Graduate Category Assistant

Halfords Group PLC; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail company located in Worcestershire is seeking a motivated graduate for a role in their Category team. This position involves managing product and supplier data, supporting promotions, and conducting analyses to assist decision-making. Applicants should have a degree in Business Management and possess strong analytical and communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary, an annual bonus scheme, and a hybrid working environment with 3 days onsite.

Benefits

Employee discounts

Annual discretionary bonus

Pension and life assurance

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Motivated graduate with strong commercial awareness.
• Demonstrates a data-driven, analytical approach.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage product and supplier data accurately.
• Support range reviews and supplier meetings.
• Engage with suppliers to track samples and deliveries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficient in Excel

Education

Degree in Business Management or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Apply now Job no: 562647
Work type: Full time
Site: Redditch
Categories: Buying
Location: Worcestershire
Salary: Competitive
Business Area: Halfords Support Centre

About us

We’re evolving our Commercial team into a dynamic Category Management model that’s fully aligned with our Retail strategy. This transformation creates a future‑ready function that blends strategic insight, customer focus, and stronger cross‑functional collaboration. Our approach empowers teams, sparks innovation, and drives data‑led decisions that deliver sustainable growth.

To bring this vision to life, we’re investing in our people – expanding capacity and nurturing talent across our Category teams. It’s an exciting time to join Halfords, where you’ll discover exceptional development opportunities and have the chance to make an immediate, meaningful impact. If you’re ready to help lead the way in an ever‑evolving retail landscape, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

Become the engine that keeps our Category team moving. This is an ideal opportunity for a graduate looking to build a career in commercial retail. In this fast‑paced support role you’ll gain hands‑on experience bringing commercial plans to life – coordinating with suppliers, managing data accurately, and supporting the smooth running of key category processes.

You’ll use your organisation, energy, and attention to detail to support smarter decision‑making and efficient operations, while learning how a commercial team operates day to day. If you’re curious, proactive, and eager to be at the heart of the action, this role offers a strong foundation, real responsibility, and the chance to make an impact in a thriving retail environment.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the smooth running of the Category team by managing product and supplier data with accuracy and pace.
• Support with range reviews, promotions, and supplier meetings by gathering insights, preparing information, and supporting key decisions.
• Take ownership of keeping product and pricing systems accurate, working with internal teams to ensure data integrity.
• Actively engage with suppliers, tracking samples, specifications, and delivery schedules to keep plans on track.
• Analyse stock and sales performance using reporting tools, spotting trends and sharing insights that support commercial decisions.
• Apply commercial processes and governance standards to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Marketing, and eCommerce teams to help deliver category plans.
• Bring curiosity, energy, and confident communication to the role – ask questions, bring new perspectives and make an impact from day one.

About you

• A motivated graduate with a degree in Business Management or a related discipline, with strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Demonstrates a data‑driven, analytical approach with the ability to interpret information and support informed decision‑making.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage data accurately.
• A confident communicator who works collaboratively and effectively within a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with a willingness to learn new systems.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently, contributing positively to projects with team support.

A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.

Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.

We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre – you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home.

You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services.

Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We’re an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.

At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.