At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category strategies and analyse market trends to drive business performance.
- Company: Join a leading player in the distribution and supply chain solutions industry.
- Benefits: Earn up to £32,000 with hybrid working, free parking, gym, and deli on site.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exposure to various departments and projects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Category Management with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in business or relevant experience; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Procurement Head's Industrial team is delighted to be partnered with a leading player in the distribution and supply chain solutions industry.
They are a well-known, long-established key player in their market, experiencing a hugely impressive surge in the sales and growth.
They provide everything from packaging consumables to highly advanced automated wrapping machines and specialised capex for retail distribution centres.
Having recently become strategic partner for one of the largest global retailers, this is an exceptional time to join them.
Are you commercially curious, analytical, and looking to develop a successful career in Category Management?
We are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Category Manager to join our growing team and support the development and execution of category strategies that drive business performance and customer satisfaction.
As part of their Category Management team, you will gain exposure to product strategy, market analysis, supplier relationships, and commercial decision-making, working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to establish a long-term career in Category Management.
Key responsibilities of the Assistant Category Manager
- Supporting the development and implementation of category plans aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
- Conducting market, competitor, and product research to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Analysing sales, customer, and product performance data to provide actionable insights and recommendations.
- Assisting with category reviews, range management activities, and new product introduction projects.
- Collaborating closely with Sales, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, and Marketing teams to deliver category initiatives.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations to support commercial decision-making.
- Taking ownership of assigned projects and contribute to continuous improvement activities.
- Ideal experience for the Assistant Category Manager
- Positive, proactive, and enthusiastic approach to work.
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in products, markets, and customer behaviour.
- Degree educated (or equivalent) in a business-related discipline, or relevant commercial experience.
- Previous internship, placement year, retail, procurement, or commercial experience is advantageous but not essential.
- The rewards for the Assistant Category Manager
- Hybrid working- 3 days a week on site in beautiful Towcester offices ( Free parking, Gym and Deli on site)
Procurement Specialist in Northampton employer: Procurement Heads
At Procurement Heads, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, particularly in the dynamic fields of Technology, Real Estate, and Professional Services, we offer a competitive benefits package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for talented procurement professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Northampton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Procurement Heads.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Procurement Heads!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Procurement Heads. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Procurement Heads's culture.
