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Associate Category Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Category Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$23

$47

How much do associate category manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate category manager in Iowa is $23.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $27.98 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Category Manager jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Category Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Category Manager jobs in Iowa? For Associate Category Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Category Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Category Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Category Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Category Manager job openings:
Associate Category Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Category Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,652 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Category Manager (Buyer) - Automotive

Theisen's Home Farm Auto

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Theisen's rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

322nd of 730 rated retailers

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Category Manager - Automotive
Employment Type: Full Time
Supervisor: Divisional Merchandise Manager
Location: Store Support Center
Job Description
Responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of a specific product category within the company by analyzing market trends, developing strategies, managing retail pricing, promoting and developing and implementing best-in-class assortments. Key duties include market research, competitor analysis, developing marketing initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • 3 years related experience preferred

Key Responsibilities
  • Market analysis:
  • Conduct in-depth research on market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for category growth.
  • Strategy development:
  • Create and execute category strategies including pricing, promotional plans, product assortment, and space allocation to maximize sales and profitability. Maintain a relationship with the stores to determine product opportunities.
  • Product management:
  • Manage the product lifecycle within the category, including new product introductions, product discontinuation, and product positioning. Create strategic planograms utilizing store volume groups based on sales and available space.
  • Supplier management:
  • Cultivate and maintain supplier relationships. Negotiate with suppliers on minimum order amount, cost, case packs, freight terms, product allocation, lead time, fill rate, payment terms, marketing funds, promotional terms, buybacks, return policies, product exclusivity, guaranteed sales etc. to optimize category profitability. Actively search for new suppliers to create a competitive supplier culture to enhance value proposition within category. Perform quarterly Category and Line Reviews to maximize assortment and program elements among suppliers.
  • Collaboration:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, store planning, operations and DC to implement category strategies. Visit stores, utilizing front line associates to identify opportunities within the category. Participate in Buyer Committee calls quarterly to listen to our associates regarding potential opportunities.
  • Data analysis:
  • Utilize systems to track category performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams
  • Strategic thinking and ability to develop effective category plans
  • Market knowledge and understanding of consumer behavior
  • Negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships
  • Financial acumen and budgeting expertise
  • Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools

Physical Demands
Frequent physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, dexterity, and light grasping. Occasional physical demands include lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and firmly grasping. The employee is required to accept incoming calls and must be able to hear and speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently. The associate must have the manual dexterity to manually operate and use a computer and other basic office equipment.
Work Environment and Working Conditions
This position will be performed inside a climate-controlled office facility. The noise level is low to medium and typical of an office environment. Potential hazards include electrical hazards. Atmospheric conditions are typical of an office environment and may include exposure to odors and dust.
Benefits
Part-Time and Full-Time Eligible:
  • Competitive match on 401K
  • PTO
  • Holidays
  • Birthday-off with pay
  • Associate discount and many other benefits

Full-Time Also Eligible:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Short-term and long-term disability

Company Culture and Values
At Theisen's, our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and service to our communities. We believe in putting Customer First, working together as One Connected Team, and always finding ways to Give Back. These three pillars guide how we approach our work and interact with each other every day.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every associate is valued and encouraged to grow. At Theisen's, we strive to make a positive impact on our customers, our communities, and each other, creating a workplace where hard work, dedication, and innovation are celebrated.
Theisen's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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