Assistant Category Manager

RS Group plc; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in engineering solutions is seeking an Assistant Category Manager to support category strategies and manage product lifecycles. This entry-level role offers training and development opportunities, focusing on collaboration, data analysis, and effective communication. Ideal for candidates with strong administrative skills and a growth mindset.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative skills with proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills to engage with all levels of the business.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of category strategies and business plans.
• Manage product and range lifecycle, from introduction to discontinuation.
• Provide digital reports and market insights to guide strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Proficiency in MS Office

Job description

Assistant Category Manager

Location: Corby, Northants or Manchester (Hybrid working)

Are you looking for a step onto the career ladder within Category Management? RS is a fantastic place to begin. If you have experience with Excel reporting, work well with data, and enjoy teamwork and engaging with people, then this could be the opportunity for you.

We will provide training and development, so prior experience with all the listed skills is not essential. A positive attitude, the right behaviours, and a growth mindset are crucial.

What You Will Be Doing

• This role is a key development position within the RS Product & Supplier Management organization. You will work closely with the category team and collaborate across functions to execute the commercial strategy, helping to grow and manage our product and supplier base.
• You will support the development of the category’s product portfolio throughout its lifecycle, using data to inform decisions, execute product launches, optimize performance, and manage end-of-life stages.
• Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development and execution of category strategies and business plans.
• Providing digital reports and market insights to guide technology and supplier strategies and identify range opportunities.
• Managing product and range lifecycle, from introduction to discontinuation.
• Maintaining product and price files, including cost management.
• Ensuring data accuracy, including supplier contacts, contractual terms, and market share.
• Tracking supplier value extraction, such as marketing funding, rebates, and payment terms.
• Supporting the delivery of category KPIs, including revenue, margin, ROI, customer acquisition, product sales, and supplier performance metrics.

What We Are Looking For From You

• Strong administrative skills with proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel (e.g., Lookups, Pivot Tables).
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify anomalies.
• Effective communication skills to engage with all levels of the business.
• A collaborative team player with a positive, results-oriented attitude.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• A growth mindset with a willingness to learn and develop.

About RS Group

RS Group has been solving engineering problems for over 80 years. Our purpose is to make amazing happen for a better world. We deliver service and product solutions worldwide, with a vast inventory and a broad customer base.

We value curiosity, innovation, and human-centric approaches. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, ethics, responsibility, and our ESG initiatives. Join over 9,000 employees worldwide and be part of a team that encourages you to think big, do more, and unleash your brilliance.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities?