Category Assistant

As Category Assistant this is an excellent opportunity to establish a rewarding career with Howdens. With planned training and development to reach role objectives and opportunities for further progression.

Working in our Commercial department you will support the Kitchens category to enable growth and profitability while providing a value-added service to the Depots. This is a permanent position that is based in our office Raunds.

**What will I be doing as a Category Assistant?**
- Ensure strong commercial relationships across the business including Supply Chain, Demand Forecasting, Quality and Technical
- Work closely with the Marketing team, conducting proofing of any marketing materials
- Prepare information for key internal and external meetings. Internally this includes Executive meetings, Regional Manager meetings, and Depot engagement sessions
- Support with trading analysis of reports to shape decisions made by the team
- Supporting the management of product ranges in line with the business commercial planning cycle
- Lifecycle product management including new product introduction (NPI) and discontinued (OPO)
- An awareness of the external market, including competitor analysis and factors that impact any changes
- Understand the needs of the builder, customer, and depot, becoming a category expert within the business and the marketplace

**What do I need to qualify for this role?**
- Excellent communication skills to build relationships with key stakeholders
- Understanding key data systems
- An interest in product and lifecycle management
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrable commercial acumen and attention to detail
- The ability to work within a team or independently to a high standard

**What can we offer you as a Category Assistant?**
- Competitive salary and quarterly company 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 Howdens**:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe - making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.
- Last year our sales reached circa 2.1bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy workingfor Howdens - and why we have been named one of the **10 Best Big Companies to Work For**.

**How to apply**

**#L1-NB1