Assistant Category Manager - Beauty

This 12-month maternity cover is your chance to lead one of Holland & Barrett's most exciting categories and gain hands-on experience with high-impact product launches.

Beauty is in the middle of a major transformation - we've redefined it with an “inside-out” approach, combining high-performance skincare with ingestible supplements like collagen. It's paying off: recent store trials delivered a 7% uplift in beauty sales and introduced leading brands like Cetaphil, Aveeno, and Noughty.

In this role, you'll make sure that momentum continues - managing promotions so they drive sales, strengthening supplier relationships to sharpen your commercial skills, and supporting new launches that build your expertise in one of retail's fastest-growing categories.

If you want to make a measurable impact and develop skills that set you apart, keep reading.

The Role

What you'll actually be doing?

You'll support the Category Manager for Beauty, which means you'll be right in the thick of it:

• Helping deliver the category plan and ensuring it's implemented effectively.
• Managing promotions and campaigns so they land on time and actually drive sales.
• Working with suppliers to keep deals on track, negotiate terms, and make sure products flow through the supply chain.
• Keeping an eye on sales, margin, and stock so nothing falls through the cracks - because nothing kills a campaign faster than empty shelves.
• Supporting new product launches and making sure the range looks sharp, relevant, and profitable.
  
  

You'll also be the person who spots problems before they escalate. Whether it's a stock issue, a pricing error, or a promotion that isn't pulling its weight, you'll flag it and fix it.

How we'll know you're delivering?

• Promotions run smoothly and customers actually notice them.
• Suppliers aren't chasing us for answers because you've already given them.
• Stock levels look healthy, not scarce.
• The numbers make sense - sales, margin, and profitability are all heading in the right direction.
  
  

The Person

What you'll need?

• Experience in buying or category management - FMCG or retail would be ideal.
• You're comfortable working with P&L, understand the importance of margins, and can discuss the numbers confidently.
• You're organised, because this role has moving parts and deadlines that don't move.
• You're confident communicating with suppliers and internal teams and can build strong, natural relationships.
• And you're not afraid of data - because you'll be using it every day to make decisions that matter.
  
  

What's in it for you?

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits

• Health Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Private Virtual GP
• FREE at-home blood test kit
• Holiday Purchase option
• Pension Contribution
• Access to ‘Wellhub' with gyms, studios and wellbeing apps
  
  

Discounts & Savings

• 25% Colleague Discount with FREE Standard Delivery
• Exclusive Discounts from a wide range of partners
• £/€50 Annual Product Allowance to spend in store
  
  

Learning & Development

• Access to a variety of learning opportunities, including Level 2-5 Apprenticeships, Workshops and our Digital Learning Library
• AND MORE!
  
  

Holland and Barrett is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We understand that when our colleagues are listened to, respected and valued for who they are, we build an organisation with belonging at its heart – making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.

Holland & Barrett does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Please do not forward resumes to our job alias, employees, or any other company location. Holland & Barrett is not and will not be responsible for any fees if a candidate submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless otherwise agreed with respect to specific open position(s).