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Associate Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of ...

Associate Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of ...

... management and career development of associates, and developing and monitoring department goals. * Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best category management practices; make ...

Manage the strategic development and planning for assigned category, as a subset of a larger group of categories led by the Senior Category Manager. Ensure category sales plans are consistent with ...

Manage the strategic development and planning for assigned category, as a subset of a larger group of categories led bythe Senior Category Manager. Ensure category sales plans are consistent with the ...

Direct leadership responsibility for one Associate Category Manager, providing coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day category leadership * Coordinate with various departments and oversee all strategic ...

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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 23, 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.
More about Associate Category Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Category Manager jobs? Cities with the most Associate Category Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Category Manager jobs? The most popular types of Category Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Category Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Category Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Category Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. 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

$73K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Aon rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 150 rated financial services


Job description

Reporting to the Global Spend Management (GSM) Director, the Associate Category Manager/Senior Specialist will be responsible for managing sourcing and negotiation activities for a pipeline of procurement opportunities within the Corporate Services and Facilities category.

Aon is in the business of better decisions

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.

As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the day will look like

  • Management of procurement activities including sourcing, commercial negotiations, and project management for a variety of projects with an aim to mitigate risks and achieve intended financial outcomes.
  • Accountable for the management and delivery of a pipeline of multiple projects including renewals and consolidations of existing relationships, request for proposals, and new supplier arrangements.
  • Providing market intelligence, go-to-market, and negotiation strategy, assessing supplier risk, and engaging in leading procurement practices. Initiate appropriate sourcing work efforts against the pipeline using the appropriate resources, provide guidance and manage escalations on those individual efforts.
  • Independently apply procurement or subject matter expertise to determine methods and procedures on assignments, ability to think creatively and adapt approach when necessary, including gaining acceptance on alternatives.
  • Maintain productive relationships with colleagues on the Category Management team, internal stakeholders, suppliers, and procurement BPO partners.
  • As part of the global category team, contribute to our global category strategies and work across multiple category teams to develop strategies and link opportunities across regions and categories when appropriate.

How this opportunity is different

This role puts you at the center of a strategic, global procurement organization where your work directly shapes business decisions— not just contracts. You’ll own a pipeline of sourcing and negotiation initiatives across Corporate Services and Facilities, with real visibility and accountability. Working alongside experienced Global Spend Management leaders, crossfunctional partners, and suppliers, you’ll have the support, autonomy, and exposure to build strong procurement expertise while delivering tangible impact in a collaborative, fastmoving environment.

Skills and experience that will lead to success

  • Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in procurement/supply chain
  • Exceptional ability to effectively articulate difficult ideas and concepts through clear and concise verbal, written communication and/or presentations.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the sourcing process and ability to influence stakeholders/suppliers.
  • Strong problem solving, analytics and troubleshooting skills.
  • An inquisitive self-starter that has a passion for procurement.

For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.

Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Pay Transparency Laws

The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $73,000 - $85,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.  The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location. 

The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Chicago, Illinois. The actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location. 

This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon’s annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary.  The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.

Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions.  Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.

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2578062Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Aon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1992