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Category Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traeger Grills

Category Director

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Traeger is seeking a Category Director to join our team. In this role, you will report to our VP of Product and will be accountable for owning the in-line, cross-channel product mix plan and ...

Prosum Inc.

Global Category Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Global Category Director Job Summary We are seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Global Category Director to lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives across global operations. This ...

Dollar Tree

Category Director - Seasonal

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

The Category Director - Seasonal provides collaborative guidance and ultimate oversight for meeting planned sales, margin percent and dollars, and turn for their designated categories. The objectives ...

Dollartree

Category Director - Seasonal

Chesapeake, VA · Hybrid

The Category Director - Seasonal provides collaborative guidance and ultimate oversight for meeting planned sales, margin percent and dollars, and turn for their designated categories.The objectives ...

Fieldpiece Instruments

Product Category Director

Orange, CA

$248K - $260K/yr

As a Product Category Director , you'll own the strategy, vision, and long-term of your product portfolio. You'll spend time understanding HVACR technicians, contractors, distributors, and market ...

Fieldpiece Instruments

Product Category Director

Kamas, UT

$232K - $243K/yr

As a Product Category Director , you'll own the strategy, vision, and long-term of your product portfolio. You'll spend time understanding HVACR technicians, contractors, distributors, and market ...

Fieldpiece

Product Category Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Up to 25% | Job Category: Engineering Lead New Product Development from Concept to Launch We're looking for a hands‑on innovator -- an entrepreneur with a deep, hands‑on electro‑mechanical ...

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Category Director information

See salary details

$72K

$114.4K

$192.5K

How much do category director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for category director in the United States is $114,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will the category manager be replaced by AI?

Category managers oversee product categories, supplier relationships, and market analysis, which require strategic decision-making and industry knowledge that AI cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and automation of routine tasks, the role still relies on human judgment, negotiation skills, and understanding of market trends. Therefore, AI is more likely to augment rather than replace category managers in the foreseeable future.

How does a Category Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve category growth?

Category Directors play a pivotal role in working closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing, supply chain, sales, and finance. They regularly coordinate with these groups to develop and execute category strategies, analyze market trends, and optimize the product assortment. Regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and data-driven decision-making ensure alignment across departments. This collaborative environment not only drives category growth but also fosters innovation and efficiency within the organization.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

For a Category Director, earning $500,000 annually typically requires extensive experience, strategic leadership skills, and often overseeing large teams or budgets. Such high compensation levels are common in executive roles within industries like technology, finance, or healthcare, especially at large corporations or multinational companies. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

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

To thrive as a Category Director, you need strong analytical skills, strategic planning abilities, and deep knowledge of category management, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with category management software, data analytics tools, and ERP systems is commonly required, along with certifications like Certified Professional in Category Management (CPCM) being advantageous. Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier relationships. These qualifications are essential for developing effective category strategies, optimizing profitability, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

What does a category director do?

A category director oversees the strategy, management, and performance of a specific product or service category within a company. They analyze market trends, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and develop plans to increase sales and profitability, often using data analysis tools and industry knowledge. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and experience in category management are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Category Director vs Product Manager?

AspectCategory DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product categories, develops category strategies, manages category teamsManages individual products or features, defines product vision, coordinates with cross-functional teams
Required SkillsStrategic planning, market analysis, leadership, cross-category coordinationProduct development, user experience, project management, technical understanding
Work EnvironmentCorporate, retail, or manufacturing settings focusing on broad category managementTech companies, startups, or any industry with product development focus

The main difference is that a Category Director oversees multiple product categories and develops broad strategies, while a Product Manager focuses on individual products or features. Both roles require strategic thinking and industry knowledge, but the scope and focus differ significantly.

What are Category Directors?

Category Directors are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing a specific category of products or services within a company. They develop and implement strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share for their assigned category. Their role often involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, coordinating with marketing and sales teams, and optimizing product assortments. Category Directors play a key role in decision-making and are essential for driving business growth in retail, consumer goods, and similar industries.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media directors, executive producers, and chief content officers often earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of media production, strategy, and management tools.
More about Category Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Category Director jobs? Cities with the most Category Director job openings:
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Category Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,363 per year, or $55 per hour.
Category Director

Category Director

Traeger Grills

Salt Lake City, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Welcome to the Traegerhood:

Our business is BBQ, and business tastes good. Traeger invented the wood pellet grill over 30 years ago, and we're fanatics who are dedicated to bringing people together to create a more flavorful world. From our headquarters in Salt Lake City, we work tirelessly to provide a world-class experience to our customers, retailers, and especially our employees. If you're a team player who's dedicated to delivering top-quality results every day, then we want you to come cook with us.

What You'll Do:

Traeger is seeking a Category Director to join our team. In this role, you will report to our VP of Product and will be accountable for owning the in-line, cross-channel product mix plan and partnering with Program Management to deliver products that drive exceptional business results.  As our Category Director, you will create long-term product roadmaps, set product quality and cost goals, and drive profitable growth. You will also work with cross-functional marketing and sales teams to create and deliver exceptional products to market. 

How You'll Help Us Win:

  • Develop and execute global product innovation strategies for new categories and existing products
  • Lead our global category innovation efforts to ensure that the product roadmap meets consumer needs in specific channels in the coming years
  • Contribute in costing analysis to determine optimal product effectiveness
  • Own product quality for the product line
  • Set overall MSRP strategy for category products, both consumer and trade
  • Own product transition and inventory for new product introductions
  • Conduct business performance analysis, including revenue, volume, product margin, category gap analysis versus competition, and effective balance of sale (good, better, best)
  • Initiate frequent interaction with consumers and trade to monitor performance and collect market and competitor data
  • Prioritize and manage 3rd party product development partners
  • Assist sales teams in developing and maintaining relationships with retailers and trade partners

What You'll Need To Succeed:

  • Bachelor's in Business, Marketing, or related discipline
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in product development or marketing within the durable industry and/or consumer package goods is required. Durable industry experience is preferred
  • Firm grasp of marketing methods and processes to ensure growth  
  • A proven ability to develop and launch new products
  • Confidence in actions and decisions to help drive a successful product launch
  • Analytical, financial, and computer competence
  • Ability to manage relationships
  • Strong consumer focus
  • Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills
  • Impeccable presentation skills  
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to negotiate
  • Insatiable appetite to meet and exceed revenue, margin, and volume goals
  • In-depth knowledge of products and brands
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Why You Will Love Working Here:

  • Be part of the most disruptive force in outdoor cooking
  • Join a true team working towards a common goal
  • Culture of risk-taking, innovation, & quality
  • So. Much. Food.
  • Have an outdoor lover's paradise in your backyard
  • Full medical/dental/vision package to fit your needs
  • 401k to help you plan for the future
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Individual professional development programs & initiatives to help you grow professionally
  • Great discounts on all things Traeger
  • Did we mention all the food?