Category Manager

The Category Manager – Automation & High Purity will own and drive the overall strategy for assigned product categories, with a focus on profitable growth, supplier partnerships, inventory optimization, and expanding Harrington’s presence in key markets.
This role serves as the internal subject-matter expert for the category and works closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Product Specialists to identify opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure we have the right products, pricing, and inventory to support our customers and continued growth.
Key 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.

Qualifications:

Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
4+ years of experience in category management, purchasing, product management, industrial sales, or a related field.
Experience within automation, instrumentation, controls, high-purity products, industrial distribution, or a related market strongly preferred.
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.