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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

rockler

Associate Category Manager

Hamel, MN · Hybrid

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.

rockler

Associate Category Manager

Hamel, MN · Hybrid

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.

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

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate category manager?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,863 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Associate Category Manager

rockler

Hamel, MN • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

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.  The Associate Category Manager role is designed as the first step in category ownership. This role is intended to prepare the associate for a more advanced role in Category Management.

 major areas of accountability
  • Manage all aspects of the product life cycle in selected product categories.  
  • Develop merchandising concepts, product and promotional plans that strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating product assortment to ensure customer satisfaction, increase market penetration and competitive advantage.
  • Demonstrate progressive understanding of category management concepts, processes, and procedures through mentoring with Merchandising leadership.
  • Determine standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis, industry research, store visits and product pricing strategies.  
  • Evaluate industry and competitive trends; define and act on new opportunities.
  • Assist in the negotiations with vendors to assure we secure the lowest price and most favorable terms utilizing incentives like but not limited to payment terms, rebates, co-op, allowance, returns and freight discounts.
  • Collaborate with buyers, merchandisers, marketing, creative team and distribution team to ensure the supply chain is managed efficiently and product is accurately represented in all channels and effectively distributed to our customer.
  • Serve as an industry and customer expert to ensure we stay ahead of our competition and present our customers with the best assortment of products in the marketplace.
  • Monitor and report on key metrics
  • Miscellaneous additional duties as assigned.
  • We offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in office collaboration and attendance.
 requirements for position
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. 
  • 1+ years’ experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, preferably in a direct marketing and retail environment.
  • Proficient with MS Office
  • Strong written and verbal communication, negotiating and vendor management skills.
  • Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills
  • Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
  • Must be detail orientated and self-driven to maintain high productivity.
  • Excellent follow up and follow through capabilities
  • Woodworking experience/background preferred.
  • Local Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday

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