Job Description

Job Location: IL - Rock Island - Rock Island, IL 61201
Position Type: Internship
Salary Range: $19.23 - $19.23 Hourly

We are seeking a motivated and analytical Category Management Intern to join our Purchasing team at our Rock Island, IL location. This 12-week paid internship is designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning how product categories are built, priced, promoted, and managed within a B2B distribution environment. Interns will work closely with Category Managers and cross-functional teams to gain hands-on experience in assortment planning, pricing strategy, vendor management, and data-driven decision making.
If you’re curious about business strategy, enjoy working with data, and want real-world exposure to category management and merchandising, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $19.23/hour
Key Responsibilities:
- Support category managers with product assortment analysis and SKU lifecycle management
- Assist with sales, inventory, and performance reporting
- Support pricing analysis and margin optimization initiatives
- Assist with vendor onboarding, communication, and documentation
- Participate in forecasting, demand planning, and inventory strategy exercises
- Support promotional planning and program development
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams on category initiatives
- Review planograms and store execution feedback
- Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for leadership review
- Maintain accurate data and documentation in internal systems
- Participate in category reviews and business planning meetings
- Perform additional administrative and analytical tasks as assigned

Qualifications
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics, or related field
- Strong interest in merchandising, category management, or business strategy
- Internship, coursework, or analytical project experience preferred but not required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Ability to interpret sales, margin, and inventory data
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks
- Willingness to learn, take feedback, and grow professionally
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and reliability
Why This Role:
- Hands-on experience in category management within a B2B distribution environment
- Exposure to pricing strategy, forecasting, vendor management, and promotions
- Opportunity to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operations
- Real-world business experience with measurable impact
- Strong resume-building experience and career exploration opportunity
Benefits:
- Paid internship opportunity
- Professional development and mentorship
- Real-world merchandising and business strategy experience
- Networking opportunities across commercial and operational teams