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- Tasks: Assist Category Managers with pricing enquiries and maintain accurate internal price lists.
- Company: Join EP Group, a global leader in packaging manufacturing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team impacting major retailers like Amazon and McDonald's.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop negotiation skills and work with international suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
EP Group is a global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia. We specialise in a range of paper and plastic based packaging products, selling to many of the world's largest retailers including Marks & Spencer, Amazon and McDonald's.
We have an opportunity for a Category Assistant to join our purchasing team in our Birmingham Head Office. The role will be responsible for assisting the Category Managers with day to day pricing enquiries from our sales teams. The Category Assistant will research and source pricing and product information and accurately maintain internal price lists.
If you are a motivated, driven and highly organised individual who has a good eye for detail and accuracy, we would like to hear from you!
Role purpose:To manage all of the day to day enquiries, queries and admin tasks within the category, providing other departments within the business with accurate information in a timely manner. Providing support to the category manager & wider department with any project or reporting work that arises, ensuring all timescales are met and work is done to the required standard. Researching the market and supply base at sub-category level and keeping records of the information gathered.
Key accountabilities:- Requests for pricing: Complete enquiries accurately and within defined timescales.
- Data: Ensure data regarding product, suppliers etc is set up and maintained accurately.
- Account support: Be the first point of contact for the account support functions.
- Reports: Generate and maintain departmental and category specific reports e.g. Category spend/margin, Raw Material tracking.
- Meetings: Attend supplier meetings, prepare pre-meeting reports with KPI trackers and take and file minutes.
- New suppliers: Research, assess and make initial contact with potential new suppliers, updating the supplier intelligence matrix.
- Samples: Organise and label supplier samples rotating new/obsolete to make sure storage is available at all times.
- Sub Category Management: Take ownership of a sub-category, producing a cost saving plan and undertaking tender activity.
- Experience in a purchasing/buying role dealing directly with overseas suppliers.
- This is a fast paced environment and attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to communicate with people internally and externally on all levels.
- Second language would be of benefit.
- Good level of numeracy.
- Prioritisation Abilities.
- Ability to self-manage.
- Technical / Functional skills: Experience of using SAP beneficial, but not essential.
- Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint.
- Negotiation Skills.
Category Assistant in Birmingham employer: Euro Packaging UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Euro Packaging UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about EP Group and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your skills in pricing, data management, and supplier communication can shine through. We want you to feel confident and ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in purchasing or dealing with suppliers, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail and organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of how you've handled pricing enquiries or managed data in the past.
Show Off Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! If you have experience with SAP or Excel, make sure to mention it. Also, if you’ve got any negotiation skills or second language abilities, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euro Packaging UK Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into EP Group's products and their market position. Familiarise yourself with their packaging solutions and key clients like Marks & Spencer and Amazon. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
As a Category Assistant, being organised is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you maintained accuracy under pressure, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Brush Up on Your Data Skills
Since the role involves maintaining price lists and generating reports, be ready to discuss your experience with data management. If you've used Excel or similar tools, prepare to share specific instances where you analysed data to make informed decisions.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the team's current challenges or upcoming projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better understanding of what the role entails.
