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Category Development Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Rockler

Category Manager

Medina, MN · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Additionally, Category Manager II's help to develop and lead their team to achieve results ... They lead the development of strategic direction and are responsible for product innovation ...

Hypertherm

Category Manager

New Brighton, MN · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing ... Lead procurement tool & process development * Provide training to internal and external parties ...

Gateway Recruiting

Category Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Build and manage relationships with stakeholders (R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and corporate ... Develop and implement category and supplier strategies aligned to business growth and margin goals

Donaldson Company, Inc.

Category Manager

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Support the development and implementation procurement strategies that ensure supply and financial ... Manage category pricing to align with current market conditions and in consideration of cost of ...

Donaldson Company, Inc.

Category Manager

Bloomington, MN · Hybrid

$84K - $115K/yr

Support the development and implementation procurement strategies that ensure supply and financial ... Manage category pricing to align with current market conditions and in consideration of cost of ...

New

Graco

Category Manager

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

... development. You will leverage your expertise in casting processes and category management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and collaborate cross-functionally with ...

Graco, Inc.

Category Manager

Rogers, MN · On-site

... development. You will leverage your expertise in casting processes and category management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and collaborate cross-functionally with ...

Graco

Category Manager

Rogers, MN · Hybrid

... development. You will leverage your expertise in casting processes and category management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and collaborate cross-functionally with ...

Mortenson

Assistant Category Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in development and implementation of category strategy for assigned ... Manage relationships with key suppliers * Maintain relationship with suppliers at the appropriate ...

Mortenson

Assistant Category Manager

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$92K - $138K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in development and implementation of category strategy for assigned ... Manage relationships with key suppliers * Maintain relationship with suppliers at the appropriate ...

Mortenson

Assistant Category Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in development and implementation of category strategy for assigned ... Manage relationships with key suppliers * Maintain relationship with suppliers at the appropriate ...

Abbott

Category Manager - Electronics

Plymouth, MN

Category Manager, Electronics Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and ... Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

TSI, Inc.

Category Manager II

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Category Manager II at TSI The Category Manager II is responsible for developing sourcing ... Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned commodities with a global ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCategory Development JobsCategory Development Manager JobsCategory Development Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Category Development Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$28.9K

$64K

$98.4K

How much do category development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for category development manager in Minnesota is $64,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $66,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a category development manager?

Category Development Managers are professionals responsible for driving the growth and performance of a specific product category within a company. They analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and sales data to develop and implement strategies that maximize sales and profitability. Their role often involves collaborating with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams, as well as building relationships with retailers and key stakeholders. By identifying opportunities and optimizing product assortments, Category Development Managers help ensure their category remains competitive in the marketplace.

How does a category development manager typically collaborate with sales and marketing teams to drive category growth?

A Category Development Manager works closely with both sales and marketing teams by analyzing market trends, shopper insights, and sales data to identify growth opportunities within specific product categories. They often lead cross-functional meetings to align on strategies for assortment, pricing, and promotional activities. Effective collaboration ensures that marketing campaigns and sales initiatives are tailored to drive category performance and meet retailer objectives. This teamwork not only boosts category sales but also strengthens relationships with key retail partners.

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

To thrive as a Category Development Manager, you need strong analytical skills, commercial acumen, and experience in category management, often supported by a degree in business or marketing. Proficiency with data analytics tools, syndicated data platforms (such as Nielsen or IRI), and advanced Excel skills is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are valuable soft skills that help drive collaboration across teams and with clients. These competencies are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, optimizing product assortments, and building effective retail strategies in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Category Development Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectCategory Development ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and expanding product categories within a marketManaging individual products from conception to launch
Work EnvironmentMarket analysis, category strategy, cross-functional collaborationProduct lifecycle management, user experience, feature development
Required CredentialsBusiness or marketing degree, industry-specific knowledgeBusiness, marketing, or technical degree, product management certifications

While both roles involve strategic planning, the Category Development Manager focuses on broad category growth and market positioning, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on specific product development and lifecycle management. Understanding these differences helps align career goals and employer expectations.

What are popular job titles related to Category Development Manager jobs in Minnesota?

For Category Development Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Category Development Manager jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Development Manager jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Category Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Category Development Manager job openings:

Category Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Development Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,010 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Category Manager

Rockler

Medina, MN • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Join the Rockler Woodworking Family!
Are you passionate about woodworking or DIY projects? Do you thrive on helping others turn their creative visions into reality? Look no further! Join the Rockler family, a dynamic and innovative company dedicated to empowering woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers with top-notch products, education, and advice. Learn more about our company at www.rockler.com
Why Rockler?
Be part of a family-owned business that cherishes its customers and employees alike.
Join an industry leader committed to providing the most innovative products, ideas, and education to woodworking enthusiasts.
Embrace a culture that values teamwork, creativity, and a genuine passion for craftsmanship.
Summary of Position
Category Manager's function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. Additionally, Category Manager II's help to develop and lead their team to achieve results. They lead the development of strategic direction and are responsible for product innovation, assortment management from birth to phase-out, product costs, pricing, and inventory management. The key measures for Category Manager II's include sales vs. budget, gross margin dollars, and gross margin return on inventory.
major areas of accountability
  • Develop strategic direction for your business through thoughtful analysis of current business, market trends, and competition.
  • Manage multiple product categories, large numbers of SKUs, and all aspects of the product life cycle.
  • Develop merchandising concepts, and promotional plans to strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating product assortments to ensure customer satisfaction while increasing market penetration and competitive advantage.
  • Perform Category/line reviews and presentations to optimize product assortments, pricing, promotions, and merchandising placement across all business units to achieve targeted sales, gross margin (percent and dollar goals)
  • Monitor and report on the performance of key metrics.
  • Determine standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis, industry research, store visits and product pricing strategies.
  • Collaborate with vendors to review new products, promotional opportunities, and assortments; ensure most favorable every day and promotional costs; obtain "special buys" to translate into marketing opportunities.
  • Negotiate vendor terms & conditions, payment, shipping, co-op advertising and rebates.
  • Manage vendor relations through regular, timely, and effective communication.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to achieve results.
    • Rockler Proprietary New Product Development team: to assist with the creation of and execution of innovative Rockler products that support category objectives and opportunities.
    • Supply Chain specialist team: identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiencies through domestic and global sourcing initiatives; build strong vendor relationships; ensure coordinated communication and execution of plans to ensure inventory and logistics optimization.
    • Product Marketing teams: share category strategies while providing product and category expertise to support sales, and marketing, to bring those strategies to life and achieve financial results.
    • Ensure category strategies come to life on our website through effective partnership with the Ecomm team.
    • Retail store partners to develop and execute effective in-store displays, support classroom initiatives, provide training content, and support retail KPIs.
  • Evaluate industry and competitive trends; define and act on new opportunities.
  • Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
  • Lead and manage direct reports 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.
  • 5+ years' experience in category management and multi-channel merchandising (internet, catalog, retail)
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Strong written and verbal communication and negotiating skills.
  • Flexible team player able to lead cross-functional teams
  • Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Maintains a sense of urgency while managing multiple tasks.
  • Ability to think creatively and innovatively to drive results strategically.
  • Woodworking experience/background preferred.
  • Proficient with MS Office.
  • Limited travel to vendors and tradeshows required.
  • Local Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
  • Generous employee discounts
  • Employee discount pricing from various manufacturers
  • Paid vacation & holidays
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision plans
  • 401K
  • A FUN PLACE TO WORK!

Rockler Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Inclusion and Diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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