Category Assistant Location: Birmingham / Onsite EP Group – Category Assistant EP Group is a global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia. We specialise in a range of paper and plastic based packaging products, selling to many of the world’s largest retailers including Marks & Spencer, Amazon and McDonalds. We have an opportunity for a Category Assistant to join our purchasing team in our Birmingham Head Office. The role will be responsible for assisting the Category Managers with day to day pricing enquiries from our sales teams. The Category Assistant will research and source pricing and product information and accurately maintain internal price lists. If you are a motivated, driven and highly organised individual who has a good eye for detail and accuracy, we would like to hear from you! Role purpose – Category Assistant: To manage all of the day to day enquiries, queries and admin tasks within the category, providing other departments within the business with accurate information in a timely manner. Providing support to the category manager & wider department with any project or reporting work that arises, ensuring all timescales are met and work is done to the required standard. Researching the market and supply base at sub-category level and keeping records of the information gathered. Key accountabilities – Category Assistant: * Requests for pricing – Complete enquiries accurately and within defined timescales. * Data – Ensure data regarding product, suppliers etc is set up and maintained accurately. * Account support – Be the first point of contact for the account support functions * Reports – Generate and maintain departmental and category specific reports e.g. Category spend/margin, Raw Material tracking. * Meetings – Attend supplier meetings, prepare pre-meeting reports with KPI trackers and take and file minutes. * New suppliers – Research, assess and make initial contact with potential new suppliers, updating the supplier intelligence matrix. * Samples – Organise and label supplier samples rotating new/obsolete to make sure storage is available at all times. * Sub Category Management – Take ownership of a sub-category, producing a cost saving plan and undertaking tender activity. Essential Experience / Special requirements – Category Assistant: * Experience in a purchasing/buying role dealing directly with overseas suppliers * This is a fast paced environment and attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to communicate with people internally and externally on all levels * Second language would be of benefit * Good level of numeracy * Prioritisation Abilities * Ability to self-manage Technical / Functional skills: * Experience of using SAP beneficial, but not essential. * Excel * Outlook * Word * Powerpoint * Negotiation Skills