About this role
<div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">About the Role</H2> </div><div><p>The Category Planner will create sales driving, data led, customer-oriented planograms and range distribution summaries for all categories in the c70 Retail Stores and c90 Coffee & Bakery units.</p> <p>SSP is on the category planning journey, and as such, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced Category Planner to help shape the way forward, working closely with the multiple cross-functional stakeholders.</p> <p>Additionally, the Category Planner will support planogram compliance, develop Distribution Matrixes, create bespoke plans, assist in-stores and further down the line, will develop planograms for our exciting Bars and Casual Dining channel.</p> <p>This is an exciting time to step into Category Planning with SSP to develop this area of specialism.</p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What you'll be doing:</H2> </div><div><ul> <li>Create and own the development and maintenance of sales driving planograms using a planogram software package</li> <li>Maximise planogram efficiency whilst minimising operational complexity and maximising customer ease of purchasing decision</li> <li>Utilise Range Review outputs to review SKU performance and market data to inform layout decisions</li> <li>Plan workload to accommodate Range Review calendar, rotational planograms and launch dates</li> <li>Proactively identify opportunities to improve layout, density and visual appearance of planograms</li> <li>Present planning recommendations with clear, evidence-based rationale</li> <li>Ensure the Feature Stand space is refreshed monthly and Counter Baskets are updated quarterly by collaborating with the Retail Manager, Trade Marketing and Procurement</li> <li>Support seasonal changes, NPD launches and refits requiring bespoke planograms</li> <li>Create a planogram library for each unit and work closely with Operations to monitor and drive compliance across the estate</li> <li>Create and maintain a Category Distribution matrix for each category in Retail and Coffee & Bakery in order that planogram distribution of every SKU is identifiable</li> <li>Work closely with Commercial Managers, Trade Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver compelling planogram and range plans suited to a travel environment</li> <li>Attend new store openings to guide unit teams with planogram implementation and assist with merchandising</li> <li>Conduct monthly unit visits to review merchandising standards, planogram compliance and space effectiveness with a view to colleague coaching and seeking feedback</li> <li>Provide clear, actionable and commercially focused feedback to units and support centre teams</li> <li>Maintain industry and competitor awareness of space, range and planogram developments and create clear, insight-led communications to support commercial decision-making</li> <li>Work with Commercial Retail Manager to make recommendations for further software capability developments with a clear business case</li> <li>Further developments in due course include implementing sales and space analysis to right-size categories, fixtures and ranges on a unit level, and developing planograms for Bars and Casual Dining units</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">To be successful in this role you will need:</H2> </div><div><p><strong>Essential:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong experience with space planning using Scorpion, JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman or similar software packages</li> <li>Awareness of customer behaviour, product placement principles and the considerations necessary to create successful sales driving planograms</li> <li>An eye for detail, accuracy and a passion for layout optimisation</li> <li>Ability to make data-led and customer insight recommendations and decisions</li> <li>Strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously to meet all launch dates</li> <li>Great communication and stakeholder management abilities</li> <li>Commercially driven and results-focused taking ownership of remit and working within SSP Values</li> <li>Advanced Excel skills</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Desirable:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The ability to interpret sales data and customer insight</li> <li>Ability to interpret reports and present findings clearly</li> <li>Experience with in-store merchandising</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Why join SSP?</strong></p> <p>At SSP, we’re passionate about creating places people want to be — whether that’s for our customers, our partners or our colleagues.</p> <p>When you join us, you’ll be part of a business where commercial thinking, collaboration and ownership really matter, and where your work can make a visible difference.</p> <p> </p> <p>We offer:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li>Employee discounts across our brands</li> <li>Friends and Family Discount App</li> <li>Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes</li> <li>Health and wellbeing support</li> <li>Hybrid working with flexibility to support work–life balance</li> <li>An inclusive and diverse workplace, with employee networks and communities</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ready to join us?</strong></p> <p>If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape commercial performance in a key market, work closely with senior leaders and turn insight into action, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Start the best part of the journey with us.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.</p> <p> </p> <p>#LI-HH1</p></div></div></div>