At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Category Manager in driving growth for homeware brands.
- Company: Join Minky Homecare, a leading UK housewares group with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like employee discounts, free parking, and company events.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and influence product strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about homewares; experience is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 16800 - 28000 £ per year.
Minky Homecare is a long-established and renowned housewares group. Our product categories include laundry, cleaning, housewares, and an extensive garden leisure portfolio. We design and manufacture products in the UK, and source unique lines from across the world. We have significant growth targets and a sustained and energetic programme of new product development.
We are looking for a passionate Category & Buying Assistant to join our web team. You will be responsible for supporting the category manager in driving category growth, primarily working across our 3 homeware web brands (Alfresia, Fire Mountain and Vitinni). This is an excellent opportunity to work on some exciting, growing brands and have a real input into their growth strategies.
Key Responsibilities:- Support the Category Manager with buying tasks and range planning
- Maintain and update the websites with relevant copy and images
- Work cross-functionally with the wider team (Marketplaces, QHSE, E-Commerce, Operations) to improve product performance
- Assist in market and competitor analysis, offering suggestions on new product development
- Monitor sales performance and stock availability to identify trends and trading plans
- Assist in promotional opportunities and pricing strategies
- Prepare reports and presentations for the wider business to support in decision making
- Take ownership of departmental administrative tasks
- Use systems such as Linnworks and SAP to manage stock and raise purchase orders
- Highly organised with a strong attention to detail and great time-management skills
- A passion for homewares product and a strong interest in buying and brand management
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Hard-working, proactive and self-motivated
- Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Previous experience in a product facing role is beneficial but not essential
- A self-starter, able to work independently and flexibly, but also collaborate effectively within a team environment
Cover letter & CV required.
Salary: Up to £28,000 DOE
Benefits:- Company events
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Company sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free eye tests
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person, hybrid working.
Category & Buying Assistant in Rochdale employer: Minky Homecare
Minky Homecare is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about homewares. With significant growth targets and a commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to contribute to exciting brands while enjoying benefits such as company events, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment. Located in a vibrant area, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Buying Assistant in Rochdale
✨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 Minky Homecare, 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 Minky Homecare!
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Buying Assistant in Rochdale
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 Minky Homecare, 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 Minky Homecare 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 Minky Homecare that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Minky Homecare
✨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!
