Category Management Intern - Summer 2027

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