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Category Manager Jobs in Addison, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Category Manager is responsible for managing assigned product categories and supplier relationships to achieve sales, profitability, assortment, and customer-experience objectives.

Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

The Category Manager is a professional who is the subject matter expert on shelving/ assortment management and analytics and in understanding consumer and category trends. This role is grounded in ...

Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

The Category Manager is a professional who is the subject matter expert on shelving/ assortment management and analytics and in understanding consumer and category trends. This role is grounded in ...

Category Manager

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

Category Manager Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: Grade 05 Requisition ID: 43513 About the role. As a Category Manager, you'll serve as the analytical engine and trusted category expert ...

Category Manager

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

Category Manager Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Requisition ID: 43513 About the role . As a Category Manager , you'll serve as the analytical engine and trusted category expert behind McCain's U.

Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you a strategic product leader ready to drive business growth? As a Category Manager at Uline, you'll shape ...

Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: * Proactively manage categories, develop short and long-term sourcing strategies; Proactively manage sourcing plans ...

The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: * Proactively manage categories, develop short and long-term sourcing strategies; Proactively manage sourcing plans ...

Category Manager Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you a strategic product leader ready to drive business growth? As a Category Manager at Uline, you'll shape ...

A Category Manager in Procurement at AAR is responsible for owning one or multiple procurement categories from end to end. These end-to-end ownership responsibilities include (but are not limited to ...

A category manager is also responsible for proactive stakeholder management with Business Unit leaders and General Managers at different AAR sites to fulfill all of their category needs and for ...

Category Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $159K/yr

Job Summary The Category Manager is responsible for managing assigned product categories and supplier relationships to achieve sales, profitability, assortment, and customer-experience objectives.

A Category Manager in Procurement at AAR is responsible for owning one or multiple procurement categories from end to end. These end-to-end ownership responsibilities include (but are not limited to ...

Category Manager Essential Functions: * Conduct local and global market analysis, market intelligence, sourcing strategies, etc. * Responsible for the implementation and development of cost reduction ...

Associate Category Manager

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Manages day-to-day on-going category supplier relations and seeks out growth or revision opportunities within supply base. Acts as the internal point of contact for supplier management and complaint ...

Category Manager Essential Functions: * Conduct local and global market analysis, market intelligence, sourcing strategies, etc. * Responsible for the implementation and development of cost reduction ...

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Showing results 1-20

Category Manager information

See Addison, IL salary details

$36.1K

$93.6K

$134.8K

How much do category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for category manager in Addison, IL is $93,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $110,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a category manager do?

A Category Manager is responsible for managing a specific group of products, known as a 'category,' within a retail or business organization. They analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and develop strategies to maximize sales and profitability for their assigned category. This role often involves collaboration with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to ensure products meet customer needs and business goals. Category Managers play a key role in product selection, pricing, promotions, and inventory management.

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

To thrive as a Category Manager, you need expertise in category analysis, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement software, data analytics tools like Excel or Power BI, and ERP systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing category performance, driving cost savings, and aligning purchasing strategies with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges a category manager faces when aligning category strategy with company goals?

Category Managers often face the challenge of balancing supplier interests, customer needs, and overarching company objectives. They must adapt to shifting market trends, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure that their category strategies drive profitability while staying aligned with brand values and long-term growth plans. Effective communication with stakeholders across procurement, marketing, and sales is crucial for gaining buy-in and executing successful initiatives. Flexibility and a data-driven approach are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering value.

What is the difference between Category Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectCategory ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusManaging product categories, optimizing assortment, and driving category salesDeveloping product strategies, overseeing product lifecycle, and ensuring product success
Required SkillsMarket analysis, supplier negotiation, inventory managementMarket research, project management, cross-functional collaboration
Work EnvironmentRetail, wholesale, or distribution settingsTech companies, manufacturing, or software industries

While both roles involve strategic planning and market analysis, Category Managers focus on managing entire product categories within retail or distribution environments, whereas Product Managers concentrate on developing and managing specific products throughout their lifecycle. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and career paths.

What does a category manager get paid?

The average salary for a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized category managers may earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits. Strong skills in data analysis and vendor management are important for success in this role.

What is the role of a category manager?

A category manager is responsible for overseeing a specific product category within a company, developing strategies to maximize sales and profitability. They analyze market trends, manage supplier relationships, and coordinate with marketing and sales teams to optimize product performance and inventory levels.
More about Category Manager jobs

What job categories do people searching Category Manager jobs in Addison, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Manager jobs in Addison, IL are:

What cities near Addison, IL are hiring for Category Manager jobs?

Cities near Addison, IL with the most Category Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Category Manager job openings in Addison, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,585 per year, or $45 per hour.

Category Manager

Zoro

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for managing assigned product categories and supplier relationships to achieve sales, profitability, assortment, and customer-experience objectives. This role develops category strategies, analyzes market and performance data, identifies and negotiates with suppliers, and coordinates cross-functional execution. This role applies independent judgment to medium-sized or mature, high-impact categories, with guidance from category management leadership.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manages medium-sized and/or mature, high-impact product categories, with accountability for sales growth, profitability, assortment, and supplier performance.
  • Develops category strategies using knowledge of target industries, customer segments, competitive dynamics, and market trends.
  • Analyzes internal and external data to monitor key performance indicators, identify growth opportunities, and recommend actions that improve sales, margin, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
  • Identifies customer needs and improves the shopping experience through assortment, content, and supplier execution.
  • Identifies and evaluates prospective suppliers and communicates Zoro's business model to establish new supplier relationships.
  • Leads supplier negotiations and business reviews to secure commercial terms, expand assortments, manage performance, accelerate time to market, and support profitable growth.
  • Partners with Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, Operations, Product, and other cross-functional teams to execute category initiatives and address barriers to growth

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, sourcing, or procurement
  • Experience in industrial distribution, wholesale, e-commerce, online marketplaces, or B2B environments preferred.
  • Demonstrated success developing category strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, and building strong vendor partnerships that drive growth and profitability.
  • Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial acumen, with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
  • Proven ability to identify opportunities, solve complex business problems, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Naturally curious with a continuous learning mindset and the ability to quickly understand new products, markets, and customer needs.
  • Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience presenting recommendations to diverse audiences.