Category Assistant

Category Assistant
Hybrid working: 75% of working hours within Long Eaton office, with some occasional travel required to other sites
Position Type: Full time (37hrs) – Permanent
Responsibilities:
The Category Assistant role provides essential support to the category management team, reporting directly to the Senior Category Manager, and will be involved in all areas of product management helping to ensure the smooth running of daily activities across product ranges and projects. This is an entry-level role offering the opportunity to build commercial, analytical, and product management skills. The category assistant will gain hands-on experience in product lifecycle management, market research, and go-to-market execution, with the chance to progress into more senior category roles over time.
The successful applicant will have a passion to drive marketing projects forward and bring new ideas to the table and will support in the successful delivery of the Sinks and Taps category sales objectives.
Duties will include but not limited to
* Provide administrative and organisational support to the category management team.
* Help prepare reports, presentations, and analysis to support category decision-making.
* Conduct regular market research including competitor benchmarking to ensure pricing and products are best positioned in the market.
* Sourcing, editing and maintaining product data and product volumetrics across internal databases.
* Support with design briefs, which includes literature, packaging, labels, POS and photography.
* Help track progress of new product development projects, ensuring timelines are recorded and followed.
* Help coordinate new product launch activities, including preparation of sales and marketing materials.
* Maintain accurate records of product and promotional performance.
* Support the planning and delivery of company exhibitions throughout the year.
* Using the Rangemaster CMS & PIM systems (training will be given) to update the brands’ websites and company intranet sites.
* Actively engage with internal stakeholders to communicate internal marketing and product updates.
* Liaise with suppliers, agencies, and internal departments as needed.
* To support the sales teams with customer marketing requests.
* To organise FOC orders and product samples deliveries.
* Support to coordinate products through the product lifecycle from cradle to grave.
* Manage changes to deadlines given.
* Undertake general office administration tasks.
Skills required
* Strong interest in product management, marketing, or commercial roles.
* Good analytical and numerical skills, with ability to interpret data.
* Proficiency in Microsoft office (excel, PowerPoint, word).
* Highly organised with attention to detail.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Able to listen and understand instruction.
* Good attention to detail and accuracy.
* Enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to learn.
* Valid UK driving licence – occasional travel across sites will be required.
Desirable skills (but not essential)
* Degree in marketing, business or related subject
* Experience with CMS & PIM systems
* Photoshop skills