Assistant Category Manager

Assistant Category Manager (Home textiles, bedding, soft furnishings)
Heald Green, Greater Manchester | Hybrid Working
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Box Recruitment Solutions is recruiting for a growing textiles and soft furnishings business that has built an outstanding reputation within the industry and is recognised as an award-winning company.

Working with hundreds of licences, including some of the biggest names in the world across entertainment, gaming, sports and consumer brands, our client develops and supplies innovative home and lifestyle products to major retailers across the UK, Europe and beyond.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Category Manager looking to develop their career within Buying, Category Management and Product Development in a fast-paced, creative and commercial environment.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of Category, you will support the development and delivery of commercial product ranges across multiple categories and licensed brands.
Working closely with internal teams, suppliers and factories, you will assist with product development, sourcing, costings, competitor analysis, supplier management and critical path coordination to ensure products are delivered on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Support the development and delivery of commercial product ranges.
Research market trends, competitor activity and new product opportunities.
Maintain product information, specifications, costing documents and reports.
Assist with product development projects from concept through to production approval.
Liaise with factories and suppliers to obtain quotations, samples and development updates.
Support costing analysis and supplier negotiations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Assist with customer presentations, range reviews and category planning activities. Knowledge & Skills Required

Must have knowledge of Bedding, Textiles and/or the Homewares industry.
Candidates with a Licensed Products background will also be considered.
Minimum 2–3 years' experience in Sourcing, Buying, Manufacturing, Category Management and/or Product Development.
Experience of price negotiation within a commercial environment.
Strong commercial awareness, including costings, margin management and product development.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience working with licensed products and approval processes would be advantageous. Benefits

Hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days working from home).
Early finish every Friday.
Extensive holiday allowance.
Fun, friendly and sociable working environment.
Opportunity to work with globally recognised brands and licences.
Excellent opportunities for career progression and development.
Join a growing and award-winning business.
Travel may be required as part of the role.   Please contact Debra Cohen on (url removed)

ILDD