What is your working day like?
In the autumn there are large numbers of campaigns. We go through the whole assortment four times a year, as well as at Christmas and Easter. The suppliers present their new products in conjunction with the revision of our assortment. I work closely with the category manager, sitting in on all negotiations and managing some suppliers myself. My job also includes drawing up documents and reports, analysing sales statistics and keeping up to date with new trends. I have close contact with sales managers and campaign coordinators in the various chains.
What did you do before joining Axfood?
I ran a small convenience store while also studying marketing at university.
What are the best things about your job?
I enjoy working with food and drink because everyone can relate to it. The work is varied. I like analysing and putting together an assortment that is attractive to consumers and at the same time profitable for us.
What is your view of service/customer focus?
Over the past few years, we’ve shifted from being supplier-driven to taking on more of a customer focus and that feels great!
How would you define this customer focus?
Historically, it was the suppliers who set the agenda when we decided on our assortment and campaigns. Now our starting point is what customers want and when they want it, and we put together the assortment around that.
How do you contribute to the customer’s in-store experience?
I’m involved in trying to create an assortment that customers want, plus I take great care with all the administration, so that everything works along the chain out to the stores.
What is it like working for Axfood?
I love it! There is a superb atmosphere of openness and humility. It’s always easy to ask for help if you need it, and there are no impenetrable walls put up between the different teams. The path to the people in charge is short, and that provides plenty of opportunity to have some influence.