Assistant Category Manager (Maternity Cover)

Assistant Category Manager – Consumer Products (Maternity Cover)

Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 DOE + £1,500 completion bonus
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Category Manager – Consumer Products (Maternity Cover) to join a busy and growing Commercial Team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and an interest in product development to support the journey of consumer products from concept through to launch.

Working within a fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with multiple teams across the business and external suppliers, ensuring products are developed, launched, and maintained to the highest standards. The successful candidate will be detail-focused, proactive, and confident managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

A full handover and support will be provided to the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development (NPD)

• Research market trends and monitor industry developments
• Support the development and management of new consumer products from concept through to launch
• Source new suppliers and maintain strong relationships with existing partners
• Request product samples, pricing information, and support supplier negotiations
• Work with suppliers on product specifications, improvements, and development timelines
• Collaborate with design teams on product artwork, packaging, and presentation
• Review artwork and provide feedback where required
• Create New Line Forms (NLFs) including accurate product details and specifications
• Request barcodes and product codes from relevant teams
• Share product information with internal stakeholders
• Track product progress and support successful launches
• Provide research, data, and administrative support to line managers

Supplier & Project Coordination

• Support and coordinate product development projects
• Organise and attend supplier meetings
• Source components required for product development
• Coordinate rework processes where required
• Maintain effective communication with suppliers and internal teams

Administration & Product Support

• Create and manage purchase orders
• Generate Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) codes
• Arrange and distribute product samples with supporting documentation
• Support product submissions by gathering required documentation, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Assist with product pricing and presentation activities
• Ensure product information is accurate and complete across internal systems
• Attend trade shows to identify emerging trends and build supplier relationships
• Support Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) reporting
• Assist with product discontinuation and phase-out processes

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience or an interest in consumer products, category management, buying, or product development
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Confidence working with suppliers and supporting product development processes
• The ability to support pricing discussions and commercial activities
• A willingness to learn industry regulations and compliance requirements
• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
• A proactive approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Skills & Experience

• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and similar systems
• Strong administration and coordination skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience managing supplier relationships
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders

If you’re looking to join a thriving, dynamic, and fast-paced business offering excellent development opportunities and the chance to build your commercial and product management experience, we would love to hear from you