Assistant Category Manager

Travis Perkins plc; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Category Manager to join their Timber team. This role offers the chance to drive sustainable sales and enhance customer relationships while implementing innovative category strategies. You will play a crucial role in negotiating with suppliers, analyzing market data, and leading cross-functional projects. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, this dynamic position promises an exciting opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join a company with over 200 years of heritage and be part of a team that values excellence and collaboration.

Benefits

Save-as-you-earn scheme

Buy-as-you-earn scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Colleague discount, including 20% off at Toolstation

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial team or as an Assistant Buyer.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver range and pricing strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyze data and prepare reports for supplier activities.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Commercial Mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Do you thrive in a commercial environment and enjoy negotiating with suppliers?

Do you relish the challenge of driving sustainable profitable sales and putting customers and branches at the heart of everything you do?

Do you have great attention to detail, an ability to multitask, and enjoy problem solving?

If the answer is yes, then Travis Perkins is currently recruiting for an Assistant Category Manager to join the Timber team within Commercial.

At Travis Perkins, our mission is to be the best builders merchants in town. We operate in a highly competitive market with over 200 years of heritage, and we continue to grow and adapt to win. Come and realize your potential with a company built on great people and top-quality products.

Location: You will be expected to travel to our Head Office in Northampton once a week. You must also hold a driving license and have access to a vehicle as some travel to supplier meetings and branches is expected.

What You’ll Do

We have two opportunities within our commercial team as an Assistant Category Manager. This role allows you to make your mark in either our Timber or Plumbing and Heating Category, supporting the implementation of product category strategies within the Travis Perkins Group with full support along the way.

You will own the customer proposition, drive innovation, influence trading margins and mix, and support the wider commercial strategy to grow and manage our product base and business performance. You will also build and maintain excellent relationships with our branches, providing the service they need to succeed.

Responsibilities include:

1. Creating and delivering range and pricing strategies aligned with the category plan and business goals to meet or exceed AOP and increase market share.
2. Developing promotional and marketing content to support category and supplier plans.
3. Creating supplier and trading plans to optimize sales and profit.
4. Analyzing data and preparing reports to inform activities with suppliers and internal initiatives.
5. Monitoring category performance and taking appropriate actions to address opportunities or concerns.
6. Leading supplier negotiations and meetings, preparing necessary materials.
7. Developing relationships with key stakeholders and delivering presentations to achieve category goals.
8. Identifying commercial opportunities using your knowledge and experience.
9. Responding to queries from internal and external sources promptly.
10. Ensuring data accuracy and working with suppliers on ongoing improvements.
11. Defining lifecycle management strategies and routes-to-market for each channel.
12. Leading cross-functional projects and initiatives for your category.
13. Driving continuous improvement in health & safety performance and product safety standards.

Is this you?

You might already work as an Assistant Buyer or in a Commercial team and are looking to develop your skills further. You should have excellent negotiation and influencing skills, a strong commercial mindset, and a passion for securing the best deals for customers. Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude are essential. If you are motivated by a dynamic, fast-paced environment and want to be part of a challenging business, we want to hear from you.

All candidates must hold a valid driving license and have access to a vehicle, as some travel is required.

What’s in it for you?

We are committed to being an inclusive employer where everyone feels safe and valued. Even if your experience doesn’t match all criteria, we encourage you to apply—you might be the perfect fit for this or other roles.

We offer excellent training and development opportunities, along with a benefits package including:

• Save-as-you-earn scheme
• Buy-as-you-earn scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Colleague discount, including 20% off at Toolstation

A Bit About Us

As the UK's largest distributor of building materials, Travis Perkins has been building Britain for over 200 years. With over 5 businesses, 19,000 colleagues, and more than 1,200 locations nationwide, we pride ourselves on having the best people and the best workplace. We work hard and enjoy what we do!