Category Assistant

Minster, a specialist insulation & dry‑lining distributor offering a comprehensive range of products, is on the hunt for Category Assistant who is passionate about people, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is eager to grow within a progressive team.

Supporting the Category Manager through day‑to‑day admin, systems, reporting, relationship management and commercial requirements to deliver the best possible proposition to our internal customers, namely branch and sales colleagues, and act as a secondary contact for suppliers under the guidance of the category manager.

• Support the Category Manager within the assigned categories.
• Develop a good understanding of the competitor landscape and provide detailed competitor intelligence to the Category Managers within their categories.
• Support Category Managers in their categories in the provision of market and product knowledge, and business performance reporting to influence Category performance.
• Act as the first line of contact for internal customers, namely Branch and Sales colleagues, in the provision of pricing and commercial trading support – primarily within their own categories.
• Act as the secondary / support contact for internal customers, namely branch and Sales colleagues for other categories.
• Work to ensure all relevant processes and system requirements are adhered to.
• Establish and maintain successful relationships.
• Own and develop the category plans for smaller sub‑categories as assigned by Line Manager.

• Experience in a relevant business environment
• Good communication, influencing, presentation, and people skills
• Demonstrable commercial awareness and good business acumen
• Ability to work on own or as part of a team and build personable relationships
• Able to manage workload and work to tight deadlines
• Ownership of internal customer queries and enquiries to point of resolution
• Understanding of the urgency of internal customer requirements
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple simultaneous priorities
• Good numerical and analytical skills with ability to assimilate information. Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills.
• Resilient and able to constructively challenge and influence
• Appetite to progress career in a fast moving, dynamic, rewarding, and exciting business during a period of growth and change
• IT literate in appropriate Microsoft and database systems
• Qualifications must include good level of Maths and English

• Experience with products relevant to Minster products highly desirable
• Some experience in a buying or category role – not essential but desirable
• Driving licence (travel and overnight stays are required)

• Competitive Base salary
• Discretionary bonus
• Retirement savings plan
• Life assurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave for anyone expecting or adopting a child
• A wide range of voluntary benefits including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2
  
  Work, Benenden Healthcare and more.
• Access to a wealth of health and wellbeing services including access to online GP appointments and mental health support
• Work Perks – A platform home to hundreds of all your favourite high street and online discounts via the provider Reward Gateway

Quality – We’re unwavering in our commitment to providing outstanding products and service that exceed our customers’ expectations.

Supportive Environment – Join a culture that prioritises your growth, with the resources and support you need to excel. We listen and learn – we know we haven’t always got all the answers – listening and learning with you is what helps provide the best service to our customers.

Professional Development – We are invested in your success! Can we add this instead? You have a real chance to progress – the only limits are your own Explore our apprenticeships, training, and mentoring programs designed to elevate your career.

Great Benefits – Enjoy a compelling package that includes a competitive salary, bonuses, pension schemes, and life assurance, among many other perks!

Work‑Life Balance – We value your well‑being and offer flexible working hours and a hybrid working model to help you find your ideal rhythm.

If your application is successful, our Talent team will reach out to arrange an interview and answer any questions you may have. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure you can perform at your best throughout the application and interview process.