Category Assistant

SUMMARY:
Our Client is looking for a Category Assistant to join their team

POSITION INFO:
Location: Woodmead, Johannesburg Role Description The Category Assistant provides operational, analytical and administrative support to Brand Managers to ensure the effective management and growth of retail categories. The role involves monitoring sales performance, margins and overall category performance, while supporting vendor engagements, marketing initiatives and promotional activities through data preparation, reporting and coordination. The position also supports the brand management function through pricing administration, promotional setups, product maintenance and performance reporting. Responsibilities Brand Performance Monitoring Monitor brand performance across sales and margins against targets. Identify and report performance variances to Brand Management. Provide administrative and operational support to Brand Managers. Assist with pricing administration, including JABs, pricing updates and promotional pricing setups. Maintain accurate product and pricing information within internal systems. Assist with maintaining product listings and supplier documentation Data & Reporting Support Compile and maintain brand reports using internal retail data and external market data. Prepare and maintain category dashboards. Analyse sales trends, margins and brand performance. Highlight key performance trends and variances for management review Marketing & Promotional Support Coordinate category promotions and marketing campaigns. Manage promotional calendars and monitor promotional timelines. Report on promotional performance, sales uplift and sell-through. Ensure promotions align with vendor agreements and brand plans. Conduct final promotional checks to ensure accuracy before go-live. Vendor & Supplier Engagement Support Assist Brand Managers with preparation for vendor meetings. Support vendor performance tracking and reporting. Liaise with vendors to ensure accurate product, pricing and promotional information. Assist with maintaining supplier records and documentation. Key Competencies & Skills Strong organisational and administrative skills. Understanding of retail pricing processes and promotional administration. Strong analytical and reporting skills. Effective communication and stakeholder coordination skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High attention to detail and accuracy. Good problem-solving and time-management abilities. Education & Experience Degree in Commerce, Economics, Business Analytics or a related field; OR Minimum of 2 years' experience in a retail, FMCG, beauty or analytical role. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Performance Tracking Accurate monitoring of promotional performance. Tracking promotional sell-through and sales uplift. Monitoring brand sales and margin performance against targets. Promotional Process Management On-time delivery of promotional timelines. Accurate coordination and administration of promotional activities. Effective communication of promotional requirements and deadlines. Promotional Auditing Final cross-check of all promotional lines loaded and executed before go-live. Ensuring promotional pricing and product information are accurate. Minimising promotional loading errors and discrepancies Reporting & Administration Timely and accurate submission of category reports. Accurate maintenance of product and pricing information. Effective administrative support to Brand Managers