Better results and increased shopper satisfaction is the goal of category management. The category management process shows that manufactures and retailers can successfully achieve better results by cooperating to drive category growth and implementing shopper-oriented strategies.
In the Certified GS1 Category Manager® course, you will get in-depth knowledge you need to implement effective and efficient category management. The extensive training covers everything from the methodology, real-life case studies and practical simulations in interactive modules. Our experienced trainers together with experts from the manufacturing and retail industries give you the necessary tools you need to execute successful category management in your company.
The category management course is designed for participants with basic category management experience who wants to become an expert. It is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and service providers whose job function involves
A category manager is responsible for the optimal design and performance of categories or merchandise groups. The main task is to identify and satisfy shopper needs and thereby maximise sales. The job description of the category manager can be found on the retail as well as the industry side and is highly relevant in both brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce.
Category Management focuses on the strategic development of categories. The typical tasks of a category manager include the development and optimisation of assortment and placement concepts. The analysis and evaluation of data and KPIs are also part of daily business, as is the planning and implementation of promotion measures together with marketing. In short, the category manager is responsible for managing the CM process across all interfaces, from the initial idea through to implementation.
No, category manager and merchandise (category) manager both mean the same thing. There is also the profession of assortment manager, whose focus is usually limited to assortment decisions. The tasks of the category manager are more extensive.
The job profile of a category manager is not a classic profession. With a commercial education, a business-related degree or many years of professional experience, you have the best prerequisites for further training to become a category manager. In addition to the Certified GS1 Category Manager® course, GS1 Germany also offers a Certified GS1 Online Category Manager® course, which focuses on the specifics of e-commerce.
To work as a category manager, you ideally have a relevant professional background: e.g. through relevant work experience, commercial education, or a degree in economics, market research, business psychology, or similar. Practical experience, e.g. in marketing, buying or product management, is also an advantage, and you enjoy working with data. In addition, you should be able to work in a team as well as independently. As a category manager, you should also have a feeling for new trends, be confident in giving presentations and a willingness to travel.
At GS1 Germany, we offer both Certified GS1 Category Manager® and Certified GS1 Online Category Manager® training. Along the 8-step category management process, our experienced trainers teach you the skills and knowledge you need to work as a category manager in an optimal mix of theory and practice. The courses take place on a part-time basis. After a written and oral examination to quality as a category manager, you will receive an official certificate.
At GS1 Germany, we have been dedicated to category management for more than 20 years, and our courses are recognised as continuing education in retail and industry. Over 6,000 participants have already completed our Certified GS1 (Online) Category Manager® courses. Our trainers are experienced practical experts who not only impart theoretical know-how, but also attach great importance to practical relevance and continuously adapt content to the current challenges of the market. In addition, our trainings offer an ideal platform for exchange and networking between participants across all sectors.
