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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zoro

Associate Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Trader Joe's

Associate Category Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Associate Category Manager who is searching to do what they'll love! Do you have experience in category curation, vendor negotiation and management, and ...

Zoro

Associate Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Kenosha, WI · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Kenosha, WI · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Milwaukee, WI

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

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 ...

ULINE

Associate Category Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

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 ...

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How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 development and execution of strategies to optimize product categories within a retail or business environment. They analyze market trends, sales data, and customer preferences to help determine product assortment, pricing, and promotional tactics. Working closely with suppliers, marketing teams, and senior category managers, they aim to maximize category performance and profitability. This role often involves reporting, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure effective category growth.

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.
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Associate Category Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Category Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,863 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Associate Category Manager

Associate Category Manager

Associated Wholesale Grocers

Kansas City, KS • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Associated Wholesale Grocers rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 114 rated grocery stores

Job description

Associate Category Manager

Corporate Office: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS - Hybrid Schedule Available

Department: Frozen and Dairy Category Sales Team

Position Summary:

The Associate Category Manager | Dairy and Frozen is a developmental role within the Category Management team. This role is responsible for profitable sales growth of assigned category(s). They will collaborate with others across the AWG organization as well as supplier partners to achieve shared objectives. The Associate Category Manager owns all item level decisions within their respective category(s) to include but not limited to proper product mix, costing, promotional plans, shelf placement, efficient and profitable procurement, and item derived income to achieve category initiatives. The Associate Category Manager will develop skills to ensure that programs are on trend while receiving the best cost of goods while driving profitable sales growth for AWG and our Members. 

Description of Work:

  • Learn how to create and implement category initiatives and strategies. 

  • Learn how to develop sales growth programs that allow market flexibility within assigned categories.

  • Develop the necessary skills to manage AWG Brands assortment including product development to drive category sales and achieve targeted profitability.

  • Manage and/or assist in category reviews to maximize category assortment and setting category strategies.

  • Assist with the management of vendor programs, allowances, performance funds, incentive funds, marketing funds, direct plant ship options, and maintaining efficiency incentives to gain a competitive advantage in our markets.

  • Assist with creating joint business plans and conducting quarterly business reviews.

  • Communicate and interact with cross functional departments (eg. Inventory Management, Center Store, Accounting, AWG Brands, and divisional sales teams.)

  • Responsible for overseeing input of file maintenance is done timely and accurately.

  • Work with division teams to implement sales programs, communicating categories and consumer trends.

Qualifications:

Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  •   College degree preferred.

  •   Minimum 3 years Consumer Products Goods or related industry experience.

  •   Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, retail/wholesale/warehouse operations, category business planning, marketing, consumer research, and financial management.

  •   Minimal travel required: primary travel is to AWG members' retail locations and distribution centers, vendor partner locations and trade-related events and shows.

  •   Intermediate knowledge of business applications (eg. Microsoft Office and G Suites).

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 were $12.1 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com. 

Benefits: 

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Account

  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

  • Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time

  • 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Wellness Program

  • Yearly Christmas Bonus


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