Category Management Catalyst Intern

Category Management Catalyst, Intern

Department: Procurement & Assortment
Employment Type: Internship / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Tire Procurement and Programs
Location: South Bend, IN (On-Site)

About the Role

Tire Rack is seeking a highly motivated and analytical Category Management Catalyst Intern to support the evolution of our category management capabilities across key product segments. This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside senior leadership and cross-functional teams to help shape strategic processes, performance frameworks, and operational models that drive business growth and organizational alignment.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong business acumen, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to turn complex data into actionable insights. This internship is well-suited for MBA candidates or experienced professionals seeking hands-on exposure to category strategy, retail operations, and organizational transformation in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leadership to define strategic direction for priority product segments
• Analyze internal and external market data to quantify growth opportunities and category potential
• Develop and standardize category performance metrics and reporting frameworks
• Support the design and implementation of a category management operating model, including governance structures and decision-making processes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, retail, marketing, supply chain, pricing, and digital teams to align category initiatives and execution
• Identify process gaps and recommend scalable improvements to category management capabilities
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations outlining strategies, progress updates, and performance outcomes
• Research and benchmark industry best practices in category management and retail strategy
• Assist in building phased implementation plans for category management initiatives, including timelines, sequencing, and capability requirements
• Perform additional duties and strategic projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MBA program or equivalent graduate-level program, preferably with a concentration in strategy, marketing, finance, or a related field
• 3–5 years of prior professional experience in a relevant business, consulting, retail, procurement, or analytical role
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities
• Ability to structure and solve ambiguous business challenges
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and execution

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• Current enrollment in an MBA or equivalent graduate program preferred

Schedule

Work Days

Monday through Friday
Occasional evenings, Saturdays, or Sundays may be required based on business needs.

Work Hours

Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required as needed.

Why Join Tire Rack?

This internship provides an opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact strategic initiatives while gaining exposure to executive leadership, category strategy development, and cross-functional business operations. Interns will play a meaningful role in shaping how Tire Rack approaches category management and long-term growth.