ASSOCIATE CATEGORY MANAGER
Reports to: Sr. Director, Filters & MRO
FLSA status: Exempt
Work Location: Hybrid (Naperville, IL)
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Associate Category Manager (ACM) will support the Category Management team to develop and communicate category plans that align with annual company goals. The ACM will develop an understanding of products, industry, systems, and processes to assume greater responsibilities in the future.
The position will support research and analytics on existing brands, products, and all competitive market trends. The ACM will partner with vendors on new product launches, promotions and marketing strategies and work to execute with all internal partners.
TYPICAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
-
New item set up
-
Populate new item template with required Master Data Management (MDM) information
-
Own the gathering of Ecommerce digital assets and other vendor related needs
-
Load new item communication on SharePoint for sales team visibility
-
Update new items list
-
Update discontinued/superseded items list
-
Vendor programs
-
Maintain master vendor program matrix
-
Create and maintain vendor templates with vendor support
-
Update ERP vendor instructions (terms, discounts, prepaid minimums, etc.)
-
Update ERP Defective and Return Policy by vendor
-
Support category/brand reviews
-
MDM maintenance and Ecommerce content review as needed
-
Assist in the development of effective promotions across all sales channels?
-
Support vendor or customer meetings related to product assortment, cost negotiations, and data requirements
-
Assist in the preparation of internal presentations and senior management monthly reporting
-
Assist in fielding product related questions from Sales team
-
Engage cross-functionally with Global Sourcing, Marketing, Sales, and Replenishment teams
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Bachelor’s Degree
-
1-3 years ACM experience
-
Proficient in working with databases and possessing other computer skills such as MS Office (Excel/Word/ PowerPoint, etc.)
-
Ability to take raw data and make category suggestions
-
Ability to maintain a professional image and positively represent the company
-
Ability to work independently and successfully manage time, multiple projects, and changing priorities
-
Strong organizational skills
-
Strong verbal/written communication, problem-solving and presentation skills
-
Experience with enterprise systems (ERPs)
-
Detail oriented
-
Collaborative
-
Quick to learn and adapt - anticipate & remove obstacles in advance to drive greatest impact
-
Champion new ideas to influence the course of the business
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- 1-3 years Associate Category Manager experience
- Proficient with databases
- Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Experience with enterprise systems (ERPs)
- Ability to analyze raw data and make category recommendations
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Detail oriented
- Collaborative and able to work independently
- Quick to learn and adapt; proactive problem solver
- Maintain a professional image and represent the company positively
Highline Warren Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Highline Warren and has not been reviewed or approved by Highline Warren.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as solid, with a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO option and generally decent pricing for family coverage. Medical, dental, and vision are part of the standard offering.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with a company match is available. Matching contributions are noted alongside a multi‑year vesting schedule to confirm for the specific role.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, paid holidays, and floating holidays are included in the package. Scheduling flexibility and acceptable PTO are noted in some roles.
Highline Warren Insights
What We Do
Highline Warren is North America's premier distributor of automotive oils, chemicals and consumable products, offering strategic manufacturing and market exclusives such as MAG 1®, Prime Guard®, Rain-X® Windshield Wash and BlueDevil®. With an ever-growing brand portfolio, multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and investments into new capabilities and technology, Highline Warren is able to service 99% of the United States more efficiently and effectively than ever before. For more information, please visit: www.highlinewarren.com
