What are the current trends and challenges in planogramming and category management?

1 Skills and qualifications

To become a successful planogrammer or category manager, you need to possess a combination of analytical, creative, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of retail operations, consumer behavior, and market trends. Employers look for specific qualifications such as expertise in planogramming software like JDA, Spaceman, or Apollo; the ability to analyze data and generate insights from sales reports, market research, and customer feedback; creativity and innovation to design attractive and effective product displays and layouts; communication and collaboration skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders like store managers, suppliers, and vendors; and experience or education in retail, marketing, merchandising, or related fields.

2 Roles and responsibilities

Planogrammers and category managers may have different roles and responsibilities depending on the size and structure of the organization. However, some of their common tasks include developing and implementing planograms and category plans that align with the company's objectives, monitoring and evaluating the performance of plans, conducting market research and competitive analysis, negotiating with suppliers and vendors, providing training to store staff, and reporting results to senior management and clients. Adjustments may be needed to ensure that planograms and category plans are successful.

3 Salaries and benefits

The salaries and benefits of planogrammers and category managers can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, education, location, and industry. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a planogrammer in the United States is $48,970 per year, while a category manager earns an average of $86,636 per year; however, these figures can range from $26,000 to $117,000 for planogrammers and from $44,000 to $144,000 for category managers. Factors such as the size and reputation of the employer, the scope and complexity of the projects, the employee's skills and qualifications, the geographic location and cost of living, and the industry and market conditions all play a role in influencing salaries and benefits.

4 Opportunities and challenges

The opportunities and challenges of planogramming and category management are constantly changing due to consumer behavior, technology, and competition. Planogrammers and category managers can take advantage of the growth of e-commerce, omnichannel retailing, and personalization to create more customized and dynamic planograms and category plans. Digital tools, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D modeling, can also be used to improve the visual appeal and interactivity of planograms. However, the increasing complexity, diversity, and volatility of the retail environment make it difficult for planogrammers and category managers to manage product assortment, pricing, promotion, inventory, space allocation, and compliance. They must also meet higher expectations from customers, competitors, and stakeholders while balancing efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.

5 Career path and progression

The career path and progression of planogrammers and category managers depend on their skills, performance, goals, and aspirations. Generally, they can advance their careers by gaining more experience in different projects and products, developing their skills through training or mentoring, expanding their network with peers and partners, seeking more responsibility and leadership roles, and exploring new opportunities. All of these steps can help them to become successful in their field.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?