Category Manager

Category Manager – Metals

Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Chino, California, Harrington has grown to be a leading distributor of fluid process products and solutions for industrial applications. With over 70 locations across the United States, we proudly serve a wide range of industries, including water and wastewater management, chemicals, manufacturing, semiconductors, life sciences, and food and beverage processing.

Harrington is an organization that values people, innovation, and exceptional service. If you're looking for a career where your work truly makes a difference and you can grow alongside a supportive and dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you.

The Category Manager – Metals will own and drive the overall strategy for assigned metal product categories. This role serves as the internal subject-matter expert and primary supplier liaison, partnering cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Product Specialists to deliver profitable growth, optimize inventory, and expand Harrington's market presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end category strategy for Metals, including supplier relationships, supplier performance management (QBRs), sourcing strategies, inventory modeling, and new product introductions. Serve as the internal "go-to" expert for assigned suppliers.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, contracts, rebates, and commercial agreements.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels, service performance, and strategic buys while ensuring growth targets are met to maximize back-end rebates.
• Own pricing strategy for the category, including price updates/uploads into the HIPCO system, standard cost strategy (screen cost), and first-cost negotiations. Develop cost and pricing strategies to strengthen Harrington's competitive position and support participation in Harrington's GROW program.
• Collaborate with suppliers and Marketing to design and execute differentiated marketing programs that grow sales, market share, and product adoption.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, competitive dynamics, and customer needs within the Metals category to identify expansion opportunities and new product introductions.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Product Specialists, and Marketing to support category execution, training, and field engagement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• 4+ years of experience in purchasing, category management, or sales within a wholesale distribution environment, with a strong preference for metals, PVF, or industrial materials
• Strong understanding of metal commodities (e.g., carbon steel, stainless, alloys), pricing dynamics, and supply chain considerations
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, pricing strategies, and inventory performance
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills Ability to translate market insights into actionable category and growth strategies

Harrington provides an outstanding benefits package, designed to support our employees' health, financial wellness, and work-life balance, with options that go above and beyond standard offerings!

Insurance:

• 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.

Retirement:

• 401(K) & Roth: 100% company match on the first 3%, plus 0.5 match on the 4th and 5th%

Work/Life Balance:

• 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.

Harrington continuously seeks new ways to enhance benefits to help our employees thrive in every area of their lives.

Harrington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.