Q: Is a category manager a buyer?

No, a category manager is not a buyer. While there is overlap in the responsibilities of a category manager and a buyer, these are two distinct roles. A buyer's job is to conduct the purchasing process by engaging with a specific supplier. The buyer is assigned a specific supplier and assigned a specific product. They do not choose what to buy or from whom to buy it. While a buyer's responsibility is purely transactional, a category manager's job requires more involvement.

Question 1

How much do category managers make?

Accepted Answer

Category managers make a median salary of around $120,000 in a year. The lowest-paid 10% earned around $75,000, while the highest-paid 10% earned over $197,000 in a year.

The salary of a category manager can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors include education and experience, industry and company, and location.

Question 2

Is category manager a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a category manager is a good career choice for people who enjoy supply chain management, marketing, and analytics.

Being a category manager is an excellent career option for this role, which has significant room for growth and professional development, combines relevant category expertise with sourcing experience. This combination creates a dynamic role for someone looking for an interesting and well-paying position.

Question 3

What are the 4 P's of category management?

Accepted Answer

The four P's of category management are: product, price, placement, and promotion. When all brought together, these four P's will ensure that a category manager successfully fulfills the unique duties of their job.

Question 4

What degree do you need to be a category manager?

Accepted Answer

You need at least an associate's degree in business to be a category manager. While the minimum requirement for a category manager is an associate's degree, most employers seek out category managers with a bachelor's degree.

Question 5

How much does a global category manager make?

Accepted Answer

A global category manager makes a median salary of around $126,000 in a year. The lowest-paid 10% earned around $80,000, while the highest-paid 10% earned over $200,000 in a year.

The salary of a global category manager can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors include education and experience, industry and company, and location.

Question 6

Is a category manager a buyer?

Accepted Answer

No, a category manager is not a buyer. While there is overlap in the responsibilities of a category manager and a buyer, these are two distinct roles.

A buyer's job is to conduct the purchasing process by engaging with a specific supplier. The buyer is assigned a specific supplier and assigned a specific product. They do not choose what to buy or from whom to buy it. While a buyer's responsibility is purely transactional, a category manager's job requires more involvement.

Frequently asked questions about category managers

Questions about becoming a category manager