand overall category functions and strategies and ensure targets are met.Maintain the product database and ensure information is recorded/edited accurately, ensuring that the integrity of data is maintained at all times.
• Assist Category Manager in New Supplier/Product set up processes.
• Perform daily maintenance, including but not limited to, generating purchase orders, confirmations, tracking orders with vendors, updating vendor listing, etc.Create items, input costs/price changes, bar codes, units of measure and all relevant item updates before uploading to item cards.
• Make recommendations based on product declines/increases to ensure movement of stock and allocation of merchandise to stores.
• Continuously liaise with vendors and stores to ensure accurate inventory data.
• Optimize inventory levels by analyzing purchase orders on time and at the appropriate quantities, aligning as needed with demand planning in order to achieve company targets.
• Coordinate replenishment process to ensure stores are always fully stocked.
• Collaborate with Operations, Warehouse and the Category Manager to determine item forecasts and maintain appropriate item inventory levels.
• Coordinate ordering for seasonal and promotional programmes such as back-to-school, Christmas etc.
• Visit all stores as necessary to assist with the proper merchandising of goods.
• Maintain and establish relationships with key contacts and suppliers.
• Work with the Marketing department to coordinate in store promotional campaigns as directed by Category Manager, ensuring that accurate categories are enabled for specific promotions.
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Job Requirements:

Knowledge/Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Business, Technology, Marketing, or other related field.
• Minimum five (5) O’Level passes, Math and English mandatory.
• Technically savvy.  Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, advanced knowledge in MS-Excel. 
• Experience with MS Dynamics NAV or other Enterprise Resource Planning tool is considered an asset. 
• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar environment or analytical/administrative role.  Experience in retail industry is strongly preferred.

 Competencies:

• Customer relationship management skills.
• Strong interpersonal / communication skills.
• Proven analytical / methodical / problem solving skills.
• Accurate, detail oriented and ensures the integrity of data is maintained.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Willing to work flexible days and hours, and visit stores as necessary.