Category Assistant

As Howdens continue to innovate, grow, and invest in our people we are looking for a Category Assistant to join our dynamic Commercial team in Howden, East Yorkshire.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced, commercially driven environment. As a Category Assistant, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Category team to develop and deliver market-leading ranges. Working closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business, you’ll help drive profitability and growth while ensuring our depot teams are equipped with the right products and knowledge to support our customers.

Suitable candidates are likely to have work experience supporting category, purchasing, buying, merchandising or sales teams. Job titles may include Sales Support Administrator, Project Support Assistant, Buying or Merchandising Assistant or Procurement Assistant. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Become a category expert by understanding the needs of the builder, customer and depot.
• Support the Depot with query management.
• Create and communicate product information to Depots that is appropriate and fit for purpose
• Support the management of product ranges in line with the business commercial planning cycle.
• Prepare information and create presentations for key internal and external meetings.
• Organise Supplier meetings, preparing slide decs and relevant data.
• Attend external and internal meetings, taking accurate minutes and following up on any actions.
• Ensure strong commercial relationships between Howdens, the category supply base and internal stakeholders.
• Stay up to date with the external market, including market trends, environment and performance against competitors. Conducting price, specification and service benchmarking and providing recommendations to the Category Buyers.
• Create and maintain commercial data, across multiple systems, including but not limited to, certifications, commodity codes, dimensions, imagery, packaging and pricing.
• Provide team data to support accurate decision making, including collation and analysis of varying reports.
• Work closely with the Marketing & Digital team, conducting proofing of marketing materials and suggesting improvements on customer journey, imagery and content.
• Prepare and distribute tender documentation, collating information, conducting analysis and making suggestions to the category.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, confident working with data, and able to build strong relationships across all levels of the business – all while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

• Exceptional communication skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in leveraging data systems to uncover valuable insights.
• Passionate about product and lifecycle management, eager to be involved at every stage.
• Highly organised and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Sharp analytical abilities, with a strategic mindset and meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrates the ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrates commercial acumen combined with excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Advantageous to have an Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations Level 3 or CIPS Student Membership

What can we offer you as a Category Assistant?

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Us

Howdens Joinery is a FTSE 100 company and UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe and employ more than 12,000 staff.  Last year, our sales reached over £2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a high-profile company, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Category Assistant, then we are keen to hear from you.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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