5 essentials for a Category Management induction plan 📋
We recently added a newbie to our team, and it reminded me just how important a solid induction plan is for setting someone up for success in a new role.
Whether you’re stepping into a new role or welcoming fresh talent, those first few weeks are crucial for getting to grips with the category and the business.
Category Management is complex and can vary greatly from company to company. A tailored induction helps you (or your new starter) understand not just the category, but how it’s approached in your new workplace.
With that in mind, here are five essential things every Category Management induction plan should include—whether you're the new one or helping someone else get started.
1. Get out to store 🛒
If you're thrown into spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations on day one, it's easy to lose sight of the real-world application of what we do.
That’s why every induction plan should include visits to stores. Seeing the products, the fixtures, the promotions, and the environment in the wild can really shape your understanding—so get those visits booked in early and often.
Even if your role focuses on just one retailer, visiting different stores across different channels is crucial.
It helps you understand the broader context of the category, which could be influencing your retailer’s performance.
2. Learn from your key contacts 🧠
A great induction plan includes introduction meetings with all the key people you’ll be working with, both internally and externally.
Approach these meetings with curiosity. Ask lots of questions and learn as much as you can about the category, the business, and your colleague as a person.
Every single one of your colleagues has knowledge and experience that will help get you up to speed—and help you do your job better!
3. Delve into your category - deep dives and reports 📊
Use any downtime you have to immerse yourself in the category. Start by reviewing recent reports, previous presentations, and any research that was done before you joined.
These deep dives will help you understand what’s worked well, where there have been challenges, and what the key priorities are going forward. The more you know about the category’s past, the better equipped you’ll be to influence its future.
Plus, it’s a great way to get a feel for the data, tools, and terminology you’ll be using in your new role.
4. Get trained on all the key tools 🛠️
Every Category Manager relies on a toolkit of systems, software, and data platforms to do their job well. Whether it’s data systems, space planning software, or your company’s own tools, getting up to speed with these should be a priority.
Make sure your induction plan includes dedicated time for training on all the essential tools. The more comfortable you are with the data sources and systems, the quicker you’ll be able to turn insights into action.
If there’s no formal training in place, don’t hesitate to ask your agency partners or colleagues. Properly understanding your tools will make all the difference.
5. Learn the fundamentals of Category Management 📈
If you're new to Category Management, it’s essential to understand the core principles that shape the role. This could include everything from shopper behaviour and market dynamics to range optimisation and promotional strategies.
Even if you’ve worked in Category Management before, keep in mind that it can vary quite a lot from company to company. Make sure you understand how it’s defined and practised in your new workplace, as priorities and processes can differ.
Your induction plan should cover the basics, either through formal training or self-study. Get familiar with key concepts like the triple win, the range review process, and category roles.
Learning the fundamentals—both generally and in the context of your new role—will give you the foundation to make informed, strategic decisions from day one.
By focusing on these five essentials, you or your new starter can hit the ground running and make confident, smart decisions from day one.
Investing time in their induction now will pay off later.
What did I miss from my list? I’d love to hear your ideas!
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October 2024