JOB TITLE: Category Planner - GM Hardlines  

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

With areas such as Party & Celebrations, Seasonal Events and Toys included, it is an exciting area for an ambitious Category Planning to join the team.  

You will co-ordinate the category planning activity for the Category through collaboratively working with the Trading team, Brand and Marketing teams to ensure that we understand what our customers want, using Insight, Market Data and competitor analysis. Helping to assist the development of Category Strategies to meet and exceed these needs to deliver competitive advantage and therefore, drive sales. 

WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR: 

Reporting to the Category Planning Manager you will be involved in the strategy process to drive growth and develop joint marketing plans with key suppliers and the traders. You will: 
 

• Support the trading team with actionable insight 
• Support the provision of specific category customer and market insight on a weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual basis to understand our customer and maintain competitive advantage 
• Support the Category Planning Manager on the management of key supplier spend in collaboration with the trading teams and AMP. Measuring ROI to make informed decisions for future campaigns 

• Work closely with key stakeholders in the corporate marketing team to cascade our strategy and create a compelling customer marketing plan 
• Project co-ordination of marketing walkarounds, showcases and conferences 
• Create category plans to support and drive seasonal events and promotions though best in class marketing execution at the shelf edge 
• Understand the competitor activity in your category and make recommendations to the trading team to do the right thing for the customer 
• Marketing budget management for TPA and supplier monetisation 

ABOUT YOU: 

The ideal candidate will be passionate about doing what is right for the customer and have a ‘can do' attitude. The breadth of the category & level of change, presents a varied & challenging opportunity for a strong Category Planner able to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks and communicate at all levels. 

Key Relationships withing the role: 

Trading Teams, Corporate Marketing & Customer Insights teams, Suppliers, Retail Operations, Store Proposition, Merchandising, GHS & George.com 

Key skills 

• Analytical & Numerate 
• Strong communication & presentation skills 
• Project management skills and work on your own initiative  
• Effective negotiation skills and experience of stakeholder management 

• Experience of budget management 
• Experience of Insight and Market Data analysis 
• Confidence using PowerPoint and Excel 
• Great team player and ability to work cross functionally