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Category Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Mgr II- Procurement

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$134K - $228K/yr

Partner with the Global Category Director--Travel to translate global visions into specific US-based Travel & Meetings strategies, align program goals with broader objectives such as cost savings ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Category Manager

Chantilly, VA

$100K - $186K/yr

... Ability to influence without direct authority and manage multiple strategic priorities ... Category Management and Strategic Sourcing processes Experience in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D ...

UNFI

Category Insights Account Manager

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

The Account Manager/Category Insights is responsible for developing and executing customer-focused ... Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not ...

Amazon

Category Manager, GPO

Arlington, VA · On-site

The role will work alongside a team of Construction category managers and will partner closely with ... This position involves direct contact with both internal and external stakeholders, and the ...

Nestle

Director Brand Marketing

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Marketing Director is responsible for uniting the demand levers on the category and for ... Create Category and Portfolio Strategy for Essentia, leading the cross-functional team in ...

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Category Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$74.9K

$119K

$200.3K

How much do category director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for category director in Reston, VA is $118,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 is a category director?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Category jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Category jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Category Director jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Category Director jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Category Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Category Director job openings:
Category Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,978 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Director, Category Management

Xometry

North Bethesda, MD • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Xometry is seeking a Boston or Maryland/DC/North Virginia based Director of Category Management to help us profitably build our CNC and Tooling business. You will be expected to define overarching goals and strategy for your category, problem-solve, articulate and execute against tactical plans, and manage key business metrics. Category Managers must be able to expertly negotiate internally and externally, while also being effective cross-functional project managers.

We are a leading AI-enabled marketplace for on-demand manufacturing, connecting customers with a nationwide network of highly qualified suppliers. Our platform streamlines the production of custom parts through advanced technologies like CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding. By leveraging proprietary pricing algorithms, real-time capacity data, and deep manufacturing expertise, Xometry enables faster lead times, competitive pricing, and scalable production for customers across industries - from aerospace and automotive to medical and consumer products.

Responsibilities: 

  • Develop and manage category strategy in alignment with Xometry business goals
  • Manage a portfolio of CNC and Tooling focused suppliers within the category, driving supplier development by setting strategic goals, negotiating business terms and reviewing performance
  • Analyse supplier and category performance to determine tactical next steps and strategic vision
  • Negotiate frequently with existing suppliers to optimise performance and cost base, including everyday pricing, annual incentive programs, advertising programs and promotions
  • Be a senior internal and external escalation point, often involving negotiations with C-suite members from our external partners
  • Identify sales, merchandising, and operational opportunities for the category and collaborate with internal teams to drive change
  • Collaborate across departments to drive category goals, including Logistics, Operations, Case Management, Sales, Customer Service and Tech

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree, preferably in business related disciplines
  • Deep understanding of the CNC/Toolling manufacturing space is a plus
  • A track record of success in developing relationships with stakeholders, working collaboratively and negotiating to drive multi-departmental projects.
  • Analytical mindset and data-driven approach: demonstrated experience working with complex data to develop robust commercial recommendations
  • Demonstrated success in building business relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Track record of leading successful commercial negotiations
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; English required
  • Advanced level Google Sheets and Google slides expertise
  • Demonstrated ability to work within a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
  • Innovative problem-solving skills; dissecting and determining the root causes of problems and implementing solutions
  • Experience in an eCommerce or management consulting environment is advantageous
  • Eligible to work in the United States

The estimated base salary range for new hires into this role is $112,000-145,000 annually  + annual bonus depending on factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, and location.  We also offer a competitive benefits package, including 401(k) match, medical, dental and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, floating and fixed holidays, maternity and bonding leave; EAP, other wellbeing resources; and much more.

#LI-Hybrid 

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About Xometry

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xometry (NASDAQ: XMTR) powers the industries of today and tomorrow by connecting the people with big ideas to the manufacturers who can bring them to life. Xometry's digital marketplace gives manufacturers the critical resources they need to grow their business while also making it easy for buyers at Fortune 1000 companies to tap into global manufacturing capacity.

Industry

Software development

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gaithersburg, MD, US

Year founded

2013

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