Job Description
About Us
At IronmongeryDirect, we've been a trusted name in architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we're the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you're looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that's built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Category Assistant to join our dynamic Category team. In this role, you will support the development and execution of product ranges that resonate with our target customers. You'll collaborate with multiple internal teams-Merchandising, E-commerce, Marketing, Customer Services, Photography, and IT-to help deliver compelling, competitive, and well-communicated product offerings.
This is a varied role with great exposure across the business, ideal for someone with strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in product and market dynamics.
About the Accountabilities
- Support Category Managers with mailers and web proofing to ensure accuracy and reduce customer queries.
- Conduct market, customer, and competitor research to inform decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Coordinate new product communication, ensuring teams are informed and confident about upcoming launches.
- Organise supplier product days and assist in identifying and filling key product gaps.
- Respond to customer feedback and queries from Customer Services and Bazaarvoice, meeting SLA requirements.
- Assist in the upload of new products, including sourcing and collating product data and content.
- Manage image assets including samples, photos, and in-situ images.
- Support the Category team with price analysis and trend reporting.
- Collaborate with the Merchandising team to compile relevant product content.
- Coordinate data uploads with the IT team.
- Generate reports as required to support category decisions.
About You
Essential
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Friendly and collaborative, able to work well with others.
- Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Strong attention to detail when working with product or data information.
- Willing to learn, with a positive and proactive attitude.
Desirable
- Experience working with product data, administration, or office systems.
- An interest in retail, products, or category management.
- Basic understanding of data analysis or reporting.
- Experience in a retail, administrative, or product-focused role (helpful but not essential).
- Familiarity with product information systems, ERP tools, or similar software.
About the Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus public Bank Holidays, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year
- Subsidised Private Healthcare for employees and their families
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- Fully funded Wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and more
- Discretionary annual company performance bonus
- Regular WOW awards for those that go above and beyond
- Staff suggestion scheme with associated rewards
- Staff discount on our products
- Long service awards, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year including additional annual leave, life insurance and increased employer pension contributions
- Two paid volunteer days per year
- 500 refer a friend incentive scheme
- We believe in recognising great work, investing in personal growth, and supporting wellbeing.
