Demo

Assistant Category Manager

Würth MRO, Safety, & Metalworking
Downers Grove, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 12/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/17/2026
Essential Duties And Responsibilities

  • Assist in managing supplier relationships within the assigned categories to drive supplier performance, contract effectiveness, collaboration, and deliver improved results.
  • Assist in category strategy development, including national and private label brand approaches.
  • Support supplier performance using agreed metrics and tools, along with periodic supplier review meetings where performance is measured with agreed follow-up and action plans.
  • Aid in price improvement by helping CM in negotiating supplier cost reductions. Review sourcing history and supplier capabilities to align parts with qualified, competitive manufacturers.
  • Review historical and competitive costs to identify cost savings opportunities and variances.
  • Bring industry benchmarks, expertise, knowledge of trends, and other third-party data to prepare for vendor selection and negotiation.
  • Assist in product lifecycle management and SKU/supplier rationalization.
  • Proactively drives initiatives to meet category and purchasing objectives.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Coursework in inventory management, logistics, and procurement.
  • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years of relevant work experience in category management, merchandising, or supply chain roles.
  • Familiarity with inventory management software, product information programs, and ERP systems.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience in managing vendor relationships.
  • Knowledge of market trends and demand forecasting.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with ERP systems such as:
    • SAP
    • Oracle ERP
    • Microsoft Dynamics 365
    • NetSuite
    • SYSPRO
    • Infor ERP
    • Certification in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., APICS, CPSM) is a plus.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the associate is continuously (67%-100% of the time) required to sit. The associate is frequently (34%-66% of the time) required to walk. The associate is occasionally (1%-33% of the time) required to stand; climb stairs; kneel; bend/stoop; squat/crouch; push/pull; twist; work in awkward positions; reach above/at/below shoulder; bend wrist left/right and up/down; turn hand palm side up; grasp and use fine manipulation; lift and carry less than 10 lbs up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

    Salary.com Estimation for Assistant Category Manager in Downers Grove, IL
    $194,177 to $255,866
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