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Category Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Category Analyst will contribute to sourcing initiatives across packaging categories, including plastic cake containers, cake boards, corrugated boxes, and scale labels. This role offers the ...

Sr. Category Analyst

La Palma, CA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Join our team as a Sr. Category Analyst at our office in La Palma, CA! You'll develop category insights and strategic recommendations for assigned customers or channels, helping drive brand and ...

Sr. Category Analyst

La Palma, CA · On-site

$75 - $125/hr

Join our team as a Sr. Category Analyst at our office in La Palma, CA! You'lldevelop category insights and strategic recommendations for assigned customers or channels, helping drive brand and ...

New

SAS Sr Category Analyst Job Locations US-NC-Matthews Primary Posting Location : City Matthews Primary Posting Location : State/Province NC Primary Posting Location : Postal Code 28105 Primary Posting ...

$75 - $125/hr

Join our team as a Sr. Category Analyst at our office in La Palma, CA! You'lldevelop category insights and strategic recommendations for assigned customers or channels, helping drive brand and ...

New

Walmart Category Analyst Bentonville, AR COTY is looking for smart leaders who are fast and passionate. As our Walmart Category Analyst , you'll play a critical role in shaping one of the world ...

With a strong analytical skillset, relevant experience (category and assortment management, retail operations, business analysis, etc), and knowledge of the Whole Foods Market product mix you will ...

Walmart Category Analyst Bentonville, AR COTY is looking for smart leaders who are fast and passionate. As our Walmart Category Analyst , you'll play a critical role in shaping one of the world ...

Walmart Category Analyst Bentonville, AR COTY is looking for smart leaders who are fast and passionate. As our Walmart Category Analyst , you'll play a critical role in shaping one of the world ...

The Category Analyst supports U.S. category development initiatives through data analysis, reporting, and execution tracking. This role provides analytical support for customer meetings, promotional ...

The Procurement Category Analyst supports strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for construction, engineering, and capital project spend. This role is responsible for analyzing ...

The Category Analyst will support category buyers at the corporate level in Woonsocket, RI with analysis, insights, and recommendations based on POS data to improve category and brand performance.

The Category Analyst will support category buyers at the corporate level in Woonsocket, RI with analysis, insights, and recommendations based on POS data to improve category and brand performance.

The Procurement Category Analyst supports strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for construction, engineering, and capital project spend. This role is responsible for analyzing ...

The Procurement Category Analyst supports strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for construction, engineering, and capital project spend. This role is responsible for analyzing ...

The Category Analyst supports U.S. category development initiatives through data analysis, reporting, and execution tracking. This role provides analytical support for customer meetings, promotional ...

Showing results 41-60

Category Analyst information

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How much do category analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for category analyst in the United States is $34.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a category analyst?

A Category Analyst is a professional who specializes in analyzing data related to product categories for a business, often within retail or consumer goods industries. Their main role is to use sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to help companies optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions. Category Analysts work closely with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to develop strategies that improve category performance and drive sales growth. They use various analytical tools to identify opportunities and make recommendations that align with company goals.

What is a category analyst?

A category analyst performs business analyses to assess sales effectiveness and makes suggestions for how to better promote products. Job duties include researching the product market, evaluating competitors, determining sales goals, and making recommendations about how to improve distribution and pricing. The qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related subject. Job experience in sales is useful, as are strong analytical skills and good written and verbal communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a category analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Category Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and a background in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, Nielsen/IRI, and experience with ERP systems or retail analytics platforms are commonly required. Effective communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you translate insights into actionable strategies and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills enable Category Analysts to drive sales growth, optimize product assortments, and support effective decision-making in competitive retail environments.

How does a category analyst typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business decisions?

Category Analysts work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and product performance. By sharing insights and data-driven recommendations, they help shape promotional strategies, optimize product assortment, and support pricing decisions. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies are key, as these collaborations directly influence category growth and profitability.

What is the difference between Category Analyst vs Market Research Analyst?

AspectCategory AnalystMarket Research Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or Statistics
Work EnvironmentRetail, consumer goods, or manufacturing companiesMarketing agencies, consulting firms, or corporate marketing departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to optimize product categories and sales strategiesUsed to analyze market trends and consumer behavior

Both roles involve analyzing data to inform business decisions, but a Category Analyst focuses on product categories within specific industries, while a Market Research Analyst examines broader market trends and consumer insights. The roles often overlap in skills and credentials, but their primary focus and application differ.

What cities are hiring for Category Analyst jobs?

Cities with the most Category Analyst job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Category Analyst jobs?

The most popular types of Category Analyst jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Category Analyst jobs?

The top employers for Category Analyst jobs are:

What states have the most Category Analyst jobs?

States with the most job openings for Category Analyst jobs include:

Infographic showing various Category Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,619 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Category Analyst - Packaging

Topco

Quincy, MA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
Overview
Topco Associates is currently seeking a Category Analyst for the Indirect Spend - Packaging team in Quincy, MA. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Quincy office three times per week and virtually twice per week.
The Category Analyst will contribute to sourcing initiatives across packaging categories, including plastic cake containers, cake boards, corrugated boxes, and scale labels. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact sourcing initiatives, strengthen analytical and negotiation skills, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and supplier partners.
Topco's mission is to deliver solutions that help our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers achieve a competitive advantage. We're committed to building high-performing, inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve and foster innovation across our business.
This role is well-suited for an analytically minded professional looking to grow their experience in sourcing, supplier strategy, and category management within a collaborative team environment.
Position Summary
The Category Analyst is responsible for contributing to the execution of category strategies and sourcing initiatives under the guidance of their manager. This individual will develop foundational expertise in assigned categories, help drive cost savings and value delivery goals, and contribute to supplier engagement and program growth initiatives.
This role manages sourcing initiatives of moderate scope across a category portfolio totaling approximately $500M in spend.
Responsibilities
Sourcing & Project Management
  • Coordinate sourcing initiatives from initiation through contract execution and lifecycle management
  • Develop and distribute RFPs and RFIs to prospective suppliers
  • Participate in supplier negotiations, including pricing and contract terms, using a variety of sourcing tools and methods
  • Ensure sourcing activities are well-documented and aligned with internal processes

Analytics & Insights
  • Conduct data analysis to support sourcing decisions, identify opportunities, and evaluate supplier proposals
  • Interpret and present findings to stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner
  • Develop working knowledge of assigned categories through market research and analysis

Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
  • Communicate initiative results, including savings and performance metrics
  • Assist in monitoring supplier performance and supporting contract compliance
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for continuous improvement

Business Support & Development
  • Partner with account management and program management teams to support program adoption and growth
  • Assist in tracking sales performance and preparing sourcing plans and business reviews
  • Contribute to the development and promotion of new and existing sourcing programs

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree required

Experience
  • 1-3 years of experience in business, analytics, project coordination, or a related field
  • Exposure to sourcing, procurement, purchasing, consulting, or retail operations preferred
  • Prior experience with supplier or market analysis is beneficial

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into insights
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain strong attention to detail
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
  • Customer-focused mindset with a collaborative approach to work
  • Interest in developing sourcing, negotiation, and category management skills
  • Travel approximately 10-15% based on business needs

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper's communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.
Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the interview process.
Salary Range
$70,000 - $80,000/annually
Benefits
  • Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Annual flexible spending accounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Competitive 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO offered