Category Planner

About the Role

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.

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.

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.

This is an exciting time to step into Category Planning with SSP to develop this area of specialism.

What you'll be doing:

• Create and own the development and maintenance of sales driving planograms using a planogram software package


• Maximise planogram efficiency whilst minimising operational complexity and maximising customer ease of purchasing decision


• Utilise Range Review outputs to review SKU performance and market data to inform layout decisions


• Plan workload to accommodate Range Review calendar, rotational planograms and launch dates


• Proactively identify opportunities to improve layout, density and visual appearance of planograms


• Present planning recommendations with clear, evidence-based rationale


• Ensure the Feature Stand space is refreshed monthly and Counter Baskets are updated quarterly by collaborating with the Retail Manager, Trade Marketing and Procurement


• Support seasonal changes, NPD launches and refits requiring bespoke planograms


• Create a planogram library for each unit and work closely with Operations to monitor and drive compliance across the estate


• 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


• Work closely with Commercial Managers, Trade Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver compelling planogram and range plans suited to a travel environment


• Attend new store openings to guide unit teams with planogram implementation and assist with merchandising


• Conduct monthly unit visits to review merchandising standards, planogram compliance and space effectiveness with a view to colleague coaching and seeking feedback


• Provide clear, actionable and commercially focused feedback to units and support centre teams


• Maintain industry and competitor awareness of space, range and planogram developments and create clear, insight-led communications to support commercial decision-making


• Work with Commercial Retail Manager to make recommendations for further software capability developments with a clear business case


• 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

To be successful in this role you will need:

Essential:

• Strong experience with space planning using Scorpion, JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman or similar software packages


• Awareness of customer behaviour, product placement principles and the considerations necessary to create successful sales driving planograms


• An eye for detail, accuracy and a passion for layout optimisation


• Ability to make data-led and customer insight recommendations and decisions


• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously to meet all launch dates


• Great communication and stakeholder management abilities


• Commercially driven and results-focused taking ownership of remit and working within SSP Values


• Advanced Excel skills

Desirable:

• The ability to interpret sales data and customer insight


• Ability to interpret reports and present findings clearly


• Experience with in-store merchandising

Why join SSP?

At SSP, we’re passionate about creating places people want to be — whether that’s for our customers, our partners or our colleagues.

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.

We offer:

• Employee discounts across our brands


• Friends and Family Discount App


• Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes


• Health and wellbeing support


• Hybrid working with flexibility to support work–life balance


• An inclusive and diverse workplace, with employee networks and communities

Ready to join us?

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.

Start the best part of the journey with us.

At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.

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