Assistant Category Manager

Assistant Category Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cavendish Maine Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Category Management team in managing bathroom product categories and assist with sourcing and marketing.
  • Company: Family-owned bathroom distributor with a focus on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Full training, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with potential for long-term career development.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in product management with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement or product support, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The company is a family-owned bathroom distributor supplying innovative bathroom products to customers across the UK, Ireland and Europe. As the business continues to grow, we are looking for a motivated and commercially aware Category Manager Assistant to support the development and management of selected product categories. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career within product management and procurement, with full training and progression towards a future Category Manager position.

About the Role

This role will support the Category Management team in the day-to-day management of bathroom product categories. You will take responsibility for a smaller assigned product group while assisting senior Category Managers across sourcing, product development, supplier communication, product data management and marketing support. The successful candidate will be expected to support the Category Managers in any areas required to help drive category growth, product development and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist Category Managers with the day-to-day management of bathroom product categories
  • Take ownership of a smaller assigned product group
  • Support supplier communication and help manage relationships with UK and overseas manufacturing partners
  • Assist with sourcing new products and supplier research
  • Help maintain accurate product information across: Product brochures, Website listings, Marketing materials, Retail showroom displays
  • Support product launches and product lifecycle management
  • Assist with pricing updates, cost analysis and margin reviews
  • Help monitor stock levels, lead times and supplier performance
  • Work closely with internal departments including procurement, quality, marketing and sales
  • Assist with brochure proofing and product specification checks
  • Use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) to manage and maintain product and supplier information
  • Provide general support to the Category Management team as required

Key Product Categories: Product responsibility will be determined based on your areas of expertise and experience.

About you:

  • Previous experience within a procurement, purchasing, product or category support role
  • Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)
  • Good organisational and administrative skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good communication skills and ability to work across departments
  • Comfortable working with product data, pricing and specifications
  • Commercial awareness and willingness to learn
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365

Key Skills/Experience Required:

  • Experience within the bathroom, KBB, furniture or interiors industries
  • Experience working with international suppliers
  • Understanding of product sourcing or procurement processes

Assistant Category Manager employer: Cavendish Maine Recruitment

As a family-owned bathroom distributor, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages employee growth and development. With comprehensive training and clear pathways to advancement, such as progressing to a Category Manager role, our team members enjoy the unique advantage of working in a dynamic industry while contributing to innovative product offerings across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

Cavendish Maine Recruitment

Contact Details:

Cavendish Maine Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with their bathroom offerings and think about how your skills can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Assistant Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and product management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t hesitate to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Manager

Product Management
Procurement
Supplier Communication
Product Data Management
Marketing Support
Sourcing
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant roles you've had in procurement or product management, and don't forget to mention your experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the bathroom industry and how your background makes you a great fit for the Assistant Category Manager role. Keep it concise but engaging!

Show Off Your Organisational Skills:Since this role involves managing product categories and supplier relationships, be sure to showcase your organisational skills. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay on top of tasks and deadlines in your application.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role promptly. Good luck!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Maine Recruitment

Know Your Products

Before the interview, take some time to research the bathroom products the company offers. Familiarise yourself with their key features and benefits. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about product management during the interview.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As an Assistant Category Manager, you'll need strong organisational skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and ensured everything ran smoothly.

Communicate Effectively

Good communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with suppliers and internal teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their communication processes within the team.

Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness

The company is looking for someone commercially aware. Brush up on current trends in the bathroom industry and think about how they could impact product sourcing and development. Being able to discuss these insights will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the market.