Assistant Category Manager

Great opportunity for an Assistant Category Manager, looking for a company that offers and supports long-term career progression, to join an excellent team with a leading UK Supplier.

Here, you will support the development and management of the Cleaning & Hygiene category, working closely with the Category Manager to meet SLA’s, optimise product ranges, enhance supplier relationships, managing and working closely with sister companies. Helping ensure the category’s growth by meeting consumer needs, improving profitability, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Category Manager in managing the Cleaning & Hygiene product portfolio, including selection, pricing and promotional strategies.
• Assist in further developing and implementing a comprehensive category strategy for Cleaning & Hygiene supplies, aligning with company goals and market trends.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Support in defining and executing category strategies to drive growth and profitability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate cost-effective deals and secure innovative product offerings.
• Work to category objectives, SLAs and performance targets in collaboration with the team.
• Plan own workload well, prioritising, meeting timelines and milestones as appropriate.
• Analyse sales, market trends, and customer feedback to make data-driven recommendations for category improvements.
• Prepare regular reports on product performance, market trends, and competitive landscape.
• Assist in forecasting demand for products and managing stock levels to ensure availability.
• Manage product life cycles from introduction to discontinuation, ensuring optimal performance.
• Monitor sales performance, stock levels, and product margins to maximise profitability.
• Work closely with the purchasing, marketing, and sales teams to ensure alignment of category objectives with business goals.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies, campaigns, and product merchandising plans.
• Liaise with supply chain and logistics to ensure smooth product distribution and availability.
• Support in supplier negotiations to optimise terms, pricing, and product offerings.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure product quality and timely deliveries.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Ideally 2+ years’ experience in assistant category management, buying or supply chain.
• Highly positive with a 'can do’ mindset
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions
• IT Proficient across full Microsoft suite
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Passion for sustainability and knowledge of eco-friendly products is a plus.
• CIPS qualified or equivalent. Desirable, but not essential
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work in a team and cross-functionally.
• Commercial acumen with a strong understanding of category management principles.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Results-driven, with a focus on delivering against set KPIs and objectives.
• Experience in PPE, Hygiene & Cleaning, Construction, Site Supplies, or affiliated categories would be advantageous

Full Time Hours: 37.5hrs, Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Primarily office-based close to Heathrow, with occasional travel to suppliers, trade shows, and other industry events. Hybrid option to work 2 days from home after training.