Category Assistant - (Oral & Sanpro and NPD: Confectionary)

Clicks Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 220,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking a permanent Category Assistant in Cape Town. This role involves managing critical buying processes, supporting product performance analyses, and ensuring effective communication with vendors and stores. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and retail administrative experience.

Qualifications

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail or similar required.
• 3-6 months experience in administrative retail is essential.
• Basic knowledge of buying and planning principles expected.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support the Merchandise critical paths.
• Liaise with stores and vendors regarding queries.
• Administer product database and ensure accurate listings.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time Management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management or similar

Tools

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Listing reference: click_020549

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 8 July 2025

Position Summary

Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade

Job category: Merchandising

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

About Our Company

Clicks Group

Introduction

We are looking to recruit a permanent Category Assistant. The role will be based in Cape Town and will report to the NPD Buyer.

Job Description

To maximise the efficiency of the departments' buying processes by ensuring effective communication and administration. Providing analytical support into product performance, promotional sell through, range reviews and category performance

Job Objectives

• Administratively manage and support all aspects of the Merchandise critical paths, e.g., accurate new lines listing, product development process, tracking promotions and sign-off with the buyer, loading and maintaining Co-Ops, imports, Letter of Authority’s and new store openings.
• To liaise with stores and vendors with regards to pricing queries, product availability, promotions and action these requests or issues timeously.
• To co-ordinate internal marketing activities (including ClubCard) and to manage the control and review of marketing and omni-channel samples, images and pricing of promoted items, both internally (BTB, Club card, Red-line, Brand Managers) and externally (vendors).
• To prepare and complete the Merchandising manual for sign off by Buyers as per the Buyers brief.
• To obtain the supplier confirmation and submit TEM Bill backs to maintain and improve the profitability of the category.
• Weekly analysis of new product launches within category against Key Performance Indicators to provide key insights for scorecard and key reporting functions i.e. outstanding order reports, promotions sell through etc.
• To assist in ensuring speed to market in listing new products by timeously submitting accurate new line forms and cost and sell price information to the relevant teams.
• To administer and maintain the product database, e.g. listing products, vendors, product status etc.
• To co-ordinate and track supplier in-store promotion/product activation process.
• To manage general office administration (filing, account queries, minute taking) and ad hoc duties as required by the department.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Education

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management or similar (Essential)
  
  

Job Experience

• 3-6 months administrative retail experience (Essential)/ or successful completion of a Merchandise Graduate Programme.
• Previous experience as a category assistant
• Previous experience working with critical paths and project deadlines
  
  

Job Related Knowledge

• 3- 6 months’ administrative process' (Essential)
• Knowledge of buying and planning principles – 1 year (Essential)
• Knowledge of query resolution
  
  

Job Related Skills

• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Competency in all computer packages, i.e. Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
• Time Management
• Planning and Organising
• Decision making
• Verbal and written communication
  
  

Job Related Competencies

• Persuading and Influencing
• Analysing
• Learning and Researching
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
• Adhering to Principlse and Values
• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
• Following Instructions and Procedures