Category Manager Jobs in California
Category Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in retail, consumer packaged goods, technology hardware, and healthcare procurement, with openings at every level from junior buyer to senior category director. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where companies like Target, Apple, and Kaiser Permanente consistently maintain category management teams. The most in-demand specialties are indirect procurement, private label development, and vendor negotiation across large-scale retail and tech supply chains. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
This position is ideal for mid-level sourcing/procurement professionals to join the Indirect Sourcing team as a Sr. Category Manager – IT, leading RFPs and negotiating best-in-class terms for SaaS, Hardware, and Telecom. You work within a growing global team based out of San Jose, CA, with peers and business partners globally, with key locations in North Carolina, Arizona, Switzerland, Poland, and China. In concert with key business partners, you will promote adoption of the procurement guidelines and ensure the proper resources are engaged at the appropriate time. Expectations for this role include creating and executing category strategies, with the aim of increasing managed spend, driving incremental savings, and managing sourcing events at a global level. You must be comfortable working with and influencing senior executives both internally and externally.
Role expectations
- Identify business partner priorities and requirements
- Shape category strategies aligned with business partner priorities, requirements, and company growth objectives.
- Manage business partner relationships.
- Execute sourcing engagements.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Understand market trends and gather insights.
- Manage key supplier relationships.
- Monitor supplier spend and compliance to contract metrics.
- Continuously develop yourself and coach others.
What we're looking for
- 6+ years of IT Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, and/or Supplier Management.
- Experience in the Medical Devices, Manufacturing, High Tech, or Management Consulting industry is a plus.
- Effective communication and data interpretation skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfort and experience in developing and defining processes, versus following processes.
- To be a self-starter and independent thinker.
- Experience with cross-functional teams.
- Effective project and time management skills.
- Global experience is a plus.
Pay Transparency
If provided, base salary or wage rate ranges are the range in which Align reasonably expects to set a candidate’s pay for the posted position. Actual placement depends on the individual skills and experience level of a candidate plus the total compensation and equity across team members. For other locations outside of the primary location, the base salary range will be adjusted geographically.
General Description of All Benefits
- Discounts on Invisalign and Vivera to employees and their eligible dependents after 90 days of employment
- Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
- Family Forming Benefits – Available to Employees, and their spouse or domestic partner, covered under one of Align’s health plans
- Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Hinge Health Virtual Physical Therapy – Available to all employees and eligible dependents (age 18+) enrolled in an Align medical Plan
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance in accordance with those plans.
- Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse/Domestic Partner, and Child(ren) are available for purchase in accordance with those plans.
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Employees may be eligible to participate in a health care account (including a limited health FSA if enrolled in a HDHP), dependent care account, and a pre-tax commuter benefit plan.
- 401k plan (with a discretionary Company match of 50% up to 6% of eligible earnings up to a maximum match of 3%.). Employer match vests after two years – 25% year one and 100% at year two. Align offers traditional, Roth, and after-tax options.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (Employees must work 20 hours or more and be employed on purchase date to be eligible).
- Paid vacation of up to 17 days during the first full year of employment (currently accrued at the rate of 5.24 hours each pay-period), which carries over to a maximum cap of 30 days. Annual paid vacation time accrual increases based on tenure. Both exempt and non-exempt employees who work 32 hours or more per week receive prorated vacation accrual based on their regularly scheduled work hours and tenure.
- Sick time is accrued throughout the year at the rate of one hour for every thirty worked. Employees can carry over unused sick leave each year, up to a maximum balance of 80 hours.
- 11 Company-designated paid holidays throughout the year.
- If employed for at least 12 consecutive months, Align will grant up to 6 weeks of paid Parental Leave. If employed for less than 12 consecutive months, Align will grant up to 4 weeks of paid Parental Leave. All parental leave must be completed within one year of the birth or placement of the child. Parental leave is in addition to any state and/or local parental leave benefits. Three days of paid bereavement leave. In some cases, due to travel the amount of paid leave may be extended to 5 paid days off. To the extent applicable state or local law offers more generous benefits, Align complies with any such law.
- Non-exempt employees will receive full pay for up to 10 days of jury duty. Exempt employees will receive their full salary during any week they serve and perform any work. Other insurance such as legal, critical illness, voluntary accident, long-term care, auto, home and pet insurance are available for purchase.
About Align Technology
At Align, every smile matters. We’re committed to helping you thrive by supporting the health, growth, and well-being of our team members through a variety of tools and programs. While specific offerings may vary by location and role, Align employees can typically expect:
- Health and well-being programs to keep you thriving in both body and mind.
- Employee-exclusive discounts on Invisalign products.
- Learning opportunities through online learning resources and support for your individual development plans.
- Inclusive, global workplace that fosters collaboration, recognition and belonging.
Discover Align:
We are a global community of game-changers and smart team players, united by our belief in the power of a smile. Our dynamic team of exceptional employees is dedicated to transforming the industry and creating extraordinary outcomes every day.
As part of our commitment to innovation, Align Technology includes exocad and Cubicure, companies that enhance our offerings and extend our impact to industry transformation.
Eager to learn how we embrace our global differences and nurture employee well-being?
Explore Align's culture here!
Applicant Privacy Policy:
Review our Applicant Privacy Policy for additional information.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.
See All 90 Category Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager JobsCategory Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Category Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- TikTok44

- Triumph2

- Capital2

- Stanford Health Care2

- Okta1

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in category manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, marketing, or a related field required
- Three or more years of category management, buying, or procurement experience preferred
- Proficiency with retail analytics platforms and category management software such as JDA or Nielsen
- Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts at scale
- Experience developing planograms, assortment strategies, or space optimization plans
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills working with merchandising, finance, and operations teams
Category Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a category manager in California?
Most category manager roles in California require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, marketing, or a related field, and there is no state-issued license specific to the role. California employers typically look for candidates who have built experience in buying, merchandising, or procurement, often through roles at large retailers, CPG companies, or healthcare systems. Earning credentials like the Certified Professional in Supply Management designation can strengthen a candidacy in California's competitive market.
How much do category managers make in California?
Category managers in California earn a median of about $159,830 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $99,560 for the lowest 10% to over $241,340 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire category managers in California?
Employers hiring category managers in California right now include TikTok, Triumph, and Capital, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of major retail headquarters, technology firms, and integrated health systems means category management roles here tend to come with broad scope and complex supplier portfolios.
Which California cities have the most category manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Irvine lead California for category manager openings. Los Angeles and its surrounding metro anchor the retail and consumer goods hiring, while San Francisco draws demand from technology and enterprise procurement functions, and San Diego's biotech and defense sectors drive consistent openings in specialized indirect and direct procurement categories.
Are there remote category manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 28% of category manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves data analysis, vendor communication, and cross-functional planning rather than physical presence. The most remote-friendly segments are indirect procurement and analytics-heavy category strategy roles, while food and consumer goods roles tied to planogram or shelf work tend to require more on-site time.
How can I get hired as a category manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate buyer or procurement analyst role, which large California retailers and CPG companies use as training pipelines for category managers. Companies like Target, Albertsons, and McKesson run structured development programs that rotate candidates through category functions. Starting in adjacent roles such as supply chain coordinator, merchandising assistant, or vendor relations specialist at a California retailer or health system is also a common transition. Completing a supply chain or category management certificate through a California State University extension program adds a credential that resonates with local hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to category manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to category manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across retail, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 90 Category Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager Jobs