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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Category Managers are key contributors to our growth in both sales and category expansion. The Category Management team is responsible for defining strategies for our key categories and ...

Associate Category Managers are key contributors to our growth in both sales and category expansion. The Category Management team is responsible for defining strategies for our key categories and ...

Associate Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an emerging leader with an eye for market trends? As an Associate Category Manager at Uline ...

Summary of Position The Associate Category Manager, in support of a Sr. Merchant, is responsible for delivering the financial performance of their assigned departments and limited product categories.

Associate Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an emerging leader with an eye for market trends? As an Associate Category Manager at Uline ...

Associate Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an emerging leader with an eye for market trends? As an Associate Category Manager at Uline ...

Associate Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an emerging leader with an eye for market trends? As an Associate Category Manager at Uline ...

Associate Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you an emerging leader with an eye for market trends? As an Associate Category Manager at Uline ...

The Associate Category Manager supports the Category Management function by transforming data into actionable insights that drive business growth and improve decision-making. * This role is part of ...

The Associate Category Manager will support the creation and implementation of category management strategies aimed at developing win-win solutions and strengthening long-term, strategic partnerships ...

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Associate Category Manager information

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How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate category manager in the United States is $25.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Category Manager vs Category Analyst?

AspectAssociate Category ManagerCategory Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; some roles may prefer experience in retail or supply chainBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, manages supplier relationships, and supports category strategiesAnalyzes sales data, monitors market trends, and provides insights to support category decisions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, consumer goods, and e-commerce companiesUsed across similar industries for data analysis and strategic support

The Associate Category Manager and Category Analyst roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on supporting category strategies through collaboration or data analysis. While the Associate Category Manager has more responsibilities in supplier management and strategy execution, the Category Analyst primarily provides insights through data analysis. Both roles are essential in retail and consumer goods industries, often working together to optimize product categories.

What does an associate category manager do?

An associate category manager supports the category management team by analyzing sales data, assisting in developing product strategies, and coordinating with suppliers. They help optimize product assortments, monitor inventory levels, and contribute to pricing and promotional decisions, often using tools like Excel or category management software. This role typically requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail or supply chain operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Category Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Category Manager, you need strong analytical skills, business acumen, and a background in merchandising or supply chain, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or related fields. Familiarity with category management software, advanced Excel, and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills enable standout performance in managing vendors and cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for driving category growth, optimizing product assortments, and ensuring profitability in a competitive retail environment.

How does an Associate Category Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals?

An Associate Category Manager frequently works with teams such as marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance to ensure category strategies are effectively executed. This collaboration involves sharing market insights, coordinating promotional activities, and aligning on inventory planning to meet sales targets. Effective communication and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders are essential, as the role acts as a bridge between departments to drive category performance. Regular meetings and joint projects are common, providing exposure to various aspects of the business and opportunities for career growth.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media planners, media directors, or digital marketing managers often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in data analysis, negotiation, and media buying. These positions typically require strong industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and proficiency with media planning tools and analytics platforms.

What is the salary of a category manager?

The salary of a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized category managers may earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For an Associate Category Manager, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically occur with extensive experience, seniority, or in high-cost markets. Higher-paying roles in management, finance, or specialized consulting often exceed this threshold, especially with bonuses and incentives included.
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Associate Category Manager

Associate Category Manager

Zoro

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Primary Function: 

At Zoro, we desire to have every product for every business need. Associate Category Managers are key contributors to our growth in both sales and category expansion. The Category Management team is responsible for defining strategies for our key categories and then finding and managing supplier relationships that allow us to add products and drive growth in those categories.
   

An Associate Category Manager's success will be defined by helping operationalize and accelerate the sales of the existing portfolio of products. The Associate Category Manager is responsible for supporting aligned Category Managers analyzing the business and executing tactics for assigned categories.  This position will work in a team environment with a focus on developing insights, identifying opportunities and communicating recommendations to lead future industry growth to our internal partners and external suppliers. In addition, they will drive and support activities that help Zoro sell more products and manage cost and profitability. The Associate Category Manager will execute reporting and analysis to support assigned product categories to inform on category and supplier performance, collaborate closely with cross-functional partners throughout the business, and participate in supplier relationship management. The Associate Category Manager will be a key liaison with internal partners to help drive customer experience and sales performance.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Create, manage and update reports regarding new suppliers, SKU productivity, sales performance, and assortment gaps
  • Continually and proactively monitor the financial performance of categories and suppliers to measure against the category product strategies and KPI's to ensure we are providing an awesome customer experience
  • Proactively identify areas within aligned categories for product expansion and product optimization. Take ownership over identified expansion and optimization activities with support of CM and/or Sr. CM
  • Work with suppliers to acquire comprehensive product information including product specifications, product images, pricing information, and additional product content; This effort will require cross-functional partnership as well as direct supplier interaction 
  • Collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams to execute on the category strategy

Qualifications: 

  • 1-3 years of experience in a related field is preferred
  • Experience in distribution, online marketplaces, wholesale, e-commerce a plus
  • Experience analyzing data, building presentations and communicating effectively through data 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Curious and rapid learning ability
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable to work in a fast-paced, agile environment
  • Ability to communicate in a clear and compelling manner in written, verbal, and interpersonal forms
  • Computer skills including building presentations, analyzing data, communicating information, and internet search techniques