Category Manager

Aston Carter•Lake Forest, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced contractor to support category management, procurement processes, and data operations across Marketing and Data Partnerships. This role requires strong analytical ability, vendor management support experience, and familiarity with procurement systems and data workflows. The position is located in Illinois and is onsite.

Requirements

Experience in category management or procurement operations.
Strong analytical and data validation skills.
Experience with procurement systems (e.g., Agency Mania or similar).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally.
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Business Analytics, or Finance.
Five years of managing shipping logistics experience.
Five years of inventory management experience.
Effective communication and coordination skills are essential.
Ability to multi-task and execute job requirements with minimal direction.

Nice To Haves

Prior exposure to marketing/data vendors or industries preferred.
Familiarity with IATA / DOT practices and procedures is a plus.
Procurement/Operation/Supply chain certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Document consistent, high-level frameworks for improved category innovations under guidance from the category leader.
Manage vendor rebate/reconciliation and savings calculations.
Oversee intake and tracking of zero dollar data usage agreements between Marketing or Data partners.
Support savings tracking administration, data validation, and reporting within a finance system.
Develop and maintain operational playbooks; support media operations for in-house agency initiatives.
Review Market Research scopes and identify incremental value opportunities.
Assist with standing up simple contracts with digital media vendors.
Improve data quality and systems workflows for in-house scope management tool.
Other strategic or operational projects as assigned.