Category Manager Jobs in Tennessee
Category Manager jobs in Tennessee are in steady demand, concentrated in retail, consumer goods, healthcare supply chain, and logistics, with openings at every level from entry-level buyers to senior and director-level procurement leaders. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead hiring, anchored by major employers such as Dollar General, Community Health Systems, and Bridgestone Americas. The most in-demand specialties are private-label assortment planning, strategic sourcing, and vendor negotiations in retail and healthcare distribution. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 17+ Category Manager jobs
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
Ready to shape the future of global logistics and trade services? As our Global Category Manager, Transportation & Trade Services, you will lead a critical global procurement portfolio that supports supply chain performance, distribution excellence, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and business growth. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions, drive innovation, and help build a more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready logistics network while positioning Procurement as a strategic enabler of Smith+Nephew's transformation ambitions.
What will you be doing?
Define and execute the global Transportation & Trade Services category strategy across Parcel, Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight, Customs Brokerage, and Freight Audit & Payment services.
Build and deliver a multi-year value creation pipeline through cost optimization, productivity improvements, working capital enhancement, risk reduction, innovation, and network optimization.
Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to Global Supply Chain and Global Trade Compliance leaders, influencing transportation, logistics, and trade services decisions through commercial expertise, market insight, and strategic thinking.
Lead complex supplier negotiations and drive strategic supplier relationships that improve performance, resilience, compliance, innovation, and long-term business outcomes.
Drive sustainability, resilience, and continuous improvement initiatives across transportation and trade services while supporting evolving business needs.
Champion digital transformation through transportation technologies, analytics, automation, visibility platforms, and data-driven decision making that enhance operational performance and supply chain effectiveness.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and commercial excellence.
What will you need to be successful?
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or APICS are preferred.
10+ years of experience in transportation procurement, logistics sourcing, or supply chain procurement. Experience within a regulated or MedTech environment is preferred.
Proven experience developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable business value across complex global organizations.
Strong expertise in transportation markets, carrier commercial models, logistics operations, customs brokerage, and international trade compliance.
Demonstrated success leading complex transportation negotiations and strategic supplier relationship programs across multiple transportation modes, including parcel and last-mile distribution networks.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leaders across matrix organizations.
Experience leading teams and driving transformation, change management, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making.
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), freight visibility platforms, freight audit solutions, or digital logistics technologies is a plus.
We anticipate the application window for this opening to close on 09.11.2026
The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $119,500.00 - $207,250.00 USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, job-related knowledge/skills, geographical location. You will be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.
Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.
You Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-SB2
Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
Stay connected by joining our Talent Community .
We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on L inkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day.
Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You . Unlimited . , life, culture, and benefits at S+N.
Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
Ready to shape the future of global logistics and trade services? As our Global Category Manager, Transportation & Trade Services, you will lead a critical global procurement portfolio that supports supply chain performance, distribution excellence, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and business growth. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions, drive innovation, and help build a more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready logistics network while positioning Procurement as a strategic enabler of Smith+Nephew's transformation ambitions.
What will you be doing?
Define and execute the global Transportation & Trade Services category strategy across Parcel, Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight, Customs Brokerage, and Freight Audit & Payment services.
Build and deliver a multi-year value creation pipeline through cost optimization, productivity improvements, working capital enhancement, risk reduction, innovation, and network optimization.
Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to Global Supply Chain and Global Trade Compliance leaders, influencing transportation, logistics, and trade services decisions through commercial expertise, market insight, and strategic thinking.
Lead complex supplier negotiations and drive strategic supplier relationships that improve performance, resilience, compliance, innovation, and long-term business outcomes.
Drive sustainability, resilience, and continuous improvement initiatives across transportation and trade services while supporting evolving business needs.
Champion digital transformation through transportation technologies, analytics, automation, visibility platforms, and data-driven decision making that enhance operational performance and supply chain effectiveness.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and commercial excellence.
What will you need to be successful?
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or APICS are preferred.
10+ years of experience in transportation procurement, logistics sourcing, or supply chain procurement. Experience within a regulated or MedTech environment is preferred.
Proven experience developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable business value across complex global organizations.
Strong expertise in transportation markets, carrier commercial models, logistics operations, customs brokerage, and international trade compliance.
Demonstrated success leading complex transportation negotiations and strategic supplier relationship programs across multiple transportation modes, including parcel and last-mile distribution networks.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leaders across matrix organizations.
Experience leading teams and driving transformation, change management, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making.
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), freight visibility platforms, freight audit solutions, or digital logistics technologies is a plus.
We anticipate the application window for this opening to close on 09.11.2026
The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $119,500.00 - $207,250.00 USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, job-related knowledge/skills, geographical location. You will be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.
Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.
You Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-SB2
Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
Stay connected by joining our Talent Community .
We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on L inkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day.
Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You . Unlimited . , life, culture, and benefits at S+N.
Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.
See All 17 Category Manager Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager JobsCategory Manager Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Category Manager Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in category manager jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, marketing, or a related field required
- Three or more years of category management, buying, or strategic sourcing experience preferred
- Proficiency in retail analytics tools, Nielsen, IRI, or equivalent syndicated data platforms
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional vendor negotiations and contract management
- Experience with space planning software such as JDA or Blue Yonder for planogram development
- Strong command of Excel and ERP or procurement systems such as SAP or Oracle
Category Manager Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a category manager in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee employers require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or marketing as the foundation for a category manager role. No state-issued license is required, but employers across Nashville and Memphis retail and healthcare hubs strongly favor candidates who have completed the Certified Professional in Supply Management credential or a Category Management Association certification. Starting as a buyer, merchandising analyst, or vendor relations coordinator at a Tennessee-based retailer or health system is the most direct path into the role.
How much do category managers make in Tennessee?
Category managers in Tennessee earn a median of about $137,060 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $90,340 for the lowest 10% to over $228,230 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire category managers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring category managers in Tennessee right now include Amazon, Smith+Nephew, and Schneider Electric, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's dense concentration of retail headquarters and large hospital systems means category management roles appear consistently across both consumer goods and healthcare procurement sectors.
Which Tennessee cities have the most category manager jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Loudon are the Tennessee cities with the most category manager openings. Nashville dominates due to its headquarters concentration in healthcare and corporate retail, while Memphis draws significant volume from its logistics and distribution hub anchored by major distribution operations, and Knoxville reflects demand from regional grocery and manufacturing procurement teams.
Are there remote category manager jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and more than many supply chain roles, since category management skews toward data analysis, vendor communication, and planning work that translates well to remote settings. About 25% of category manager openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-heavy nature of the role. Strategic sourcing and analytics-focused category positions are the most likely to offer fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a category manager in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a merchandising coordinator, junior buyer, or procurement analyst at one of Tennessee's large retail or healthcare employers, then building into category management over time. Dollar General's buying development programs and Community Health Systems' supply chain associate roles are examples of structured entry points in Tennessee. Earning the Category Management Association's core certification and building planogram or syndicated-data experience in an adjacent role gives candidates a clear edge with Tennessee hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to category manager jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to category manager jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across retail, healthcare, logistics, and consumer goods. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly through each listing without needing to create a profile first.
See All 17 Category Manager Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Manager Jobs