Assistant Category Manager Review

My role as an assistant category manager is to support my team (Category managers and Senior category managers) with projects that have been allocated out from our annual planning sessions. The projects can range from new tenders, a review of the service currently provided or new ways of working.

The skills i would say i have not learned but greatly improved upon are Communication (Not just written and verbal but how you interact with suppliers vs internal stakeholders and how you taylor communications dependent on the level of the audience) as well as negotiation tactics.

So far i have really enjoyed the working environment. and the different stakeholders that we need to deal with, the projects have also been very varied so there has been no chance of boredom.

The apprenticeship is well organised however currently there is a large amount of book learning before any lessons take place with any given topic. I would personally prefer to be taught by one of the tutors and then undertake the personal revision.

My employer is very supportive and has always allowed me time to get my revision in around my exams. it helps that my day to day role directly benefits my learning and vis versa.

Regular catch ups with my mentor and the opportunity to contact any of the lecturers regarding the content on Aptem.

Completing the theory while being able to implement my new found knowledge on the projects I am currently working on is without doubt the best way to learn.

Their are a number of associations and clubs however if I am honest I have not yet joined any. My wider team is good at arranging social events so I feel that I have the option to meet and interact with all the team on a personal level.

Yes

They are a good employer that not only looks after its staff but the wider community. There is also good opportunity to progress into a number of different roles and specialisms.

Be yourself, and do your research on the job your applying for.