STARK UK is a leading building materials distributor in Northern Europe, and we are looking for a Category Assistant who is passionate about people, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to grow within a progressive team. At STARK UK we believe that our greatest asset is our people. We're not just a team; we’re a vibrant community driven by decency, passion, and pride in everything we do. We are committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone can thrive and unleash their full potential. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas are not just welcomed but celebrated, you’ve found your home! In this role you will you will be a key support member of the commercial category team, working alongside other central support functions, branches and sales teams in maximising opportunities for growing sales and improving commercial returns. 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. Responsibilities include: Support the Category Managers 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. What We’re Looking For Essential 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 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 Desirable Experience with products relevant to Contracts brands highly desirable Some experience in a buying or category role – not essential but desirable Driving licence (travel and overnight stays are required) What’s in it for you? 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, Cycle2Work, Benenden Healthcare and more. Access to a wealth of health and wellbeing services including access to online GP appointments and mental health support WorkPerks – A platform home to hundreds of all your favourite high street and online discounts via the provider Reward Gateway Why Choose Us? 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 What's Next 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. #SBMUK STARK Building Materials UK comprises 14 brands, including one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchants Jewson, along with JP Corry and Normans, specialist brands Minster and Jewson Civils Frazer, as well as major timber importer and distributor, International Timber. With over 600 dedicated builders merchant branches and distribution centres, this makes us one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials. However, more importantly, our dedicated team and the high-quality products we offer make us trusted, expert partners to the industry. Together, we give our customers hassle-free access to the market-leading, sustainable solutions they need to build responsibly for the future. If you’d like to build that future with us, check out our careers page or get in touch. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. At STARK Building Materials UK, we are known for our building distribution, but in reality, it is our colleagues that drive our business forward. All around the UK, in our branches, warehouses and offices, our team give everything to make building better for our customers. We value our customers, the communities we work in and the colleagues in our team, who collectively build our business to ever greater heights every day. We strive to create a workplace where all colleagues feel safe and empowered to do their best and are comfortable to bring their true selves to work every day. We are proud that we offer all our colleagues a great place to work.