Associate category manager vs category manager

The differences between associate category managers and category managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 8-10 years to become both an associate category manager and a category manager. Additionally, a category manager has an average salary of $102,035, which is higher than the $76,432 average annual salary of an associate category manager.

The top three skills for an associate category manager include data analysis, category strategies and category performance. The most important skills for a category manager are strategic sourcing, category strategy, and supplier performance.

Associate category manager vs category manager overview

	Associate Category Manager	Category Manager
Yearly salary	$76,432	$102,035
Hourly rate	$36.75	$49.06
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	42,374	108,424
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	10	10

What does an associate category manager do?

An associate category manager is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis from the current market trends to identify opportunities and products that would generate more revenue resources and increase the store's profitability. Associate category managers develop cost-efficient techniques by building a strong business relationship with trusted suppliers and vendors. They also monitor the store's display category according to customers' demands and guide the staff in placing products in the appropriate sections. An associate category manager must have excellent leadership and communication skills, especially in responding to customers' inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints efficiently.

What does a category manager do?

Category managers are usually employed in the retail industry. They are primarily responsible for the sales enhancement of a specific group of products. The managers are involved in pricing, marketing, inventory, and vendor management. Their daily tasks include meeting with suppliers to talk about the plans, conducting orientation to the market research company, and updating category reports. Qualified applicants must have a degree in business administration or a related field as well as relevant job experience in a related job.

Associate category manager vs category manager salary

Associate category managers and category managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Associate Category Manager	Category Manager
Average salary	$76,432	$102,035
Salary range	Between $58,000 And $99,000	Between $74,000 And $138,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between associate category manager and category manager education

There are a few differences between an associate category manager and a category manager in terms of educational background:

	Associate Category Manager	Category Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Georgia	University of Georgia

Associate category manager vs category manager demographics

Here are the differences between associate category managers' and category managers' demographics:

	Associate Category Manager	Category Manager
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%	Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between associate category manager and category manager duties and responsibilities

Associate category manager example responsibilities.

Manage relationships with primary suppliers including monitoring and purchasing commodities, forecasting, marketing initiatives and quality control.
Conduct RFP, analyze data, recommend consolidation of items.
Create and analyze RFP's to determine cost structure and desk profitability.
Coordinate and execute all online promotions with e-commerce partners.
Evaluate POS information, recommending and implementing strategies to improve product performance.
Implement unique e-commerce and in-store merchandising strategies while maintaining brand integrity for multiple client accounts.

Category manager example responsibilities.

Lead team to manage predominantly seasonal fashion apparel by reacting to trends with appropriate buys and proactive exit strategies.
Manage and create purchase plans and OTB's.
Design and manage all BTL plans for the brands.
Manage multiple sources of data to mine for business voids and opportunities at both macro and micro levels.
Deliver profit and sales forecasts, manage merchandising budget, and used IRI data to produce optimal product mix.
Lead a high performance jewelry merchandising team in a digital commerce environment through television, e-commerce, and social media.

Associate category manager vs category manager skills

Common associate category manager skills

Data Analysis, 8%
Category Strategies, 8%
Category Performance, 7%
Vendor Relations, 5%
PET, 4%
RFI, 4%

Common category manager skills

Strategic Sourcing, 8%
Category Strategy, 8%
Supplier Performance, 5%
Supplier Relationships, 4%
Customer Service, 4%
Cost Savings, 4%

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Associate Category Manager
Associate Category Manager vs Category Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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