Assistant Category Manager- Timber

Job Details

• Job type: Full time
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Location: Head Office, Southampton
• Salary: Competitive

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an independent builders’ merchant serving customers across the South of England. Founded in 1842, we remain family owned and focused on doing things properly. We keep things straightforward - know our customers, work safely, deliver reliably, and support each other as a team. Decisions are made locally, close to the work. The business is led by Tom, the great-great-great grandson of the founder. That long-term, hands-on approach shapes how we operate and how we look after our people. Many of our team build long careers here. It’s a stable, supportive environment where people take pride in their work and back each other day to day.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive, commercially minded individual to support the procurement and distribution of timber products across our branch network. This role plays a key part in keeping stock moving efficiently across the business, working closely with the Timber commercial manager and wider teams. You’ll be involved in purchasing, supplier coordination, pricing, and supporting internal teams and customers, helping to maintain strong margins and competitive pricing. The role also supports our Chain of Custody requirements and responsible sourcing commitments. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied, hands-on role and wants to develop their product knowledge.

Duties & Key Responsibilities

• Support distribution of timber products across the branch network, including raising documentation
• Purchase materials from UK and overseas suppliers, securing best possible pricing
• Supporting with forward Timber purchase volumes and contract negotiations
• Assist with pricing structure, stock range, and promotions to maximise profit and margin
• Support external sales with customer enquiries, acting as internal contact where required
• Support Chain of Custody compliance to ensure legal and sustainable sourcing

About You

• Passion for timber and timber-based products
• Confident negotiating
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Analytical and comfortable working with data
• Assertive when required
• Strong communication skills, both face-to-face and telephone
• Competent IT skills, confident using Microsoft packages
• Commercially aware with an understanding of profit and margins

Why Join [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

• Be part of a long-established, independent business with strong values
• Opportunity to develop your skills and progress your career
• Work as part of a supportive and close-knit team

Plus, you get these benefits ….

• Annual profit share scheme
• Christmas shutdown
• 24/7 wellbeing support
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• 22 days holiday
• Unlimited training
• Staff discounts
• Christmas Hamper
• Monthly Pizza on us
• Company pension

Additional Information

Team: Head Office

Locations: Head Office, Southampton

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a family-owned builders merchant that’s been helping the south build since 1842. We’re in the business of doing great work with great people. Become part of our incredible team! Founded in 1842. Co-workers 300+. Turnover £80 million.