Category Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL
Category Manager jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market corridor, with strong demand across retail, consumer packaged goods, and healthcare supply chain. Leading employers right now include Motorola Solutions, Mars, and EY. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Category Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 55+ Category Manager jobs








Category Marketing Manager
Established in 1972, Maxxon is the industry leader for gypsum underlayment, pioneering Gyp-Crete® and establishing ourselves as the premier experts in sound control with our innovative Acousti-Mat products. While gypsum underlayment and sound control make up the lion’s share of the business reach, our scope can include Insulation/Fireproofing/Concrete Balcony Waterproofing.
Maxxon is seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Marketing Manager to lead our downstream product marketing initiatives and support sales enablement efforts. This role focuses on developing deep customer and competitive insights, leveraging technical product knowledge to coordinate the delivery of product collateral, and shaping go-to-market strategies for new and existing products. The ideal candidate will integrate deep marketing expertise with customer insights and strategic acumen to craft comprehensive product marketing plans. These plans are designed to foster market adoption and drive the success of our product portfolio, both strategically and tactically.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and Execute Marketing Strategy based on Expertise of Maxxon’s Business Units
- Market & Audience Insights – Connecting Stakeholders to Growth
- Product Positioning – Product Management Alignment with our Applicator Network
- New Product Development – Market Trends & Profitable Additions to Maxxon’s Offering
- Go-to-Market Activities – Develop Customer Growth Strategy/Seek New Audiences
- Owning Creative Solutions – Produce the Vehicles for Growth within the Business
- Communication of Business Unit Drivers – Ensure Clarity of Goals and Purpose
- Consistent Process Adoption – Alignment with Maxxon Corporate Initiatives and Goals
- Accuracy and Clarity – Fundamental Collateral Output to Leverage Technical Excellence
- New Business Ventures – Building Envelope Market Awareness
- Brand Identity – Capitalize on our tremendous brand reputation
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ year experience with a proven track-record of success in product marketing and/or product management, preferably in the building materials or construction industry.
- Strong project management and analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, customer insights, and competitive intelligence.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for driving product innovation.
- Results-oriented with a focus on driving measurable business outcomes and product success.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Company Overview:
Maxxon Corporation along with the MaxTech family of brands is a leading manufacturer of high-performance building materials in the construction industry. With over 50 years of experience, Maxxon is known for its innovative solutions that enhance the durability, safety, and sustainability of construction projects worldwide. Our products, ranging from underlayments and floor toppings to sound control and moisture mitigation systems, are trusted by architects, contractors, and building owners for their quality and reliability.
At Maxxon, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly to develop and deliver cutting-edge products that set new standards for performance and efficiency in the construction industry. Focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement, Maxxon is dedicated to providing superior products and unparalleled service to our valued customers.
WmKwkwcH98
See All 55 Category Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager JobsCategory Manager Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Motorola Solutions20

- Mars5

- EY3

- Zoro3

- PEAK63

Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Category Manager Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a category manager job in Chicago?
The strongest path is targeting Chicago's dense retail and consumer goods ecosystem, where companies in the Loop and Fulton Market district actively recruit category talent with supplier negotiation and assortment planning experience. Candidates with CPG, grocery, or foodservice backgrounds stand out locally. Familiarity with Chicago's distribution infrastructure and relationships with Midwest regional vendors gives applicants a practical edge over generalist candidates.
Which companies hire category managers in Chicago?
Chicago category manager roles are posted by Motorola Solutions, Mars, and EY and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's market includes a mix of national retailers headquartered downtown, large healthcare systems, and food and beverage companies with regional procurement hubs in the metro area.
Are there remote category manager jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability depends on the role: strategic and analytical category work is more remote-friendly, while hands-on merchandising or store-facing positions typically require on-site presence. About 76% of category manager openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the largest share concentrated in corporate retail and healthcare procurement roles rather than field-based positions.
How can I get a category manager job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through buyer assistant or category analyst roles at the city's large retail and grocery headquarters, which regularly promote from within. Chicago-area companies in consumer packaged goods and foodservice distribution also hire junior category coordinators with strong data and vendor communication skills. Building experience with planogram tools and retail analytics used by Chicago employers accelerates the move into a full category manager title.
Which industries hire the most category managers in Chicago?
The sectors hiring the most category managers in Chicago are Manufacturing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's status as a national hub for retail headquarters, food manufacturing, and large integrated health systems creates consistent, year-round demand across all three sectors.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 55 Category Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager Jobs