Category Assistant

Howdens are looking for Category Assistantto 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 Worktops category to source and deliver a market leading range of worktops, enabling growth and profitability while providing a value-added service to the Depots.This is a permanent position thatcould be based either from our office in Howden, East Yorkshire, or Raunds in Northamptonshire.

**What will I be doing as a Category Assistant?**
- Ensure strong commercial relationships between Howdens, the category supply base and internal stakeholders 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, EXPO and Depot engagement sessions
- Provide all the data including collation and analysis of reports to shape decisions made by the team
- Supporting the management of product ranges in line with the business commercial planning cycle
- Project manage new product introduction (NPI) and sourcing activities
- An awareness of the external market, including factors that impact any changes
- Maintain and update purchasing data
- Understand the needs of the builder, customer and depot, becoming a category expert

**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

**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
- Free or Subsidised lunch depending on location
- 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