• Associate Category Manager

    Aston Carter (Chicago, IL)


    Job Title: Associate Category Manager

     

    Aston Carter is partnering with an industry-leading CPG company in Downtown Chicago for an Associate Category Manager. This will be a 12-month contract.

    Job Description

    The Associate Category Manager will support the Category Manager/Director on the Packaging Procurement team, partnering with internal Procurement pillars and collaborating with external suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure products are brought to market in a timely manner.

    Responsibilities

    + Collaborate with suppliers and internal departments such as Project Managers, Production Planning, Operations, Quality Assurance, R&D, Packaging Engineering, Material Management, Master Data, and Finance.

    + Manage the commercialization of new and updated products, ensuring project timelines are met, documentation is completed, and communication is maintained with stakeholders.

    + Assist with Dragonfly artwork approvals and PLM spec retrievals.

    + Generate requests for quotations to suppliers.

    + Support productivity improvement initiatives that generate cost savings and value creation.

    + Assist in the RFP/RFQ process, contract negotiations, and administration of supplier contracts.

    + Conduct spend and market analysis research.

    + Articulate stakeholder requirements and develop implementation plans for onboarding new suppliers and products.

    + Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve CAR issues and obtain credits.

    + Monitor and report on business trends related to assigned suppliers, including production changes and commodity component price changes.

    + Maintain Vendor Scorecard inputs and participate in business reviews to improve supplier performance.

    + Work on assigned tasks for corporate integrations and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.

    + Demonstrate the company’s core values and complete other tasks as assigned.

    Qualifications:

    + Bachelor's degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or equivalent.

    + 1-3 years of direct procurement experience.

    + Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc).

    + SAP / S4/ ERP experience

    + Background in CPG/Food industries

    Additional Skills:

    + Experience in a disciplined, yet constantly changing operating environment, ideally within a matrix organization.

    + Strong interpersonal skills including empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, and the ability to drive consensus.

    + Proficient in procurement category management, stakeholder management, and negotiations.

    + Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong listening skills.

    + Ability to work with leaders inside and outside the organization.

    + Strong analytical and presentation skills with the ability to analyze large amounts of data and summarize findings for leadership.

    + Strategic thinking skills with the ability to synthesize insights from various data sources.

    + Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization.

    Work Environment

    The role is based in a modern office environment in Downtown Chicago, offering flexibility in working hours from 8-5. The position is hybrid, requiring in-office presence on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $41.00/hr.

     

    Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

     

    • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2025.

    About Aston Carter:

    Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.