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Category Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for product management, category growth, and business performance? We're looking for a Category Manager to lead the success of assigned product categories ...

Category Manager Reports To: Grocery and Wine/Spirits Sr. Director The Category Manager must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position purchases center store products, working ...

Category Manager Reports To: Grocery and Wine/Spirits Sr. Director The Category Manager must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position purchases center store products, working ...

Category Manager Reports To: Grocery and Wine/Spirits Sr. Director The Category Manager must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position purchases center store products, working ...

Job Title: Category Manager Reports To: Grocery and Wine/Spirits Sr. Director The Category Manager must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position purchases center store ...

Category Manager Reports To: Grocery and Wine/Spirits Sr. Director The Category Manager must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position purchases center store products, working ...

We're seeking a Category Manager - Automotive Parts & Accessories to take ownership of high-performing product categories, shaping everything from assortment strategy to pricing, vendor negotiations ...

Fleet Farm is looking for an experienced Apparel Category Manager to lead our clothing and accessories categories - shaping strategy, product assortment, and customer experience across stores and ...

Responsible for the communication of the final Category Strategy and Annual Category Plans to the relevant stakeholders the region * Manage regional implementation of sourcing events (RFI/RFQ ...

Responsible for the communication of the final Category Strategy and Annual Category Plans to the relevant stakeholders the region * Manage regional implementation of sourcing events (RFI/RFQ ...

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Category Manager information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$34.3K

$88.9K

$128K

How much do category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for category manager in Appleton, WI is $88,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $105,200.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Category jobs in Appleton, WI?

The most popular types of Category jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Category Manager jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Category Manager jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Category Manager jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Category Manager jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Category Manager jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Category Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Category Manager job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,898 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Grainger rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 365 rated logistics


Job description

Work Location Type: Hybrid 

Imperial Supplies, a Grainger Company, is a national distributor of quality maintenance products. Serving the fleet maintenance industry since 1958, Imperial has formed lasting relationships with customers by tailoring our services to meet their changing needs.

Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we’re looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for product management, category growth, and business performance? We're looking for a Category Manager to lead the success of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth, profitability, customer satisfaction, and innovation.

In this role, you'll act as the business owner for your categories, developing and executing category strategies, managing product lifecycles, partnering with suppliers, and collaborating across Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Inventory Management, and Distribution. If you enjoy combining analytics, strategy, and cross-functional leadership to make a measurable impact, we'd like to hear from you.

 What You'll Do
  • Own the financial performance (P&L) of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth and margin improvement.
  • Develop and execute category strategies, including assortment planning, private label initiatives, and product positioning.
  • Lead product lifecycle management from new product introductions to growth optimization and product discontinuation decisions.
  • Analyze customer needs, market trends, competitive offerings, and pricing to identify opportunities and inform category strategy.
  • Partner with Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, Product Acquisition, Inventory Management, and Distribution teams to execute category initiatives and business plans.
  • Manage stocked and drop-ship assortments to ensure a competitive, customer-focused product offering.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, and supply reliability.
  • Support supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management activities.
  • Develop and enhance customer-focused product programs that address evolving market needs.
  • Drive new product launches and program introductions with clear revenue and profitability objectives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and overall category performance.
 Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ years of Product Management, Category Management, Product Marketing, or related experience.
  • Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Why Join Us?  
  • Hybrid / Remote schedule with an expectation of two days per week in office
  • Work/Life balance
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision; 18 days paid vacation, 7 paid holidays and 6% of annual earnings contributed to your retirement, immediately vested!

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.


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About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927