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Category Development Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Convatec Group PLC

Category Manager

Lexington, MA · On-site

You will be lead the development of short, medium and long term strategic plans for the category ... You will manage critical relationships (stakeholder and supplier) to ensure that Category ...

Johnson and Johnson

Category Manager

Danvers, MA · On-site

The Category Manager will develop sourcing strategies and supplier strategies under guidance of ... Support the development and drive the Procurement vision for, with and through our stakeholder ...

Johnson & Johnson

Category Manager

Danvers, MA · On-site

The Category Manager will develop sourcing strategies and supplier strategies under guidance of ... Support the development and drive the Procurement vision for, with and through our stakeholder ...

Medela

Category Manager

Boston, MA · Hybrid

Category Manager-Consumer Products Medela LLC in McHenry, IL www.medela.com Hybrid: Three days in ... Support the development of retail channel strategies by evaluating customer opportunities, shopper ...

Jj

Category Manager

Danvers, MA · On-site

The Category Manager will develop sourcing strategies and supplier strategies under guidance of ... Support the development and drive the Procurement vision for, with and through our stakeholder ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

SharkNinja

Product Development Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

... development (creation and management) of assigned product(s) from brainstorm phase through mass ... category direction to a team of product developers. You are responsible AND accountable for ...

Waters Corporation

Global Category Manager

Milford, MA · On-site

The Global Category Manager partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and ... Partner with R&D and Engineering teams to influence material selection and ensure alignment with ...

Waters Corporation

Global Category Manager

Milford, MA · On-site

The Global Category Manager partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and ... Partner with R&D and Engineering teams to influence material selection and ensure alignment with ...

Waters Corporation

Global Category Manager

Milford, MA · On-site

The Global Category Manager partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and ... Partner with R&D and Engineering teams to influence material selection and ensure alignment with ...

Tjx

Category Manager (Corporate)

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Supports Senior Category Managers in the development of their regional and global sourcing ... strategies that are of high complexity across retail operation focused categories such as Loss ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Category Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$100K - $186K/yr

This role serves as the category subject matter expert, leading sourcing strategy development ... Manage strategic supplier relationships, performance reviews, and escalations to improve ...

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All JobsCategory Development JobsCategory Development Manager JobsCategory Development Manager Jobs in Boston, MA

Category Development Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$32K

$71K

$109.2K

How much do category development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for category development manager in Boston, MA is $70,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $73,900.00 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Category Development Manager jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Development Manager jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Category Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Category Development Manager job openings:

Category Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Development Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,999 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Category Manager

Convatec Group PLC

Lexington, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:
This is a key role within the Global Procurement function driving a high-performance culture and setting the standard for Procurement Excellence. We are looking for a Category Manager who will bring a strategic and innovative Category Management approach to Convatec as we continue our transformation journey.
The Category Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end Global Category Management of a defined Category or Sub-Category within the Plastics & Metals group within Convatec Direct Procurement.
You will be lead the development of short, medium and long term strategic plans for the category that align to current and future customer/business needs.
This will include defining category strategy through to key stakeholder and supplier interaction that delivers optimal levels of cost management, resilience and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
  • You will develop fully integrated and customer/business-aligned Category Strategy(s) for the Plastics & Metals category, including but not limited to Injection Moulding, Resins, Molds, Films, Metals assigned spend area(s) engaging with key stakeholder groups in doing this. This could be on a regional or global basis dependent on the category profile.
  • You will manage critical relationships (stakeholder and supplier) to ensure that Category Strategies are highly aligned to current and future business needs and that the supply base is capable of supporting these strategies.
  • You will engage with key category stakeholders and suppliers to develop strategic plans, in order to deliver category strategy.
  • You will be responsible for the implementation of the category plan to ensure that procurement activities deliver the expected value to the business.
  • You will be accountable for delivering the contracts, agreements, and sourcing strategies for the supply of materials/products and/or services that support defined strategies.
  • You will be accountable for the Source to Contract (S2C) process, including identification of opportunities, sourcing strategy (e.g. RFP or E-Auction), evaluation, recommendation, and award.
  • You will be accountable through Supplier Relationship Management for ensuring that the supplier base supporting your category(s) is continually assessed and developed to meet changing business/customer demands. This will include identifying and driving continuous improvement/innovation initiatives that will generate value through increased supplier performance and/or capabilities.
  • You will be responsible for ensuring ESG targets are met for the suppliers that fall within your category(s).
  • Depending on complexity of categories being managed, you might be required to line manage a Strategic Buyer(s) to ensure timely implementation of category plans.

Team
  • Direct reports (where applicable);
  • Strategic Buyer, Junior Buyer, Procurement Interns

Principal Contacts & Purpose of Contact
• Internal - Quality, Operations, Technology and Innovation (including Sustaining Engineering), Advanced Operations, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance and others as required.
• External - Suppliers and other relevant external stakeholders
Travel Requirements
  • Travel will be required with this role including to other Convatec manufacturing facilities and to supplier facilities as required. This could be domestic or international travel location dependent

Languages
  • Speaking: Yes English*
  • Writing/Reading: Yes English*

*additional languages as required or nice to have
Working Conditions
  • Hybrid - This role will be predominately remote however we are looking for someone local to the Lexington, MA office to come in approximately once a week.

Special Factors
  • Flexibility outside of core working hours may be required at times.

Qualifications/Education:
  • Educated to degree level / MCIPS to level 6 or equivalent
  • 5 years+ working in a Strategic Procurement / Sourcing / Process Engineering / Continuous Improvement Environment

Skills & Experience:
  • 5 years + working within a Strategic Procurement/Sourcing environment, employing a formal category/sourcing management process.
  • Previous experience obtained from working in the Injection Moulding Category with ability to engage technically with suppliers and support cross functional discussions with tool makers
  • Demonstrable knowledge of total cost of ownership models and detailed understanding of key market drivers
  • A clear understanding of Category Management principles with a demonstrated ability to define a strategy and translate it into actionable plans and manage these plans through to implementation.
  • Able to work with a range of technically and culturally diverse people in a matrix environment, influencing them to achieve goals in a timely manner to help drive business results.
  • Able to influence senior key stakeholders and comfortable challenging requirements to secure best value for the business.
  • Experience working with e-procurement tools to find, evaluate & select the best vendors to support category plans.
  • An autonomous, self-starter with a good understanding of how to map out and build a relevant stakeholder network.
  • Able to demonstrate the values and behaviors required to be successful in the role and support the Convatec 'Forever Caring' Promise.
  • Excellent inter-personal & communication skills with ability to communicate through a variety of formats to an audience of internal stakeholders of differing seniority and with external partners.
  • Results and solution oriented, with a focus on meeting required targets and deadlines.
  • Possess significant ability for analytical problem-solving and analysis/interpretation of complex problems, incorporating data gathered from a variety of sources/software tools.
  • Good understanding of financial principles, resource planning and allocation, to support delivery of a Category Plan to deliver cost management, resilience and continuous improvement.
  • Experience of negotiating with suppliers on all commercial and contractual matters and applying judgement as to what constitutes an acceptable level of contractual risk and supply resilience.
  • Able to promote and foster new ideas and strategies among internal and external stakeholders, challenging the status quo with sustainable solution(s).
  • Need to demonstrate and apply analytical as well as strategic thinking skills, support teamwork, display exceptional judgment, collaboration, and decision-making.

#LI-KM1
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Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent Convatec
A formal recruitment process is required for all our opportunities prior to any offer of employment. This will include an interview confirmed by an official Convatec email address.
If you receive a suspicious approach over social media, text message, email or phone call about recruitment at Convatec, do not disclose any personal information or pay any fees whatsoever. If you're unsure, please contact us at careers@Convatec.com.
Equal opportunities
Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives
Convatec is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Convatec employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Convatec. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Already a Convatec employee?
If you are an active employee at Convatec, please do not apply here. Go to the Career Worklet on your Workday home page and View "Convatec Internal Career Site - Find Jobs". Thank you!
About Convatec
Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch:
Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With over 10,000 colleagues, we provide products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention, treatment for hard to heal wounds, at-risk skin and ulcerated tissue to supporting debilitating conditions, improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2025 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit: http://www.convatecgroup.com.

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