Assistant Category Manager Review

My role is based in the Co-op procurement function managing in-direct expenditure, I lead procurement projects within the marketing category managing the consumables category (contract value annually £20m) and a promotional items. My day to day role is varied - I have meetings with a variety of levels of stakeholders within the business, develop tenders request for proposals, or information, review potential suppliers, review and see if savings are on track. Review contracts from standard terms to bespoke contractual agreements which include differing levels of liabilities and commercials. I also have calls with suppliers which the Co-op have a contractual relationships driving performance and with potential suppliers.

During the course of my apprenticeship I have developed strong foundations in the procurement process and theoretical approach surrounding procurement. Skills I have developed from certain modules include a better understanding of contractual terms and how I could negotiate on the terms to drive value for the Co-op. In addition, I have a through understanding of the procurement cycle.

I very much enjoyed the program, I really enjoy learning and the apprenticeship has helped me do so. The lessons are classroom based which are very useful in hearing other students views as no organisation is the same. This was especially useful understanding the split between public and private sector procurement.

The program was well structure, CIPS is based on five modules with a three hour exam per module. Per exam there was three classroom learning sessions which ensured that the content was well covered and a revision session was held at the end of every module on Webex to refresh students on content before the exam.

During the process there was a mix range of support as I had three changes of line managers due to an organisational restructure and a move into a seconded role. With different line managers I have found varying levels of support in the early days of the apprenticeship, during my final stages I have a very supportive line manager. In terms of the apprenticeship team at the Co-op they have been supportive.

The training provider has been very supportive from answering questions during the classroom based sessions to reviewing the homework submitted. The sessions are always fun especially the revision Webex sessions which provide a general overview of each module. Overall I feel the right level of support was provided throughout the course.

The qualification helps support my role as it provides me with the theory as a good basis for the Category role which I have, this is especially useful for projects especially reviewing the commercials. In addition the qualification has enabled me to become more confident in my abilities in undertaking the role. Overall this has been a positive experience.

Professional Networking events which are led by IGD which is retail specific. The organisation supports training around topical issues colleagues face in the workplace such as having challenging conversations, emotional intelligence topics to raising your individual profile. In addition the Co-op have a large number of internal activities from a women's network to a retail network which have regular meetings and events for colleagues to take part in.

Yes

The Co-op is a great organisation to work for there is a good culture and lots of variety, in a fast paced retail business. Unlike most retailers the Co-op is unique that it's business is led by it's members who have chance to vote on what happens to their Co-op in the annual general meeting raising important issues on the community, sustainability and leading a better way of helping the wider communities. The Co-op has great ethical foundations which sets the company apart from the standard PLC's.

Advice for applying to the Co-op would be ensure that you have read the role profile and understand if your skills match. I would encourage you to undertake the research surrounding which area of the business you would work for a look at the Co-op values as this would be great to share this knowledge in an interview.