Category Management Intern - Summer 2027

Lynco Products; Rock Island (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Professional development and mentoring

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Lynco Products is seeking a motivated Category Management Intern to join our Purchasing team at our Rock Island, IL location. This 12-week paid internship provides hands-on experience in assortment planning, pricing strategy, vendor management, and data-driven decision making within a B2B distribution environment.

You will work closely with Category Managers and cross-functional teams to analyze product assortment and SKU lifecycles, assist with forecasting and inventory strategy, and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support category managers with product assortment analysis and SKU lifecycle management.
• Assist with sales, inventory, and performance reporting.
• Support pricing analysis and margin optimization initiatives.
• Assist with vendor onboarding, communication, and documentation.
• Participate in forecasting, demand planning, and inventory strategy exercises.
• Support promotional planning and program development.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams on category initiatives.
• Review planograms and store execution feedback.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for leadership review.
• Maintain accurate data and documentation in internal systems.
• Participate in category reviews and business planning meetings.
• Perform additional administrative and analytical tasks as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Data interpretation

Time management

Education

Business/Marketing/Supply Chain/Finance/Analytics degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and analytical Category Management Intern to join our Purchasing team at our Rock Island, IL location. This 12-week paid internship is designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning how product categories are built, priced, promoted, and managed within a B2B distribution environment. Interns will work closely with Category Managers and cross-functional teams to gain hands-on experience in assortment planning, pricing strategy, vendor management, and data-driven decision making.If you’re curious about business strategy, enjoy working with data, and want real-world exposure to category management and merchandising, we encourage you to apply.Pay: $19.23/hourKey Responsibilities:Support category managers with product assortment analysis and SKU lifecycle managementAssist with sales, inventory, and performance reportingSupport pricing analysis and margin optimization initiativesAssist with vendor onboarding, communication, and documentationParticipate in forecasting, demand planning, and inventory strategy exercisesSupport promotional planning and program developmentCollaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams on category initiativesReview planograms and store execution feedbackPrepare reports, summaries, and presentations for leadership reviewMaintain accurate data and documentation in internal systemsParticipate in category reviews and business planning meetingsPerform additional administrative and analytical tasks as assignedQualifications:Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics, or related fieldStrong interest in merchandising, category management, or business strategyInternship, coursework, or analytical project experience preferred but not requiredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsProficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and OutlookAbility to interpret sales, margin, and inventory dataStrong attention to detail and organizational skillsEffective written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage time, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasksWillingness to learn, take feedback, and grow professionallyAbility to work independently and collaboratively in a team environmentHigh level of professionalism, integrity, and reliabilityWhy This Role:Hands-on experience in category management within a B2B distribution environmentExposure to pricing strategy, forecasting, vendor management, and promotionsOpportunity to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operationsReal-world business experience with measurable impactStrong resume-building experience and career exploration opportunityBenefits:Paid internship opportunityProfessional development and mentorshipReal-world merchandising and business strategy experienceNetworking opportunities across commercial and operational teams