Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for managing assigned product categories and supplier relationships to achieve sales, profitability, assortment, and customer-experience objectives. This role develops category strategies, analyzes market and performance data, identifies and negotiates with suppliers, and coordinates cross-functional execution. This role applies independent judgment to medium-sized or mature, high-impact categories, with guidance from category management leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages medium-sized and/or mature, high-impact product categories, with accountability for sales growth, profitability, assortment, and supplier performance.
• Develops category strategies using knowledge of target industries, customer segments, competitive dynamics, and market trends.
• Analyzes internal and external data to monitor key performance indicators, identify growth opportunities, and recommend actions that improve sales, margin, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• Identifies customer needs and improves the shopping experience through assortment, content, and supplier execution.
• Identifies and evaluates prospective suppliers and communicates Zoro's business model to establish new supplier relationships.
• Leads supplier negotiations and business reviews to secure commercial terms, expand assortments, manage performance, accelerate time to market, and support profitable growth.
• Partners with Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, Operations, Product, and other cross-functional teams to execute category initiatives and address barriers to growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, sourcing, or procurement
• Experience in industrial distribution, wholesale, e-commerce, online marketplaces, or B2B environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing category strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, and building strong vendor partnerships that drive growth and profitability.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial acumen, with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities, solve complex business problems, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Naturally curious with a continuous learning mindset and the ability to quickly understand new products, markets, and customer needs.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience presenting recommendations to diverse audiences.

Total Rewards

Zoro's total compensation plan includes our Zoro Incentive Plan (ZIP) that is designed to foster and reward our team members for strong performance. Total compensation will be highly competitive.

In addition to competitive compensation, Zoro offers comprehensive benefits and perks including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents. We also support growing your family through access to adoption assistance program
• 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist and Wellhub portal membership to support your mental and emotional wellbeing
• At least 18 paid time off days annually for full-time employees and 6 company holidays per year
• 6% company contribution to a 401K Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required
• Tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and access to financial counseling, education, and tools
• Charitable Gift Program - match gift to an eligible educational, cultural, community health, and human service organizations
• Employee discounts and admission to various civic and cultural institutions around Chicago
• Zoro office perks including coffee bar, beer on tap, unlimited snacks, access to the onsite gym, and incredible city skyline views

For additional information and details regarding our benefits and our parent company, W. W. Grainger, please click on the link here.

The pay range provided is not a guarantee of compensation. The range listed reflects the expected base pay for this position at the time of posting, based on the role's job grade. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as location, relevant experience and individual qualifications.

Illinois

$95,500-$159,200 USD

We also know that flexibility matters. Our hybrid work model gives you space to focus and the flexibility to live your life - asking team members to be onsite at least two days a week. Our Chicago HQ (right above Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Accenture Tower) is always open and ready for connection, collaboration, or just a good cup of coffee.

At Zoro, we're growing fast toward big aspirations - and we're continuously excited about the new challenges we get to solve together.