Associate Category Manager - Chemicals

Highline Aftermarket; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Highline Aftermarket is seeking an Associate Category Manager to support development and execution of category strategies aimed at growing sales, profitability, and market share. You will analyze performance, market trends, and vendor opportunities to identify actionable recommendations and drive cross-functional initiatives.

In this role, you will support vendor management, pricing and profitability analysis, assortment planning, and new-product launches, while partnering with Sales, Sourcing,

Qualifications

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and vendor opportunities to identify actionable recommendations.
• Translate data insights into category strategies and growth plans.
• Collaborate across Sales, Sourcing, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to execute initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of category strategies to drive growth and profitability.
• Assist with vendor management, pricing analysis, and assortment planning.
• Coordinate new item setup, product launches, and packaging with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain data and BI tools to support category initiatives and reporting.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication

Tools

Qlik

A+/Sage ERP

Monday.com

Job description

The Associate Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies designed to drive sales growth, profitability, market share, and operational performance. Working closely with the Category Manager, this position analyzes business performance, market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and vendor opportunities to identify actionable recommendations.

The Associate Category Manager will support vendor management, pricing and profitability analysis, assortment planning, new-product launches, promotional programs, customer/vendor presentations, and cross-functional initiatives. This role will partner with Sales, Sourcing, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Product Data, and other internal teams to ensure category initiatives are executed accurately and on schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

• Manage new item setup activities.
• Support new product development by assisting with packaging creation and partnering with Catalog and Marketing teams to add new part numbers to assortments.
• Coordinate the collection of eCommerce digital assets and other vendor-related requirements.
• Research and support new vendors for products entering the market, including opportunities identified by the Sales team.
• Maintain the master vendor program matrix to provide visibility for Category Management and Finance.
• Create vendor templates for new products and new part numbers brought to market.
• Assist with vendor cost changes and template updates for new part numbers.
• Update ERP vendor instructions, including terms, discounts, prepaid minimums, and related details.
• Update ERP defective and return policies by vendor.
• Assist with new vendor setup activities.
• Maintain data warehouse information and related category management data.
• Incorporate market analysis data to develop and maintain business plans for product categories.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in business intelligence tools, including Qlik, ERP systems such as A+/Sage, and project management platforms such as Monday.com.
• Communicate product information updates to the Sales team through SharePoint.
• Assist in responding to product-related questions from the Sales team.
• Engage cross-functionally with Global Sourcing, Marketing, Sales, and Inventory Planning/Forecasting.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Although not essential to the position, the individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Champion innovative ideas that influence business direction and outcomes.
• Learn and adapt quickly while anticipating and removing obstacles to drive impact.
• Analyze raw data and translate insights into actionable category recommendations.
• Maintain a professional image and positively represent the company.
• Work independently while effectively managing time, multiple projects, and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• 1–3 years of experience in Product Management, Category Management, Buying, or a related team environment.
• Proficiency working with databases and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning systems.