Associate Category Manager

Zoro•Chicago, IL

4d•$65,200 - $108,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Associate Category Managers are key contributors to Zoro's growth in both sales and category expansion. The Category Management team is responsible for defining strategies for key categories and then finding and managing supplier relationships that allow Zoro to add products and drive growth in those categories. An Associate Category Manager’s success will be defined by helping operationalize and accelerate the sales of the existing portfolio of products. The Associate Category Manager is responsible for supporting aligned Category Managers by analyzing the business and executing tactics for assigned categories. This position will work in a team environment with a focus on developing insights, identifying opportunities and communicating recommendations to lead future industry growth to internal partners and external suppliers. In addition, they will drive and support activities that help Zoro sell more products and manage cost and profitability. The Associate Category Manager will execute reporting and analysis to support assigned product categories to inform on category and supplier performance, collaborate closely with cross-functional partners throughout the business, and participate in supplier relationship management. The Associate Category Manager will be a key liaison with internal partners to help drive customer experience and sales performance.

Requirements

1-3 years of experience in a related field is preferred
Experience analyzing data, building presentations and communicating effectively through data
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Curious and rapid learning ability
Ability to be flexible and adaptable to work in a fast-paced, agile environment
Ability to communicate in a clear and compelling manner in written, verbal, and interpersonal forms
Computer skills including building presentations, analyzing data, communicating information, and internet search techniques

Nice To Haves

Experience in distribution, online marketplaces, wholesale, e-commerce a plus

Responsibilities

Create, manage and update reports regarding new suppliers, SKU productivity, sales performance, and assortment gaps
Continually and proactively monitor the financial performance of categories and suppliers to measure against the category product strategies and KPI’s to ensure we are providing an awesome customer experience
Proactively identify areas within aligned categories for product expansion and product optimization. Take ownership over identified expansion and optimization activities with support of CM and/or Sr. CM
Work with suppliers to acquire comprehensive product information including product specifications, product images, pricing information, and additional product content; This effort will require cross-functional partnership as well as direct supplier interaction
Collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams to execute on the category strategy

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.
Adoption assistance program
6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist and Wellhub portal membership to support your mental and emotional wellbeing
At least 18 paid time off days annually for full-time employees
6 company holidays per year
6% company contribution to a 401K Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan refinancing
Access to financial counseling, education, and tools
Charitable Gift Program - match gift to an eligible educational, cultural, community health, and human service organizations
Employee discounts and admission to various civic and cultural institutions around Chicago
Coffee bar, beer on tap, unlimited snacks, access to the onsite gym, and incredible city skyline views