Category Management Intern - Summer 2026

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/hour

Key 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

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics, or related field
• Strong interest in merchandising, category management, or business strategy
• Internship, coursework, or analytical project experience preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to interpret sales, margin, and inventory data
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks
• Willingness to learn, take feedback, and grow professionally
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and reliability

Why This Role:

• Hands-on experience in category management within a B2B distribution environment
• Exposure to pricing strategy, forecasting, vendor management, and promotions
• Opportunity to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operations
• Real-world business experience with measurable impact
• Strong resume-building experience and career exploration opportunity

Benefits:

• Paid internship opportunity
• Professional development and mentorship
• Real-world merchandising and business strategy experience
• Networking opportunities across commercial and operational teams

Salary : $19