Category Assistant

To provide administrative and operational support to the trading and category team. This role is accountable for maintaining data accuracy, supporting promotional execution, managing compliance documentation, and enabling strategic focus through operational support.

In this role you will ensure the smooth running of day to day administrative & operational tasks, be responsible for timely & accurate data management, alongside effective internal & external communication.

• Ensure accurate and timely system entry of pricing, promotions, and range data. 
• Maintain catalogue integrity and support promotional execution across wholesale channels. 
• Manage compliance data and trading support documentation to uphold operational excellence. 
• Enable trading teams to focus on strategic delivery by owning administrative workflows
• Pro-actively manage & resolve payment or invoicing issues in line with agreed SLAs
• Work closely with the Wholesale Buying Analyst & Wholesale Buying Manager to accurately load Promotions to the system
• Track & monitor critical path timelines ensuring any risks are flagged to the Buying team as necessary
• Collate monthly turnover forecasts from suppliers, raising any invoices for income
• Accurately load commercial Terms onto relevant systems as & when they are agreed
• Ensure pro-active internal & external communication, ensuring key stakeholders remain updated regarding key activity & tasks
• Assist with the preparation of documents, reports & data to support the buying team
• Attend relevant internal & external meetings to build knowledge & awareness of your respective category buying areas, representing the business in line with agreed expectations at all times
• Respond to daily issues as they arise, prioritising workload to ensure tasks are completed in a timely & proficient manner 
• Maintain a robust understanding of legal, regulatory & compliance requirements including GSCOP
• Develop a competent understanding of relevant business processes & procedures
• Attend training on new processes or ways of working, embed this within the team, and ensure timely completion of any E-learning modules 

• Forging relationships – building trusted connections to support colleagues and stakeholders. 
• Inspirational communicator – engaging others through clear and professional communication. 
• Co-operation – working collaboratively to create a supportive and respectful environment. 
• Personal growth – continuously developing your skills to benefit yourself and the team. 

• Team Player - builds strong internal & external relationships cross-functionally, working cooperatively to deliver results, providing a positive contribution to the team 
• Attention to Detail - demonstrates a consistent level of accuracy in all work to prevent business errors 
• Resilience & Adaptability - enjoys working in a fast paced retail environment, adapting to changes in workload & tasks, prioritising according to business need
• Effective Communicator - communicates in a timely, pro-active & professional manner at all times
• Customer & Member Focus - understands the importance of our Co-op Customers & Members, acknowledging the critical role you play in Customer & Member satisfaction
• Highly proficient usage of systems
• Data literate with excellent attention to detail
• Analytical mindset with good problem-solving abilities
• Ability to thrive in fast paced retail environment
• Proactive mindset, anticipating problems early and taking action to resolve any issues
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise tasks as they arrive
• Good communicator with the ability to influence internal & external stakeholders