At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Commercial team by managing supplier relationships and resolving store queries.
- Company: Join Boots, a leading health and beauty retailer with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and supports your development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a fast-paced commercial role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, teamwork, effective communication, and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Shift pattern: Standard hours, full time
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 31st July 2026
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at Boots as a Commercial Assistant in our General Merchandise Business Unit: Category team, based in Nottingham, Beeston. Due to an internal promotion, Boots Opticians have an exciting opportunity within the Commercial team for a full time Category Assistant. This role is a key enabler to enhancing the efficiency of the Commercial team and driving business performance. If you are somebody who is looking to kickstart a career within a fast-paced Commercial function, or you're simply looking for a new challenge, this could be the role for you!
What you'll be doing
Reporting into the Category & Trading Manager, the Category Assistant supports every team within the function including Buying, Trading and Merchandising. Not only will you deal with a broad and varied supplier base, you'll also work closely with other internal teams such as Marketing, Operations and our stores.
Key responsibilities
- Building and maintaining great relationships with suppliers, stores and the wider Boots Opticians teams
- New product set up across frames, lenses, contact lenses and accessories
- Investigation and resolution of store queries
- Management and execution of supplier invoicing
- New supplier set up
- Performance and Supplier reporting
- Conducting competitor reviews and preparing market reports to share with the team
What you'll need to have (our must-haves)
- Completer-Finisher with a good attention to detail who can organise and prioritise their workload effectively to meet deadlines
- Team Player - effectively working with others to field support queries and resolve issues for stores, working with internal functions and supply chain service providers
- Effective Communicator - you effectively communicate with different stakeholders, at different levels across various teams, both verbally and in writing.
- Inquisitive - a key part of the role is resolving issues for stores and customers, which requires an ability to ask relevant questions to understand the root causes of issues. You will need to identify common trends in queries and issues and suggest improvements
- Analytical skills - you have proven data analytics skills
It would be great if you also have
- Previous experience in a Commercial function
Where your brilliance can take you
At Boots, we believe in your potential. With our commitment to your development, you'll have opportunities to grow your career and take on new challenges within the company.
Rewards designed for you
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
- Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
There's lots more in our benefits and discounts, MyBoosts - there to give you that little lift in your everyday. Find out more at Exclusions may apply; eligible roles only.
A bit about us
At Boots, we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we're committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
What's next?
Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. We hope to hear from you soon. Be brilliant with Boots.
Category Assistant in London employer: Boots
Boots is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Glasgow where you can thrive as a Wellness Solutions Advisor. With comprehensive training and opportunities to complete a Healthcare Training Programme, you'll be empowered to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on customers' health and wellness journeys. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Boots, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Boots!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Boots, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Boots and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Boots that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
