Category Assistant (Sports & Slimming)

Listing reference: 025907

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 12 August 2026

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 to maximise the efficiency of the Merchandise department's buying processes by providing effective administrative, communication, and analytical support. The role supports product performance monitoring, promotional execution, range reviews, category performance reporting, supplier coordination, and the maintenance of merchandising systems and processes to ensure operational excellence and speed to market. The role will be based in Cape Town and will report to the Category Manager.

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:

Merchandise Administration

Provide administrative support across all Merchandise critical path activities.

Accurately process new product listings and maintain product information adding it to the Buy-Plans.

Loading Promotions onto JDA.

Track promotions and obtain Buyer approvals and signoffs.

Load and maintain Co-op agreements

Maintain accurate product, vendor, and product status information within relevant systems. Supplier & Store Co-ordination

Supplier & Store

Liaise with suppliers and stores regarding pricing queries, product availability, and promotional activities.

Resolve supplier and store queries efficiently and within agreed timelines.

Obtain supplier confirmations and process TEM Bill Backs to improve category profitability before promotions start.

Able to do monthly store visits.

Marketing & Promotional Support

Loading of promotional campaigns & Club Card initiatives on JDA, ticket sign offs for promotions.

Manage promotional samples, images, pricing, and marketing content for both internal and external stakeholders.

Manage samples, images and listing content for the Omni Team.

Assist in the leaflet sign-off process.

Doing till point checks prior to promotions going live.

Product Listing Administration

Ensure accurate and timely submission of new line forms.

Co-Ordinate samples for New Line Meetings.

Verify cost and selling price information with the suppliers before submission to relevant business units.

Support initiatives that improve speed to market for new products.

General Administration

Manage departmental filing and document control.

Record meeting minutes and distribute action items.

Resolve administrative queries.

Perform general office administration and ad hoc duties as required.

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

6 -12 months' administrative experience within a retail or FMCG environment; or

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

An understanding of Sports Supplements and Health Foods products

Passion for the Sports industry

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Accuracy of new product listings.

Timely completion of Merchandise critical path activities.

Accuracy of promotional pricing and product information.

Turnaround time for supplier and store query resolution.

Timely submission of new line documentation.

Product database accuracy and maintenance.

Promotional sell-through reporting accuracy.

Supplier documentation processed within agreed service levels.

Compliance with merchandising and administrative procedures.

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