Category Assistant | Kitchens

Howdens Joinery is looking for a Category Assistant to support our Kitchens Category. This presents a prime opportunity to forge a fulfilling career with Howdens, with structured training and advancement pathways to achieve role goals and explore further career opportunities.
Working in our Commercial division, you'll play a pivotal role in fostering growth and profitability within the Kitchens category while delivering exceptional service to our Depots. This permanent position is situated at our Raunds office.
What will I be doing as a Category Assistant?
- Ensure strong commercial relationships across the business, including Supply Chain, Demand Forecasting, Quality and Technical
- Communicating with Depots to solve any queries through email or phone
- 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 Us
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 850 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.4 billion sales made last year.
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 working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
How to apply:
We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Category Assistant, then we are keen to hear from you.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.