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Freelance Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your primary mission will be to manage inventory flow, optimize Open-to-Buy (OTB) strategies, and ... Assume planning responsibility for a specific merchandise category, acting as the primary point of ...

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Freelance Category Manager information

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$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do freelance category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 is a freelance category manager?

A Freelance Category Manager is a professional who oversees a specific category of products or services on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. Their job typically involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, developing category strategies, and optimizing product assortment to maximize sales and profitability. Freelance Category Managers work independently, often serving multiple clients, and bring specialized expertise to help businesses improve their category performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance category manager?

To thrive as a Freelance Category Manager, you need expertise in category management, market analysis, procurement, and supplier relationship management, often supported by a business or supply chain degree. Familiarity with procurement software, data analytics tools, and ERP systems like SAP or Oracle is typically required. Strong negotiation, communication, and project management skills help you build trust and drive results in diverse client environments. These skills are crucial for optimizing category performance, delivering cost savings, and meeting client objectives in a competitive marketplace.

How do freelance category managers typically collaborate with clients and suppliers to drive category growth?

Freelance Category Managers often work closely with both clients and suppliers to understand strategic goals, analyze market trends, and develop tailored category plans. This usually involves regular virtual meetings, data sharing, and collaborative workshops to identify opportunities and resolve challenges. Effective communication and proactive relationship management are essential, as freelancers must quickly build trust and demonstrate value without the long onboarding processes typical in permanent roles. By leveraging their expertise and an objective perspective, freelance Category Managers can help clients optimize assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies while fostering strong supplier partnerships.

What is the difference between Freelance Category Manager vs Freelance Buyer?

AspectFreelance Category ManagerFreelance Buyer
CredentialsExperience in category management, industry-specific knowledge, sometimes certifications in supply chain or procurementProcurement experience, negotiation skills, familiarity with purchasing processes
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, vendor management, market analysis, often remote or freelance projectsOrder processing, supplier communication, purchasing activities, often freelance or contract roles
Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, e-commerce, and supply chain sectorsRetail, wholesale, manufacturing, and logistics sectors

While both roles involve procurement and vendor relations, a Freelance Category Manager focuses on strategic category planning and supplier management, whereas a Freelance Buyer handles purchasing transactions and order execution. Understanding these differences helps clients and freelancers align expectations and skills for each role.

More about Freelance Category Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Category Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Category Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Category Manager jobs?

The most popular types of Category Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Category Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Category Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Category Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath) - 404701

Atrium

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Atrium Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 631 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Client Overview
Our client is a well-established and highly recognized home lifestyle company based in New York City, known for their thoughtfully designed and trend-forward collections across bedding, bath, and other home categories. The company combines strong design sensibility with quality, innovation, and an understanding of evolving consumer trends. They are currently looking to add a Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath) to their team.
Salary/Hourly Rate
$30/hr - $35/hr
$75k (Permanent salary once converted)
Position Overview
We are seeking a talented and detail-oriented Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath) with 3 to 4 years of professional design experience to join our client's team in Midtown Manhattan. This role will focus on designing and developing bedding and bath products, from initial concepts through product development.
Responsibilities Of The Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath)
  • Design and develop bedding and bath products from concept through production.
  • Create compelling product designs, colorways, patterns, prints, and presentations.
  • Collaborate with the Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to bring designs to market.
  • Create and revise design presentations, technical artwork, and product concepts.
  • Maintain accurate product information and artwork within PLM systems.
  • Review samples and provide design feedback and revisions as needed.
  • Research market trends, colors, patterns, materials, and consumer preferences.
  • Ensure designs align with brand direction, customer expectations, and product requirements.
  • Manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Required Experience/Skills For The Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath)
  • 3 to 4 years of professional design experience, preferably within home textiles, bedding, bath, soft home, or a related consumer products category.
  • Strong understanding of textile, print, pattern, color, and product design.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Experience working with PLM systems.
  • Strong visual, conceptual, and presentation skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a hybrid, fast-paced corporate environment.
Preferred Experience/Skills For The Freelance Home Designer (Bedding/Bath)
  • Experience designing products within the home bedding and bath categories.
  • Must have 3 to 4 years of work experience within the home furnishings market.
Education Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • A degree in Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or a related field is preferred.
Benefits
  • Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off).

What Atrium Health employees say

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Benefits

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About Atrium Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Atrium Health is one of the nation's leading healthcare organizations, connecting patients with on-demand care, world-class specialists and the region's largest primary care network. A recognized leader in healthcare delivery, quality and innovation, our foundation rests on providing clinically excellent and compassionate care. We've been serving our community since 1940, when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Since then, our network has grown to include more than 40 hospitals and 900 care locations ranging from doctors' offices to behavioral health centers to nursing homes. Our focus: Delivering the highest quality patient care, supporting medical research and education, and joining with partners outside our walls to keep our community healthy.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1940