Category Manager

Harrington Process Solutions

105d

About The Position

The Category Manager – Automation & High Purity owns and drives the overall strategy for assigned product categories, focusing on profitable growth, supplier partnerships, inventory optimization, and expanding Harrington’s presence in key markets. The role serves as the internal subject-matter expert for the category and collaborates with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Product Specialists to identify opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure appropriate products, pricing, and inventory are available to support customers and continued growth.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required.
At least 4 years of experience in category management, purchasing, product management, industrial sales, or a related field.
Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical and financial acumen, including an understanding of pricing, margin, inventory, and profitability.
Ability to identify market opportunities and translate them into actionable growth strategies.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence teams without direct authority.
Proficiency with Excel and ERP/business systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience within automation, instrumentation, controls, high-purity products, industrial distribution, or a related market strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and execute the overall category strategy for Automation & High Purity products.
Manage and strengthen key supplier relationships, including supplier performance, negotiations, pricing, programs, and growth initiatives.
Partner with Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels, product availability, strategic buys, and overall supplier performance.
Develop and manage pricing strategies that support competitive positioning, margin improvement, and profitable growth.
Identify new products, suppliers, technologies, and market opportunities that expand Harrington’s offering and support customer needs.
Collaborate with Sales and Product Specialists to drive product adoption, demand creation, and category growth across the organization.
Partner with Marketing and supplier partners to develop programs and campaigns that increase awareness, market penetration, and sales.
Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and supplier developments to identify opportunities and potential risks.
Analyze sales, margin, inventory, and supplier performance to identify trends and develop actionable strategies.
Serve as the internal resource for product, supplier, pricing, and market knowledge within the assigned categories.
Support new product introductions and supplier initiatives, ensuring strong communication and alignment across the organization.

Benefits

Medical plan options, including HDHP/HSA with monthly company contributions or PPO.
Spousal HRA covering 100% of eligible expenses up to $9,400 per individual or $18,800 per family each calendar year.
Flexible spending options for health and dependent care expenses.
Dental coverage, including orthodontic care for children and adults.
Vision coverage, including Lasik discounts.
24/7 telehealth and concierge healthcare access with prescription services for enrolled members.
Company-paid life and AD&D coverage.
Company-paid long-term disability program.
Optional short-term disability, voluntary pet care, identity protection, voluntary life insurance with optional dependent coverage, and supplemental critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Employee Assistance Program.
401(k) and Roth plans with a 100% company match on the first 3%, plus a 0.5 match on the 4th and 5%.
Paid time off starting at 3 weeks, with the potential to accrue up to 5 weeks per year.
7 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving.
Leave coverage for jury duty, witness duty, and bereavement.