At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development from concept to launch while collaborating with teams and suppliers.
- Company: Dynamic consumer products company in Trafford Park, Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, completion bonus, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Full support and handover provided for a smooth transition.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make an impact in product management.
- Qualifications: Interest in consumer products and strong organisational skills required.
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 DOE + £1,500 completion bonus
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Category Manager – Consumer Products (Maternity Cover) to join a busy and growing Commercial Team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and an interest in product development to support the journey of consumer products from concept through to launch.
Working within a fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with multiple teams across the business and external suppliers, ensuring products are developed, launched, and maintained to the highest standards. The successful candidate will be detail-focused, proactive, and confident managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. A full handover and support will be provided to the successful candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- New Product Development (NPD)
- Research market trends and monitor industry developments
- Support the development and management of new consumer products from concept through to launch
- Source new suppliers and maintain strong relationships with existing partners
- Request product samples, pricing information, and support supplier negotiations
- Work with suppliers on product specifications, improvements, and development timelines
- Collaborate with design teams on product artwork, packaging, and presentation
- Review artwork and provide feedback where required
- Create New Line Forms (NLFs) including accurate product details and specifications
- Request barcodes and product codes from relevant teams
- Share product information with internal stakeholders
- Track product progress and support successful launches
- Provide research, data, and administrative support to line managers
- Supplier & Project Coordination
- Support and coordinate product development projects
- Organise and attend supplier meetings
- Source components required for product development
- Coordinate rework processes where required
- Maintain effective communication with suppliers and internal teams
- Administration & Product Support
- Create and manage purchase orders
- Generate Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) codes
- Arrange and distribute product samples with supporting documentation
- Support product submissions by gathering required documentation, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Assist with product pricing and presentation activities
- Ensure product information is accurate and complete across internal systems
- Attend trade shows to identify emerging trends and build supplier relationships
- Support Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) reporting
- Assist with product discontinuation and phase-out processes
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience or an interest in consumer products, category management, buying, or product development
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Confidence working with suppliers and supporting product development processes
- The ability to support pricing discussions and commercial activities
- A willingness to learn industry regulations and compliance requirements
- The ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
- A proactive approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Skills & Experience
- Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and similar systems
- Strong administration and coordination skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Experience managing supplier relationships
- Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
If you’re looking to join a thriving, dynamic, and fast-paced business offering excellent development opportunities and the chance to build your commercial and product management experience, we would love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager (Maternity Cover) in Trafford Park
✨Connect with Product Management Communities
Dive into online communities like Product School or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This can help you build relationships and visibility in the product management scene, plus you might hear about temp roles before they even get posted!
✨Attend Industry Meetups and Workshops
Check out local meetups or workshops specifically targeted at product management. These gatherings are prime spots to meet hiring managers and fellow practitioners. Plus, they often lead to connections that can help you land temporary roles.
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Even if you're after a temporary gig, having a solid portfolio is key! Include case studies of past projects, highlighting your role and how you drove product success. Use platforms like Behance to display your work visually.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you spot a temp role like Assistant Category Manager (Maternity Cover) at Halecroft Recruitment, go straight to their website to apply. Direct applications often have a better chance of standing out since they show commitment. It's worth the extra effort, trust us!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Manager (Maternity Cover) in Trafford Park
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Sense:In product management, we want to see your understanding of user needs and business value. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight specific products you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and how those experiences shaped your product sense. If you have insights into user journey mapping, competitive analysis, or product lifecycle, make sure to feature them!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make sure your written application showcases not just your past roles, but also specific outcomes you've driven. Don't shy away from using metrics—how did your contributions impact the product or team? We love when you quantify your achievements!
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions can often lead to quick changes in direction. In your cover letter, convey your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to pivot or adjust your approach to meet project goals. Talk about how you thrive in dynamic environments—it'll really resonate with us at Halecroft Recruitment!
Link to Your Portfolio:If you've worked on product roadmaps, user stories, or any visualisations, link to your portfolio in your application. Even a personal project that demonstrates your skills as a product manager can show your proactive approach. It's a great way for us to see your work in action and understand your style. And remember, apply through our website to make it easier for us to find you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halecroft Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Product Knowledge
Make sure we can discuss the product lifecycle with confidence! Be ready to showcase your understanding of key concepts in product management, such as roadmap planning and user research. We want to hear about any tools you're familiar with, like JIRA or Trello, as they’re popular in this space!
✨Agile Mindset is Key
As a temporary role, they'll want us to hit the ground running. Brush up on Agile methodologies and be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can think on your feet and adapt quickly!
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
If you've got any product projects up your sleeve—be it case studies or live examples—bring them along! For a temporary position, they’re going to want to see tangible results from your previous work, so don't hold back on demonstrating how you've made an impact in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
They’ll be looking to see how you articulate your ideas, so practice your pitch! Make sure we can summarise complex product requirements into clear, understandable language. Being able to express yourself well is vital in product management, especially in a temporary role where quick collaboration is essential!
