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Category Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Astemo

Senior Category Buyer

Farmington Hills, MI · Hybrid

The Direct Category Buyer at Astemo plays a key role in managing supplier relationships and overseeing procurement strategies within assigned commodities. This role requires deep product knowledge ...

Astemo Ltd

Senior Category Buyer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

The Direct Category Buyer at Astemo plays a key role in managing supplier relationships and overseeing procurement strategies within assigned commodities. This role requires deep product knowledge ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCategory JobsCategory Manager JobsCategory Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI

Category Manager information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$33.1K

$86K

$123.8K

How much do category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for category manager in Rochester, MI is $85,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a category manager get paid?

The salary of a category manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Many also receive bonuses and benefits, and strong skills in data analysis and vendor management are valuable in this role.

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 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 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 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.
More about Category Manager jobs
What job categories do people searching Category Manager jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Category Manager jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Category Manager jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Category Manager job openings:
Category Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Category Manager job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,979 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Category Product Manager- Food Service, Prepared Foods and Convenience

LIPARI FOODS OPERATING COMPANY, LLC

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
The Category Product Manager- Food Service, Prepared Foods, and Convenience is responsible for driving sales and profit through category planning and execution of strategic product marketing plans, as well as gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the Category VP's vision and working closely with sales, procurement, and vendor partners to ensure customer satisfaction and corporate fiscal goals are met.
Responsibilities:
  • Implementation of the shared category strategic vision
  • Share in the responsibility of meeting budget requirements
  • Manage key vendor relationships including but not limited to responding to customer request, vendor request, contract negotiations, pricing discrepancies, and troubleshooting any issues
  • Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories and programs
  • Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing and promotional activities
  • Research and analyze data, market insights, and understand customer/consumer needs
  • Responsible for SKU count and SKU profitability
  • Introduces new products and programs to drive sales within the category
  • Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Sales Team to execute strategies

Desired Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, or other related field preferred
  • Three or more years' previous experience in brand, product, or category management; Food Service, Prepared Foods, and Convenience Business Channel.
  • In depth knowledge of marketing and sales operations and processes
  • Hands on experience with analyzing big data and making forecast
  • Analytical mind with strategic ability
  • Ability to inject creativity, fresh thinking, and new perspectives and to generate new and imaginative ideas
  • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Strong verbal and written abilities
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure Ability to interact with multiple groups Multi-task oriented
  • Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office, Web Focus and Retalix-IDS System

About Lipari Foods
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Lipari Foods is a leading independent distributor built around global and specialty foods. With a customer-first mindset, they serve customers through 67 depots across 32 states and growing. Lipari brings the world's most craveable flavors to shelf with an end-to-end approach that combines exclusive and owned brands, retail services, innovative tools, and dependable delivery across 10 categories including deli, bakery, frozen/dairy, specialty grocery, international specialty, meat/seafood, packaging, confections, foodservice/prepared foods, and convenience.

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