Trainee Category Manager - #1127263

Reporting to the Senior Category Manager, you will support the development and implementation of strategic plans for assigned categories within a structured category management framework. The role aims to achieve the company’s financial and business objectives by improving market share, customer satisfaction, and overall productivity.

You will provide administrative and analytical support to the team, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to management. This role requires close coordination with suppliers, operations, and marketing to ensure smooth execution of product listings, pricing, and promotional activities.

Principal Accountabilities

Category Management

• Achieve sales, profit, and income goals for assigned categories through continuous market trend analysis.

• Develop strategies to grow market share and strengthen category positioning.

• Plan and execute promotional initiatives to drive excitement and incremental store sales.

• Implement effective placement and planogram strategies to optimize turnover and enhance customer shopping experience.

• Formulate and execute competitive pricing strategies that deliver strong value propositions to customers.

• Maintain robust inventory management processes to ensure optimal product mix, minimize shrinkage, and align with customer needs.

E-Commerce and Atrium Support

• Drive e-commerce category sales and support atrium or site activation activities to strengthen category visibility and overall business performance.

• Support the development and execution of e-commerce strategies to achieve sales objectives.

• Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of atrium, site activation, and other marketing activities to reinforce category awareness and brand presence.

• Collaborate with Marketing team, Operations and vendors to ensure cohesive, consistent, and timely execution of all promotional and category initiatives.

Administrative and Analytical Support

• Prepare store bulletins and letters of authorization for vendors.

• Generate sales reports and performance analyses for the Merchandise managers and Category Managers.

• Consolidate and manage promotion listings, including securing vendor support and updating promotional tools.

• Prepare presentation materials for BMO meetings.

• Able to work with tight timelines, especially during promotional periods or major campaigns.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management or a related field.

• 1–3 years of experience in category management, merchandising, buying, retail operations, or FMCG environment.

Technical / Functional Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and customer insights.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Table) and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations.

• Familiarity with planograms, category planning, or pricing strategy is a plus.

• Able to coordinate cross-functional activities involving suppliers, operations, and marketing teams.