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 youโre 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 itโs approached in your new workplace.
With that in mind, here are five essential things every Category Management induction plan should includeโwhether you're the new one or helping someone else get started.
1. Get out to store ๐
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.
Thatโs 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 understandingโso 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 retailerโs performance.
2. Learn from your key contacts ๐ง
A great induction plan includes introduction meetings with all the key people youโll 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 speedโand help you do your job better!
3. Delve into your category - deep dives and reports ๐
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 whatโs worked well, where there have been challenges, and what the key priorities are going forward. The more you know about the categoryโs past, the better equipped youโll be to influence its future.
Plus, itโs a great way to get a feel for the data, tools, and terminology youโll be using in your new role.
4. Get trained on all the key tools ๐ ๏ธ
Every Category Manager relies on a toolkit of systems, software, and data platforms to do their job well. Whether itโs data systems, space planning software, or your companyโs 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 youโll be able to turn insights into action.
If thereโs no formal training in place, donโt hesitate to ask your agency partners or colleagues. Properly understanding your tools will make all the difference.
5. Learn the fundamentals of Category Management ๐
If you're new to Category Management, itโs 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 youโve worked in Category Management before, keep in mind that it can vary quite a lot from company to company. Make sure you understand how itโs 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 fundamentalsโboth generally and in the context of your new roleโwill 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? Iโd love to hear your ideas!
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