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Entry Level Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McCormick & Company

CATEGORY ANALYST

Hunt Valley, MD · Hybrid

$63K - $110K/yr

We are looking to hire a Category Analyst (entry level) immediately in a Hybrid (50/50) capacity located in Hunt Valley, MD supporting all functions of the category management process for Albertsons.

McCormick & Company

CATEGORY ANALYST

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$63K - $110K/yr

We are looking to hire a Category Analyst (entry level) immediately in aHybrid (50/50) capacity located in Hunt Valley, MD supporting all functions of the category management process for Albertsons.

McCormick & Company

CATEGORY ANALYST

Hunt Valley, MD · Hybrid

$63K - $110K/yr

We are looking to hire a Category Analyst (entry level) immediately in a Hybrid (50/50) capacity located in Hunt Valley, MD supporting all functions of the category management process for Albertsons.

EPS Corporation

Warehouse Speciailist

Newport, RI · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

... Level Entry Level Category Engineering EPS Corporation is seeking a Warehouse Specialist. This ... Inventory management: LX17 reports, Condition Codes, NSNs, NIIN, UMM. * COSIS procedures, shelf ...

Stereotaxis

Territory Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Shift Type Job Title Territory Assistant Education Bachelor's Degree Location Los Angeles, CA 90001 US (Primary) Career Level Entry Level Category Account Management Date Needed By Job Type Full-time ...

Stereotaxis

Territory Assistant

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Shift Type Job Title Territory Assistant Education Bachelor's Degree Location PHOENIX, AZ 85001 US (Primary) Career Level Entry Level Category Account Management Date Needed By Job Type Full-time ...

PSA BDP

Logistics Coordinator

York, PA

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... Entry Level Category Operations Job Type Permanent About PSA BDP: PSA BDP, a member of the PSA ... Support manger to meet with customer for better communication, efficient cooperation, or removing ...

Stereotaxis

Territory Assistant

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Shift Type Job Title Territory Assistant Education Bachelor's Degree Location Cleveland, OH 44101 US (Primary) Career Level Entry Level Category Account Management Date Needed By Job Type Full-time ...

PSA BDP

Logistics Coordinator

Crum Lynne, PA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

... Entry Level Category Operations Job Type Permanent About PSA BDP: PSA BDP, a member of the PSA ... Support manger to meet with customer for better communication, efficient cooperation, or removing ...

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Entry Level Category Manager information

See salary details

$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do entry level category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Category Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Category Manager, you generally need a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, inventory management systems, and sometimes ERP software is typically expected. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with suppliers and internal teams. These skills are vital for optimizing product assortments, driving sales growth, and ensuring efficient category performance.

What does an Entry Level Category Manager do?

An Entry Level Category Manager assists in managing a specific group of products or product categories for a retailer or manufacturer. Their responsibilities often include analyzing sales data, tracking market trends, coordinating with suppliers, and helping to develop pricing and promotional strategies. They work closely with senior category managers and cross-functional teams to ensure that the assigned category meets sales and profitability goals. This role is typically a starting point for those interested in a career in merchandising, retail management, or supply chain management.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level category managers, and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

Entry level category managers often face challenges such as quickly learning product assortments, understanding customer preferences, and managing relationships with suppliers. Navigating large amounts of sales data and aligning with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams can also be demanding. New hires can effectively overcome these challenges by proactively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, leveraging available data analytics tools, and participating in cross-functional meetings to build a comprehensive understanding of the business. Continuous learning and open communication are key to successfully growing in this role.
More about Entry Level Category Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Category Manager jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Category Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Category Manager jobs? The most popular types of Category Manager jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Category Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Category Manager jobs are:
Entry Level Category Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Category Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Category Manager (Assoc., Intermed., or Senior)

Category Manager (Assoc., Intermed., or Senior)

PPL Corporation

Allentown, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Company Summary Statement
As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities - PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy - provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL's companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.
Overview
The purpose of this position is to manage the acquisition of a variety of corporate requirements, and issue contractual commitments with an estimated value of up to $1 million per commitment. This position is authorized to make award decisions up to $1,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review. Responsible for procuring materials and services at the best evaluated total cost of ownership, and assuring quality and schedule compliance in accordance with the end user's requirements. In addition, this position provides contract management support, conducts negotiations, performs market, price and financial analyses, manages internal customer satisfaction and manages supplier performance and relationships, and drives continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. This an entry level position that works independently with minimal to moderate direction from more senior peers and supervision.
This position will report in office on a hybrid schedule and can be based out of PPL's corporate office located in either Louisville, KY or Allentown, PA.
Responsibilities
The Category Manager position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate, or Senior level. The position responsibilities listed below reflect those of the Associate level. Additional/varying responsibilities maybe included for other levels of the Category Manager role.
  • Manage the procurement process from specification/definition of need through contract/purchase order issuance.
  • Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology and warranty protection.
  • Utilize the most strategic sourcing method (alliance, auction, blanket, contract, master service agreement, purchase order) to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings.
  • Identify new sources of supply, and potentially acceptable new products/technologies.
  • Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the PPL Standards of Integrity and PPL's Supply Chain Polices Develop negotiation strategies and company positions on routine and moderately complex (multi-million dollar) contracts, work with Office of General Counsel to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.
  • Analyze and develop company position on supplier claims and disputes, and subsequently consult with senior Sourcing management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with procurements.
  • Be the corporate expert for assigned small to mid-sized supply chain categories, and know the market drivers, supplier base, emerging technologies, and regulatory factors.
  • This position is authorized to award contracts up to $1,000,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.
  • Acts as primary liaison to suppliers within assigned category.
  • May be assigned an Emergency Response or Outage role.
  • Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
  • May be assigned an emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
  • All other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications
The Category Manager position may be hired at the Associate, Intermediate, or Senior level. Level offered will be determined by the successful candidate's background, education & experience.
Basic Qualifications
Associate level:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field.

Experience
  • Identify the skills, knowledge, experience and abilities required to perform the job. Must include years of experience required.

Intermediate level:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 5 years related experience.

Experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of services buying experience.
  • Supply Chain and market knowledge of described services.
  • Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

Senior Level:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or related field or 8 years related experience.

Experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of services buying experience.
  • Supply Chain and market knowledge of products, equipment, and services.
  • Basic knowledge of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal issues.

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