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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product range development and collaborate with various teams to enhance offerings.
- Company: Join IronmongeryDirect, the UK's leading supplier of architectural ironmongery with over 50 years of trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, training opportunities, private healthcare, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, gain exposure across the business, and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, organised, and proficient in Microsoft Office; retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture await you!
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Us
At IronmongeryDirect, we have been a trusted name in architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we are the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you are looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that is built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Category Assistant to join our dynamic Category team. In this role, you will support the development and execution of product ranges that resonate with our target customers. You will collaborate with multiple internal teams - Merchandising, E-commerce, Marketing, Customer Services, Photography, and IT - to help deliver compelling, competitive, and well-communicated product offerings. This is a varied role with great exposure across the business, ideal for someone with strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in product and market dynamics.
About the Accountabilities
- Support Category Managers with mailers and web proofing to ensure accuracy and reduce customer queries.
- Conduct market, customer, and competitor research to inform decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Coordinate new product communication, ensuring teams are informed and confident about upcoming launches.
- Organise supplier product days and assist in identifying and filling key product gaps.
- Respond to customer feedback and queries from Customer Services and Bazaarvoice, meeting SLA requirements.
- Assist in the upload of new products, including sourcing and collating product data and content.
- Manage image assets including samples, photos, and in-situ images.
- Support the Category team with price analysis and trend reporting.
- Collaborate with the Merchandising team to compile relevant product content.
- Coordinate data uploads with the IT team.
- Generate reports as required to support category decisions.
About You
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with product data management is a plus.
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and willing to learn.
- Prior experience in a similar retail or product-focused role is desirable but not essential.
About the Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus public Bank Holidays.
- Annual investment of 40 hours development & training per employee and opportunities for career progression.
- Subsidised Private Healthcare for employees and their families.
- Fully funded Wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and access to the NHS-approved Thrive wellbeing app.
- Discretionary annual company performance bonus.
- Bi-Monthly WOW awards for those that go above and beyond.
- Generous staff discount on our products.
- Long service awards.
- Two paid volunteer days per year.
- £500 refer a friend incentive scheme.
- Free onsite parking in Head Office.
Category Assistant in Basildon employer: Ironmongery Direct
Contact Detail:
Ironmongery Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with IronmongeryDirect's product range and market position. Understanding their offerings and how they compare to competitors will help you speak confidently about the role and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of IronmongeryDirect on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the Category Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and ability to multitask. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple projects or tasks, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for learning and development. IronmongeryDirect values self-motivated individuals, so be ready to share how you’ve pursued personal growth in previous roles or how you plan to develop your skills further in this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Category Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what IronmongeryDirect is looking for.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in communication, teamwork, and organisation. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how your background makes you a great fit for the Category Assistant position, especially your interest in product and market dynamics.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmongery Direct
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Category Assistant, strong communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively during the interview. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully collaborated with teams or communicated complex information.
✨Research the Company and Market
Familiarise yourself with IronmongeryDirect's product range and their position in the market. Understanding their competitors and current trends will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires multitasking and meeting deadlines. Prepare to discuss how you manage your time and prioritise tasks. Share specific examples of how you've successfully handled multiple responsibilities in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Ask about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the Category team. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
