Category Manager

Summary

Harrington Process Solutions is a leading distributor of fluid process products and solutions for industrial applications, serving industries across the United States. The Category Manager – Automation & High Purity will lead category strategy, supplier partnerships, pricing, inventory optimization, product growth, and cross-functional initiatives to support profitable expansion.

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

Skills

• Associate's degree required
• 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
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and influencing teams without direct authority
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP/business systems
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience within automation, instrumentation, controls, high-purity products, industrial distribution, or a related market strongly preferred

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Associate's degree required
• 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
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and influencing 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

Benefits

• Medical Plans: Choose from HDHP/HSA (with monthly company contributions) or a PPO option.
• Spousal HRA: SIHRA covers 100% of eligible expenses up to $9,400 per individual or $18,800 per family each calendar year.
• FSAs: Flexible spending options for health and dependent care expenses.
• Dental: Comprehensive, including orthodontic care for both children and adults
• Vision: Includes discounts on Lasik.
• Telehealth & Concierge: 24/7 healthcare access with prescription services for enrolled members.
• Life Insurance and AD&D: Company paid life and AD&D coverage
• Long Term Disability: Company paid LTD program
• Optional Coverages: Short term disability, voluntary pet care, identity protection, voluntary life insurance with optional dependent coverage, plus supplemental critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.
• Employee Assistance Program: Professional support for employees during critical times.
• Disability: Options for both short- and long-term coverage.
• 401(K) & Roth: 100% company match on the first 3%, plus 0.5 match on the 4th and 5%
• Paid Time Off: Start with 3 weeks, with the potential to accrue up to 5 weeks per year.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving.
• Additional Leave: Coverage for jury duty, witness duty, and bereavement leave.