At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category performance through data management, reporting, and supply chain coordination.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 60 years of heritage in the paint retail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee discounts, 32 days holiday, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact on product and supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Proactive attitude, advanced Excel skills, and strong communication abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
37.5 hours per week Monday – Friday
Competitive salary plus benefits package
Location: Scotland / Glasgow based. Hybrid working model – 3/4 days per week in a Glasgow based office and 1 day at home. Ability to travel to our Stirling Head Office when required.
About The Paint Shed
We are proud of our heritage. A family-run business for over 60 years, The Paint Shed has grown to become one of the UK’s fastest-growing trade paint retailers since opening our first store in Edinburgh. Today, we’re part of the Brewers Group, the UK’s largest independent paint merchant. Trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts trust us to deliver quality products and tools quickly and affordably. We’re committed to providing excellent service and a top range of products both in-store and online.
Job Description
We’re looking for a Category Assistant to join our small but dynamic team. In this role, you’ll work closely with our Category Planning Managers, Finance Team, Suppliers, Branch Managers and all Head Office departments – a true cross functional role. Reporting into the Category Planning Manager, as a Category Assistant, you’ll support in all tasks to maximise category performance, with a focus on product and supplier data, commercial reporting, promotional plans and execution and supply chain issues. You’ll develop a strong understanding of our categories, products, suppliers and the market to best assist the team in developing and implementing commercial plans.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Data Management: Comfortable working with a large amount of data, supporting the team with system amendments proposing any improvements and being the owner of any new product data, looking after a large number of SKUs. Play a key part in the new product set up process, ensuring all information regarding the new line is uploaded accurately to the system & communicated to the wider business. Work with the wider team, pulling together the product data for promotional activity based on direction from the Category Planning Manager.
- Reporting: Pull raw data from the system to support the Category Planning Managers in reporting on trade, stock position, sales and promotional analysis. Work with the Category Planning Managers on range reviews, pulling all relevant historical data and actively proposing solutions / new opportunities and ensuring this is followed through to action. Develop a good understanding of the competitor landscape – pricing and range. Provide detailed intelligence to the team, do regular competitor reviews, pull together internal and external data and actively follow up on any actions. Work with our price monitoring tool, ensuring the data captured is accurate & updated.
- Purchasing & Supply Chain: Be the first point of contact for our store managers, suppliers and warehouses on product supply chain issues, delivery queries and special-order requests. Ensure the business is fully updated on any changes in supplier terms – such as MOQ’s or updates to contacts. Work with the Category Planning Manager, our Accounts Team and Suppliers to ensure invoice queries are resolved in a timely manner. Work with the team to ensure supplier purchases are tracked and any actions appropriately followed up – such as chasing external credits or support due and raising notifications of credit. Support the Category Planning Managers with bulk buying processes across stores and ecom. Work with the wider team on ordering new equipment for stores such as ICT machines or shakers – within current store estate and being involved in new store openings.
- Administrative Support: Provide ad-hoc admin support to the wider team, by creating reports or correspondence. Manage our shared buying inbox, ensuring the queries get to the Category Planning Managers within an agreed timeframe. Work with the wider team to support on organising trade events and supplier brand marketing campaigns. Ensure our store network gets the news on new product launches, supplier marketing campaigns, new product or brands initiatives in a consistent and timely manner by being the owner of our internal hub.
What we are looking for in a Category Assistant
We’re looking for a pro-active, self-motivated forward thinker who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel) and the ability to quickly learn new systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team – creating and maintaining good working relationships with all stakeholders. Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high quality of work especially attention to detail.
Benefits
- Competitive financial package
- Employee discount
- 32 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Enhanced paternity/maternity provision
- Pension plan with company contributions plus a life assurance scheme
- Stream - a money management app that gives you access to your pay as you earn it
- Employee Assistance Programme and virtual GP service
- Discounts and rewards with selected partners
- Hybrid working model
Category Assistant in Paisley employer: The Paint Shed
The Paint Shed is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Glasgow, where you can thrive as a Category Assistant. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, and a hybrid working model, we empower our team to balance work and life while contributing to our success as part of the UK's largest independent paint merchant. Join us to be part of a family-run business that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring every employee feels valued and engaged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant in Paisley
✨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. Understand their market position and competitors. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience, especially with data management and reporting, as these are key parts of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how your proactive approach can benefit our team. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with Microsoft Office and any experience with supply chain issues.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working with various teams and stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your excellent written communication skills in your application. Clear and concise language will show us you can handle the demands of the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Paint Shed
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Assistant, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed data in the past. Think about specific examples where you improved processes or solved problems using data.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with The Paint Shed's product categories and competitors. Show that you’ve done your homework by discussing current trends in the paint retail market and how they might impact the business. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the role.
✨Communication is Key
You'll be working with various teams, so highlight your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role involves addressing supply chain issues and product queries. Think of situations where you've identified a problem and proposed a solution. Be specific about the steps you took and the outcomes, as this will showcase your ability to think on your feet.
