Product Manager

House-Hasson Hardware is seeking a Product Manager to develop, manage, and grow our Animal Health, Farm & Agriculture category. This position combines product management, purchasing, merchandising, supplier development, and new business development.

You will identify new product opportunities, build strategic supplier partnerships, negotiate competitive programs, and lead new products from initial evaluation through launch and ongoing performance management. Working closely with sales, marketing, purchasing, operations, and branch teams, you will help create a differentiated product portfolio that meets the needs of independent hardware retailers, farm and ranch stores, agricultural dealers, and other distribution customers.

The ideal candidate is proactive and entrepreneurial, with the ability to recognize market opportunities, build strong supplier relationships, and turn new products and programs into measurable business results.

Success in this role requires a proactive approach to supplier development, a strong understanding of the hardware and farm distribution channel, sound financial judgment, and the ability to take ownership of opportunities from initial ideas through execution and sustained growth.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate potential suppliers based on product quality, market demand, pricing, profitability, reliability, service capabilities, and long-term growth potential.

• Negotiate pricing, margins, payment terms, freight programs, rebates, promotional support, exclusivity, and other business arrangements.

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to support long-term growth, product innovation, and mutual business objectives.

• Develop supplier programs that create value for the company and its customers, including exclusive offerings, bundled assortments, seasonal programs, and promotional initiatives.

• Manage the complete product introduction process, including market research, supplier selection, product evaluation, cost analysis, pricing, assortment planning, forecasting, and launch execution.

• Develop go-to-market plans for new products and programs in partnership with sales, marketing, and operations.

• Create compelling product assortments and programs tailored to the needs of independent hardware stores, farm and ranch retailers, and agricultural customers.

• Manage purchasing activities, supplier negotiations, product costs, and inventory planning to support sales growth and profitability.

• Establish pricing strategies that balance market competitiveness, customer value, and gross margin objectives.

• Collaborate with demand planning and operations teams to improve forecasting, inventory availability, replenishment, and product turns.

• Monitor supplier lead times, fill rates, minimum order requirements, and service levels to minimize supply disruptions.

• Evaluate slow-moving and obsolete inventory and implement corrective actions to improve working capital and inventory productivity.

• Ensure product assortment and purchasing decisions align with company financial objectives and customer demand.

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, supply chain management, agriculture, animal science, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.

• Five or more years of experience in product management, purchasing, merchandising, category management, or supplier development, preferably within hardware distribution, farm and ranch, agricultural distribution, animal health, or a related wholesale environment.

• Demonstrated success identifying and developing supplier partnerships and negotiating favorable commercial terms.

• Experience bringing new products, product lines, or supplier programs to market.

• Strong understanding of product costing, pricing, gross margin management, inventory planning, and sales performance analysis.

• Strong negotiation, relationship-building, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP, inventory management, purchasing, or product information systems.

• Willingness to travel periodically for supplier visits, trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance