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Category Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Engage directly with key stakeholders such as Buyers, Category Managers, and Sourcing teams * Lead complex negotiations and structure long-term commercial agreements (12-24 months) * Drive the full ...

Engage directly with key stakeholders such as Buyers, Category Managers, and Sourcing teams * Lead complex negotiations and structure long-term commercial agreements (12-24 months) * Drive the full ...

Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable ... Use the company's task management tool as directed to prioritize and execute store workload ...

Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable ... Use the company's task management tool as directed to prioritize and execute store workload ...

Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable ... Use the company's task management tool as directed to prioritize and execute store workload ...

Showing results 41-60

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 19, 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.

Strategic Sourcing Category Lead - Neenah

Faith Technologies

Neenah, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Faith Technologies rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

You've discovered something special. A company that cares. Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully growing to meet market demands. And as "one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America" is focused on the mind/body/soul of team members through our Culture of Care.

The Strategic Sourcing Category Lead is responsible for managing the development and implementation of a strategic procurement strategy and for partnering with key stakeholders across the business. You will develop, communicate and implement comprehensive category strategies, ensuring that projects deliver on risk, quality, cost and other value drivers while working with cross-functional teams. This position will develop and continually update market intelligence on key suppliers and market solutions. The ideal candidate must be proficient in the use of a PC and Microsoft Office Suite and have strategic sourcing experience. Knowledge of the electrical construction trade is beneficial, but not required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a strategic sourcing role

Travel: 10-30%, as required

Work Schedule: This position works between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday- Friday. Works a sufficient schedule to meet the expectations of the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Acts as the expert for the respective categories through complete understanding of industry, competition, future technologies, and innovations.
  • Develops, issues, and manages Request for Proposal (RFP) or bid process for sourcing goods and services to achieve savings based on targeted specifications.
  • Develops, leads, assesses, and executes purchasing strategies as related to commodity material across all business groups.
  • Negotiates corporate programs with strategic suppliers and develop new alliances to meet the needs of the field.
  • Participates in cost reduction activities, observes, and reports price increases.
  • Assesses risk to suppliers and materials as well as recommending risk mitigation plans.
  • Qualifies alternative supply sources on key products and services; based on risk mitigation, cost out opportunities, etc.
  • Supports internal quarterly vendor reviews to ensure supplier challenges are addressed including corrective action plans, alternate sourcing strategies, and contract adherence.Supports external Quarterly Business Reviews with preferred vendors and provide performance feedback regarding quality, service, and cost while having clear and actionable initiatives to improve all three areas.
  • Acts as a change agent - identifies new tools, analyses, strategies etc. to drive continuous transformation within the sourcing organization.
  • Drives communication, data collection, continuous improvement, and overall relationships within Faith for purchases.
  • Identifies, builds, and maintains mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships and alliances with select suppliers through Supplier Relationship Management programs.
  • Meets or exceeds profit plan goals related to categories: cost savings, raw material economics, quality, supplier rationalization and other agreed upon objectives.
  • Consistently demonstrates exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
  • Analyzes key sourcing KPI's, spend data, and vendor performance scores.
  • Aids the business in supplier problem resolution concerns as they arise for respective commodities.
  • Acts as primary point of contact for FTI personnel to resolve supplier issues.
  • Manages relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery, and compliance with terms of contracts.
  • Facilitates involvement of supplier technical support resources for Faith projects.
  • Identifies opportunities to utilize supplier-driven innovation in Faith designs.
  • Facilitates the development and implementation of standardized specifications between suppliers and Faith design teams.
  • Works collaboratively with internal resources ensuring information gathered is sufficient for effective sourcing activities
  • Reviews supplies to ensure quality.
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

The job description and responsibilities described are intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

How Does FTI Give YOU the Chance to Thrive?

If you're energized by new challenges, FTI provides you with many opportunities. Joining FTI opens doors to redefine what's possible for your future.

Once you're a team member, you're supported and provided with the knowledge and resources to achieve your career goals with FTI. You're officially in the driver's seat of your career, and FTI's career development and continued education programs give you opportunities to position yourself for success.

FTI is a "merit to the core" organization. We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package.

Benefits are the Game-Changer

We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of team members and their families.You're invited to review the full list of FTI benefits available to regular/full-time team members. Start here. Grow here. Succeed here. If you're ready to learn more about your career with FTI, apply today!

Faith Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer - veterans/disabled.

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a background and drug test


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