Category Manager Job Description

What is the job description of a Category Manager? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Category Manager? What does a Category Manager do?

Job description of a Category Manager

Category Managers are generally responsible for sales optimization of a particular group or category of products. Category Managers are usually involved in vendor management, pricing, marketing and inventory fields as well.

A Category Manager's job may vary depending on the industry. However, the role is mainly related to the retail industry.

This Category Manager job description example includes the list of most important Category Manager duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Category Manager profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Category Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Category Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Research and analyze data and market insights
  • Search for insights into consumer needs and wants
  • Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories
  • Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors 
  • Place appropriate orders
  • Ensure product availability
  • Strategize positioning of a product category in order to maximize its visibility
  • Collaborate with the marketing team
  • Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing and promotional activities 
  • Work with customers and merchandisers and find new ways of expanding product categories 
  • Calculate forecasts for product demand trends
  • Manage and track budget

Category Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Category Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • BA in business administration, marketing or similar relevant field
  • Previous working experience as category manager for (x) years
  • Expertise in category management
  • Analytical and critical thinker
  • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
  • In-depth knowledge of marketing and sales operations and processes 
  • Hands on experience with analyzing big data and making forecasts 

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Category Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Category Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Category Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.