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Freelance Category Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

... cultural and category dynamics, the emotional intelligence to question and understand consumer ... project management teams. It also requires a certain confidence, gravitas and way with words ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Category Manager information

See salary details

$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do freelance category manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Freelance Assistant Designer - AE Women's Skirts & Dresses

System One

Manhattan, NY โ€ข Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Freelance Assistant Designer – AE Women’s Skirts & Dresses Location: New York, New York Type: Contract Work Model: Hybrid Hours: 40 hours/week

Overview

Work within a specific classification and implement the category leader’s direction in all aspects of the design process, from initial concept stage to sketch presentation, to development and execution of the final product.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with category leader to design category-specific product based on design direction given
  • Fully owning the Tech Pack process from initial start to working with tech on POMs and to the finalized updates to Bulk Production
  • Develop seasonal product with a focus on style, aesthetic, functionality, fabric, details, color, etc.
  • Learn and understand the ins-and-outs of the details related to a specific classification
  • Perform daily follow-up using email and PLM
  • Work with CAD team on prints and patterns if applicable
  • Interact with Merchants and Production to develop working partnership
  • Prepare presentation boards for monthly meetings
  • Observe presentation techniques and be prepared to make preliminary presentations
  • Maintain daily running or classification while designer travels including fit sessions
  • Perform preliminary seasonal design research
  • Ability to manage samples in an organized and efficient way for easy access in a pinch
  • Perform other duties as required
  • Able to work in a hybrid environment, meaning that some work may be performed remotely but certain essential functions must be performed in-person/in-office based on the needs of the business.
  • In person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration (e.g., portion of week, entire week) is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, approvals, etc.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion or Art (or equivalent experience and education)
  • At least 1-2 years of related Apparel experience
  • Previous experience working for AE or Aerie is a plus; PLM experience required
  • Ability to act as liaison between many departments: excellent communication and analytic skills.
  • Must be detail oriented, very organized, computer literate, able to handle multiple tasks at once, and perform successfully in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
  • Must be knowledgeable of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Excel, and PLM (or equivalent program)
  • Must be proficient in creating technical flats in both Illustrator and hand sketching
  • Comfortable working in an hybrid environment - working in office several days a week (based on the needs of the business or big milestone week) with occasional remote work from home

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#M- #LI- Ref: #404-IT Pittsburgh


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About System One

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

System One helps employers get work done more efficiently and economically without compromising quality. Over our 35+ year history, we've helped connect thousands of talented people with innovative companies. The excitement of a perfect fit motivates us every single day.

Industry

Business consulting services and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US