Category Manager Jobs in Illinois
Category Manager jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with the state's deep retail, consumer packaged goods, and healthcare supply chain sectors driving consistent hiring at every level from entry-level buyer to senior category director. Chicago anchors the market as one of the most active hiring metros in the country for this role, with Peoria and Rockford contributing additional volume through manufacturing and distribution operations. Major Illinois employers with lasting category management presence include Walgreens Boots Alliance, Kraft Heinz, and U.S. Foods, with the strongest demand concentrated in private label development, indirect procurement, and healthcare category strategy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Category Manager JobsOverview
Open roles55
Top employerMotorola Solutions
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring21
Work type62% Hybrid
Top industryManufacturing
Showing 5 of 55+ Category Manager jobs
Category Manager - Engineering & Technical Services
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
International
Category Manager - Engineering & Technical Services
Lisle, Illinois
Added 2d ago
Category Marketing Manager
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Added 2d ago
maxtech
Category Marketing Manager
Chicago, Illinois
Added 2d ago
Category Manager
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Added 3d ago
KeHE Distributors
Category Manager
Naperville, Illinois
Added 3d ago
Procurement Category Manager – Transportation
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Added 4d ago
International
Procurement Category Manager – Transportation
Lisle, Illinois
Added 4d ago
Business Performance - Supply Chain Ops - Procurement Category Management & Sourcing - Manager
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Added 5d ago
EY
Business Performance - Supply Chain Ops - Procurement Category Management & Sourcing - Manager
Chicago, Illinois
Added 5d ago
Added 2d ago
Category Manager - Engineering & Technical Services
International·Lisle, Illinois
Job functions:
$102k - $152k/yr
Master's degree
10,000+ employees
Job Description
Position Overview:
The role is accountable for the category strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, identifying and implementing cost reductions, and supplier relationship management.
Responsibilities:
Minimum Requirements:
About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
EEO Statement:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.
The Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services will lead strategic sourcing, and category strategy development for externally sourced engineering, technical, and operations support services. International is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to partner closely with Engineering, Product Development and Operations teams to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and deliver value.
The role is accountable for the category strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, identifying and implementing cost reductions, and supplier relationship management.
- Develop and execute category strategies for engineering and technical services, including design engineering, testing and validation, software development, technical consulting, laboratory services, and outsourced engineering resources.
- Align procurement strategies across different regions and business units within TRATON and Volkswagen.
- Lead competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, cost benchmarking, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and present sourcing recommendations.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, rate cards, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, quality, and cost competitiveness.
- Partner with business stakeholders to understand resource requirements, project objectives, and long-term capability requirements.
- Prepare executive-level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews for your category.
- Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation while ensuring uninterrupted support for engineering programs.
- Use benchmarking and fact based analysis to support sourcing decisions.
- Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
OR
- Master's degree and at least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
OR
- At least 8 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
- Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead complex sourcing initiatives.
- Strong analytical, financial, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to read, understand and negotiate commercial agreements and contracts.
- Ability to present sourcing strategies and recommendations to leadership.
- Skilled at developing executive level presentations and clearly communicating recommendations.
- Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships with cross functional team members and other Volkswagen brands.
- Experience sourcing engineering, technical, consulting, or professional services is desired.
- Experience in manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or engineering-driven environments preferred.
This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits.
The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
Company Overview:
The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
About TRATON
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.
About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.
International
Category Manager - Engineering & Technical Services
Lisle, Illinois
Added 2d ago10,000+ employees
Job functions:
$102k - $152k/yr
Master's degree
Job Description
Position Overview:
The role is accountable for the category strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, identifying and implementing cost reductions, and supplier relationship management.
Responsibilities:
Minimum Requirements:
About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
EEO Statement:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.
The Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services will lead strategic sourcing, and category strategy development for externally sourced engineering, technical, and operations support services. International is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to partner closely with Engineering, Product Development and Operations teams to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and deliver value.
The role is accountable for the category strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, identifying and implementing cost reductions, and supplier relationship management.
- Develop and execute category strategies for engineering and technical services, including design engineering, testing and validation, software development, technical consulting, laboratory services, and outsourced engineering resources.
- Align procurement strategies across different regions and business units within TRATON and Volkswagen.
- Lead competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, cost benchmarking, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and present sourcing recommendations.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, rate cards, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, quality, and cost competitiveness.
- Partner with business stakeholders to understand resource requirements, project objectives, and long-term capability requirements.
- Prepare executive-level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews for your category.
- Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation while ensuring uninterrupted support for engineering programs.
- Use benchmarking and fact based analysis to support sourcing decisions.
- Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
OR
- Master's degree and at least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
OR
- At least 8 years of purchasing/procurement experience
- At least 1 years of lead experience
- Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead complex sourcing initiatives.
- Strong analytical, financial, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to read, understand and negotiate commercial agreements and contracts.
- Ability to present sourcing strategies and recommendations to leadership.
- Skilled at developing executive level presentations and clearly communicating recommendations.
- Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships with cross functional team members and other Volkswagen brands.
- Experience sourcing engineering, technical, consulting, or professional services is desired.
- Experience in manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or engineering-driven environments preferred.
This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits.
The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
Company Overview:
The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
About TRATON
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.
About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.
See All 55 Category Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager JobsCategory Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lisle
8 jobsRosemont
4 jobsNorth Chicago
3 jobsNaperville
2 jobsAlsip
1 jobLansing
1 jobDeerfield
1 jobOak Brook
1 jobWood Dale
1 jobNorthbrook
1 jobRomeoville
1 jobSchaumburg
1 jobLake Forest
1 jobLake Zurich
1 jobWestchester
1 jobCarol Stream
1 jobHanover Park
1 jobDowners Grove
1 jobSouth Holland
1 jobArlington Heights
1 jobCategory Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Food & Beverage
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in category manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, marketing, or a related field
- Three or more years of experience in category management, buying, or procurement
- Demonstrated proficiency with Nielsen, IRI, or similar syndicated data platforms
- Experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing supplier relationships
- Strong command of Microsoft Excel and category planning or ERP software
- Familiarity with retail planogram tools and shelf space optimization processes
Category Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a category manager in Illinois?
Most category managers in Illinois enter the field through a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or marketing, followed by roles in buying, merchandising, or procurement. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role. Earning credentials such as the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management or the Category Management Association's Category Management certification strengthens candidacy with major Illinois retailers and distributors.
How much do category managers make in Illinois?
Category managers in Illinois earn a median of about $153,370 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $100,990 for the lowest 10% to over $225,450 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire category managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring category managers in Illinois right now include Motorola Solutions, International, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of national retail headquarters, food and beverage manufacturers, and large healthcare distributors means category management roles here often carry enterprise-level scope and cross-functional responsibility.
Which Illinois cities have the most category manager jobs?
Chicago, Lisle, and Rosemont have the most category manager openings in Illinois, with Chicago accounting for the bulk of postings given its role as headquarters city for major retail, CPG, and healthcare supply chain companies, while suburban corridors like Deerfield and Downers Grove add volume through the regional offices of companies like Walgreens and Dover Corporation.
Are there remote category manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many operational roles, since category management is largely analytical and collaborative rather than hands-on. About 71% of category manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of the work. Strategy, data analysis, and vendor negotiation tasks translate well to remote setups, while planogram resets and retail store visits typically require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a category manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a buyer's assistant or merchandise coordinator role at one of Illinois's large retail or distribution companies, which regularly hire early-career candidates and promote from within. Walgreens, U.S. Foods, and Grainger all run rotational or development programs that move associates through procurement and category functions. Building proficiency with Nielsen or IRI data tools and completing the Category Management Association's foundation course gives candidates without experience a concrete edge in Illinois interviews.
Where can I find and apply to category manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to category manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 55 Category Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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