Category Management Intern - Summer 2027

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 youre 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

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