Category Manager
Hamel, MN · Hybrid
Summary of Position Category Manager's function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. Additionally, Category Manager II's help to develop and ...
Category Manager
Hamel, MN · Hybrid
Summary of Position Category Manager's function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. Additionally, Category Manager II's help to develop and ...
Category Manager
Alpharetta, GA · On-site
Category Manager Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Company offers a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that connect ...
Category Manager
Alpharetta, GA · On-site
Category Manager Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Company offers a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that connect ...
Category Manager
Chicago, IL · On-site +1
$94K - $122K/yr
Retirement
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
Retirement
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
Retirement
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
Retirement
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 ...
$62.75 - $83.16/hr
The Category Manager is responsible for driving category specific contract coverage and compliance. Areas of responsibility managing a portfolio of contracts covering medical supplies, non-medical ...
$62.75 - $83.16/hr
The Category Manager is responsible for driving category specific contract coverage and compliance. Areas of responsibility managing a portfolio of contracts covering medical supplies, non-medical ...
Category Manager
Parsippany, NJ · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
Job Summary The Category Manager leads the proactive development and execution of holistic category strategies for complex portfolios. They act as a trusted business advisor, utilizing market ...
Category Manager
Parsippany, NJ · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
Job Summary The Category Manager leads the proactive development and execution of holistic category strategies for complex portfolios. They act as a trusted business advisor, utilizing market ...
Category Manager
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
Category Manager
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
Category Manager
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$128K - $145K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
Category Manager
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$128K - $145K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for MRO spend categories. This newly created role offers the opportunity to drive cost ...
Quick apply
A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for MRO spend categories. This newly created role offers the opportunity to drive cost ...
Category Manager
Lexington, MA · Hybrid
The Category Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end Global Category Management of a defined Category or Sub-Category within the Plastics & Metals group within Convatec Direct Procurement. You ...
Category Manager
Lexington, MA · Hybrid
The Category Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end Global Category Management of a defined Category or Sub-Category within the Plastics & Metals group within Convatec Direct Procurement. You ...
Category Manager
Houston, TX · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
Category Manager Houston, TX 77042 System One is seeking a Category Manager in Houston, TX to establish and execute third party category management strategies to achieve best value in support of ...
Quick apply
Category Manager
Houston, TX · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
Category Manager Houston, TX 77042 System One is seeking a Category Manager in Houston, TX to establish and execute third party category management strategies to achieve best value in support of ...
Category Manager
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
Category Manager
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Category Manager About Mesa Power Solutions Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and ...
Category Manager
Kent, WA · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
Kent, WA · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
The Category Manager is responsible for driving category specific contract coverage and compliance. Areas of responsibility managing a portfolio of contracts covering medical supplies, non-medical ...
Category Manager
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
The Category Manager is responsible for driving category specific contract coverage and compliance. Areas of responsibility managing a portfolio of contracts covering medical supplies, non-medical ...
Category Manager
Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site
$81K - $108K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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
Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site
$81K - $108K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
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
Hialeah, FL · On-site
Overview The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies across assigned grocery product lines. This role serves as the key business owner for their ...
Category Manager
Hialeah, FL · On-site
Overview The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies across assigned grocery product lines. This role serves as the key business owner for their ...
Category Manager
Lexington, MA · On-site
The Category Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end Global Category Management of a defined Category or Sub-Category within the Plastics & Metals group within Convatec Direct Procurement. You ...
Category Manager
Lexington, MA · On-site
The Category Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end Global Category Management of a defined Category or Sub-Category within the Plastics & Metals group within Convatec Direct Procurement. You ...
Category Manager
Hanover, NH · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
Hanover, NH · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
New Brighton, MN · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
New Brighton, MN · On-site
$93K - $156K/yr
Category Manager Hypertherm Associates is seeking a Category Manager to join our Global Sourcing team to manage fabricated metal, formed metal, machined metal and machined non-metal. The role may ...
Category Manager
Amarillo, TX · On-site
The Category Manager is responsible for the selection of vendors, items, programs and services to generate sales and drive financial growth across Company retail locations. This role manages the ...
Category Manager
Amarillo, TX · On-site
The Category Manager is responsible for the selection of vendors, items, programs and services to generate sales and drive financial growth across Company retail locations. This role manages the ...
Category Manager information
See salary details
$36K - $45K
1% of jobs
$45K - $53.9K
3% of jobs
$53.9K - $62.9K
6% of jobs
$62.9K - $71.8K
11% of jobs
$74.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$71.8K - $80.8K
12% of jobs
$80.8K - $89.7K
15% of jobs
The median wage is $91.3K / yr.
$89.7K - $98.7K
15% of jobs
$98.7K - $107.6K
13% of jobs
$107.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$107.6K - $116.6K
12% of jobs
$116.6K - $125.5K
9% of jobs
$125.5K - $134.5K
4% of jobs
$36K
$93.4K
$134.5K
How much do category manager jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for category manager in the United States is $93,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $110,500.00 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?
| Aspect | Category Manager | Product Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Managing product categories, optimizing assortment, and driving category sales | Developing product strategies, overseeing product lifecycle, and ensuring product success |
| Required Skills | Market analysis, supplier negotiation, inventory management | Market research, project management, cross-functional collaboration |
| Work Environment | Retail, wholesale, or distribution settings | Tech 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 cities are hiring for Category Manager jobs?
Cities with the most Category Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Category jobs?
The most popular types of Category jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Category Manager jobs?
The top employers for Category Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Category Manager jobs?
States with the most job openings for Category Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Category Manager jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Category Manager jobs are:
Job description
Summary of Position
Category Manager's function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. Additionally, Category Manager II’s help to develop and lead their team to achieve results. They lead the development of strategic direction and are responsible for product innovation, assortment management from birth to phase-out, product costs, pricing, and inventory management. The key measures for Category Manager II’s include sales vs. budget, gross margin dollars, and gross margin return on inventory.
major areas of accountability- Develop strategic direction for your business through thoughtful analysis of current business, market trends, and competition.
- Manage multiple product categories, large numbers of SKUs, and all aspects of the product life cycle.
- Develop merchandising concepts, and promotional plans to strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating product assortments to ensure customer satisfaction while increasing market penetration and competitive advantage.
- Perform Category/line reviews and presentations to optimize product assortments, pricing, promotions, and merchandising placement across all business units to achieve targeted sales, gross margin (percent and dollar goals)
- Monitor and report on the performance of key metrics.
- Determine standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis, industry research, store visits and product pricing strategies.
- Collaborate with vendors to review new products, promotional opportunities, and assortments; ensure most favorable every day and promotional costs; obtain “special buys” to translate into marketing opportunities.
- Negotiate vendor terms & conditions, payment, shipping, co-op advertising and rebates.
- Manage vendor relations through regular, timely, and effective communication.
- Collaborate with internal teams to achieve results.
- Rockler Proprietary New Product Development team: to assist with the creation of and execution of innovative Rockler products that support category objectives and opportunities.
- Supply Chain specialist team: identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiencies through domestic and global sourcing initiatives; build strong vendor relationships; ensure coordinated communication and execution of plans to ensure inventory and logistics optimization.
- Product Marketing teams: share category strategies while providing product and category expertise to support sales, and marketing, to bring those strategies to life and achieve financial results.
- Ensure category strategies come to life on our website through effective partnership with the Ecomm team.
- Retail store partners to develop and execute effective in-store displays, support classroom initiatives, provide training content, and support retail KPIs.
- Evaluate industry and competitive trends; define and act on new opportunities.
- Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Lead and manage direct reports as assigned.
- We offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in-office collaboration and attendance.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
- 5+ years’ experience in category management and multi-channel merchandising (internet, catalog, retail)
- Proven leadership abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication and negotiating skills.
- Flexible team player able to lead cross-functional teams
- Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Maintains a sense of urgency while managing multiple tasks.
- Ability to think creatively and innovatively to drive results strategically.
- Woodworking experience/background preferred.
- Proficient with MS Office.
- Limited travel to vendors and tradeshows required.
- Local Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday
About Rockler
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Retail
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Medina, MN, US
Year founded
1954