Product Associate

Location: Addison, IL (On-Site)
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Product Specialist
Salary Range: $48,000 - $60,000

About The Cary Company

The Cary Company is a leading distributor of containers, packaging, spill control, and industrial filtration products serving customers across North America. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Product Associate to support product sourcing, onboarding, data management, and category growth initiatives.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys learning, solving problems, working with data, and collaborating across departments. It offers a great opportunity to build a foundation in product management, sourcing, supply chain, analytics, and category management while contributing to a growing business.

You'll Thrive in This Role If You...

• Enjoy learning how products, suppliers, and supply chains work.
• Like solving problems and finding better ways of doing things.
• Are naturally curious and ask thoughtful questions.
• Pay attention to details while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
• Communicate well and enjoy working with different teams.
• Take ownership of your work and follow through on commitments.

What You'll Do

• Assist with new product onboarding and item setup.
• Maintain accurate product information, specifications, pricing, and documentation.
• Conduct market research on products, suppliers, competitors, and industry trends.
• Support sourcing initiatives and supplier management activities.
• Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Purchasing, and Customer Service teams.
• Help track product projects and ensure key milestones are met.
• Analyze product data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support product launches and assortment expansion efforts.
• Assist with vendor communications and documentation management.
• Help improve processes and workflows within the Product team.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Analytics, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Experience with ERP systems, NetSuite, Power BI, or data analysis tools is a plus.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Supplemental Insurance
• 401(k)
• Profit Sharing
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Cafeteria Plan
• Childcare Reimbursement Program
• Seasonal Company-Sponsored Events
• Work/Life Balance
• 9/80 Scheduling Option (after one year of employment)
• Flex Fridays (after one year of employment)

A Little About The Cary Company

• Family-owned and privately held since 1895
• More than 240 employees and growing
• Locations in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Utah, California, North Carolina, and beyond
• Distributor of rigid packaging, industrial filtration, and related products
• Headquarters located in Addison, Illinois
• Strengths-based culture focused on helping employees grow and leverage what they do best

We Work To Build Autonomy, Connectedness, And Confidence

• Structured one-on-one development conversations with supervisors
• Opportunities to participate in employee-led committees and initiatives
• Fun Fridays, wellness activities, volunteer opportunities, and company events
• Core Values: Growth, Positivity, Customer Driven, Spirited Work Ethic, In This Together

Successful Employees Tend To Be

• Positive and optimistic
• Curious and eager to learn
• Customer-focused
• Open-minded and improvement-oriented
• Supportive team players
• Self-motivated and dependable

Why Join Cary?

At The Cary Company, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain exposure to sourcing and supplier relationships, contribute to business growth, and build skills that can lead to future opportunities within Product, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Category Management. We pride ourselves on providing a supportive, growth-oriented environment where employees can develop professionally while contributing to a customer-focused organization with a strong culture and long-term stability.

Career Path

Product Associate → Product Specialist → Product Coordinator → Product Team Lead → Product Manager