WW Grainger

Category Manager

WW Grainger$88K — $105K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years in Product Management, Category Management, or Product Marketing.
  • Strong analytical and project management capabilities.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

  • Own the financial performance (P&L) for assigned product categories.
  • Develop and execute category strategies, including assortment and product positioning.
  • Lead product lifecycle management from introduction to discontinuation.
  • Analyze customer needs and market trends to refine category strategies.
  • Partner across departments to execute initiatives and business plans.
  • Manage product assortments for competitiveness and customer focus.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to enhance product quality and supply reliability.

Benefits

  • Hybrid/Remote work schedule with in-office expectations.
  • Focus on work/life balance.
  • Comprehensive health plans including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Generous vacation policy with 18 paid vacation days and 7 paid holidays.
  • 6% of annual earnings contributed to retirement, immediately vested.
Full Job Description
Work Location Type: Hybrid

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for product management, category growth, and business performance? We're looking for a Category Manager to lead the success of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth, profitability, customer satisfaction, and innovation.

In this role, you'll act as the business owner for your categories, developing and executing category strategies, managing product lifecycles, partnering with suppliers, and collaborating across Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Inventory Management, and Distribution. If you enjoy combining analytics, strategy, and cross-functional leadership to make a measurable impact, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do
  • Own the financial performance (P&L) of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth and margin improvement.
  • Develop and execute category strategies, including assortment planning, private label initiatives, and product positioning.
  • Lead product lifecycle management from new product introductions to growth optimization and product discontinuation decisions.
  • Analyze customer needs, market trends, competitive offerings, and pricing to identify opportunities and inform category strategy.
  • Partner with Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, Product Acquisition, Inventory Management, and Distribution teams to execute category initiatives and business plans.
  • Manage stocked and drop-ship assortments to ensure a competitive, customer-focused product offering.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, and supply reliability.
  • Support supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management activities.
  • Develop and enhance customer-focused product programs that address evolving market needs.
  • Drive new product launches and program introductions with clear revenue and profitability objectives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and overall category performance.


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ years of Product Management, Category Management, Product Marketing, or related experience.
  • Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.


Why Join Us?
  • Hybrid / Remote schedule with an expectation of two days per week in office
  • Work/Life balance
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision; 18 days paid vacation, 7 paid holidays and 6% of annual earnings contributed to your retirement, immediately vested!


About WW Grainger

W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion, is the leading broad-line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including nearly 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done, saving them time and money by having the right products to keep their facilities running.

WW Grainger Careers

Join the dynamic team at WW Grainger, a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products, where job opportunities abound in an environment ripe with innovation and leadership. At WW Grainger, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth through comprehensive diversity training and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At WW Grainger, you’ll be part of a robust team that’s dedicated to excellence. Whether you’re looking to start your career through our internship programs or seeking to advance as a seasoned professional, WW Grainger offers a path filled with opportunities for growth and learning. Our team members are equipped with the skills needed to lead industries and drive innovation at every level of the company.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment

WW Grainger is not just hiring; we are building a future. Explore the numerous job opportunities across various departments where you can put your skills to test and contribute to our mission. From positions in supply chain management to customer service, technology to sales, WW Grainger seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company where innovation is at the core of our business strategy. WW Grainger’s leadership in the industry is enhanced by our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Our employees are encouraged to think big and act boldly, driving change that influences the entire market.

Career Development and Benefits

Invest in your future with WW Grainger’s unmatched career development programs. Go as far as your ambition takes you with near-limitless opportunities to advance your career supported by extensive training, development, and certification support. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families.

Internship Programs and Entry-Level Positions

Kickstart your career with WW Grainger through our internship programs or entry-level positions. Gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and make invaluable networking connections that will pave the way for a successful career. Our internships provide a unique insight into the workings of a major company and serve as a gateway to full-time employment.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for individuals who are eager to drive their own career path while contributing to a team that values hard work and creativity.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at WW Grainger.

Interview and Resume Tips

Prepare for your interview at WW Grainger with resources that help you stand out. Learn what we look for in potential hires and how to effectively highlight your experiences and skills on your resume. At WW Grainger, we are more than a company—we are a community. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment where every team member feels valued and has the opportunity to excel. Join us in our mission to help professionals keep their operations running and their people safe.
Learn more about WW Grainger
Size
22,700 employees
Market Cap
$28.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$695 million
Founded
1927
5 Year Trend
+5.1%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ

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