Category Assistant Review

My role as a commercial category assistant is to be a key link between our branches, sales, techncial and wider teams to our suppliers. I work on inputting and amending pricing, create new products, stocky management and work with category managers in implementing new stratergies in the business. This can be done either by research or by liasing with suppliers themselves

Yes I have certainly learnt new skills. I am now far more confident in negotiating with people, originally I was very easily influenced and caved under pressure. However the course explored new ways in how to stand your ground and create effective negotiations and learn when to say 'no' and work from a business point of view.

I enjoyed the programme largely as the course was very interactive and in tune with my day to day workings. The coach and webinars enviroment were brilliant also and very open. This encouraged me to not only be myself but to also say my thoughts on a project or question regardless if I was wrong or right. Which I feel really encourages a positive enviroment.

I programme was very well structured. Each top in the course was broken down into modules which helps the coursework and studying very easy to digest and to understand which part you were at in any given time. The webinars were set in the same fashion so I dont feel any of the students were undure on where we were with the programme.

The support I received from my employer for the most part was good. Considering the unusal circumstances of covid 19 and working from home for the first time I think it was good. The work load alongside the course was high so it was sometimes difficult for my employee to balance full attention to my course and workload but overall very good support.

The support I received from the training provider was brilliant. My tutor was exceptional in not just providing excellent teaching but also offered great support in studying and setting managable time scales to completed any outstanding tasks I may have had. They also provided great feedback and helped grow my understanding on certain topics.

I feel my qualification will help me in abundance in my role. It has alreadt hlped me greatly in my negotiations I undertake and has also greatly helped me understand the business more from a comercial point of view. This has helped me base decisions on a commercial performance scale rather than having to ask other members of the team for aid.

Yes our company have a multitufe of social events. Just recently they created a 'netwalking' initiaitve which sees different team members from all aorund the business meet up if they wish to go for a walk on a lunch break. We also have quarterly activites which can range from a meal or a relaxed day so everyone can be involved.

Yes

I would recommend the company because I feel the culture is very welcoming and open. The enviroment is good to work in and provides an equally fantastic benefits scheme and gives a sense that the company really does care about its employees. It is also quite a busy industry with lots changing so its not a standard 9-5 job, there is always something different going on.

I would strongly recomend you to be yourself. The company thirves of individuals being themselves and has a great family feel right throughout the company. I would say try to learn about the building and construction industry as it will certainly help having an understanding of what we do. I would also say be prepared for hybrid working as it is how most teams work now in our industry.