Description
Category Assistant (Parental Cover)
Up to £30,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 6B)
12-month fixed-term contract
Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working – typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe)
Co-op Wholesale is growing, and we're looking for talented people who want to help shape what comes next.
As a Category Assistant in our Trading team, you'll join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract to make sure the right information sits behind every product we buy and sell. From keeping data up to date, to loading promotions, to supporting the delivery of key reports and paperwork, you'll make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Why this role matters
We're building something big at Co-op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, we're creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base. To do that, we need to make sure the right products are available at the right time and at the right price. That's where you come in. Your work will support stronger categories, and a smoother experience for our partners and their customers.
This is your chance to help bring new ideas to life and make a real impact across Co-op Wholesale. Be part of it.
What you'll do
* Maintain accurate product, price, and supplier data in internal systems
* Support teams with reports, documentation, and meeting preparation
* Load promotions and commercial terms into systems
* Resolve pricing and payment queries quickly and effectively
* Track timelines, flag risks, and help embed new processes
* Communicate clearly with colleagues and partners to keep everyone aligned
* Make sure we're always compliant with legal and regulatory standards, including GSCOP
What you'll bring
* Strong attention to detail and a proactive mindset
* Confidence working with data and spotting trends and patterns
* Excellent organisation and time-management skills
* Great communication skills and the ability to influence others
* Experience using systems and tools to manage commercial processes
* The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, retail-focussed environment
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:
* An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
* 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
* A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
* 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
* Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
* Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
* 24/7 colleague support service
* Training and support for your development and career progression
* Cycle-to-work scheme
A place you'll belong
We're building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.
We're proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we'll support you.
Learn more about our recruitment process at and our inclusion commitments at
As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.