Head of Category, Automation

MISSION

The Head of Category, Automation, at Gilson, Inc. is responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational execution of one of the company's core business verticals: Automation. This role drives growth, innovation, and profitability by aligning cross-functional efforts across commercial, product development, and industrial operations. The Category Manager will lead a dedicated category team and report directly to the CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the long-term strategic roadmap for the assigned business category.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics to inform strategy.
• Define and monitor KPIs to measure category performance and drive continuous improvement.

Team Management

• Lead a cross-functional category team including:
  • Category Marketing Manager
  • Category Portfolio Managers
  • Field Category Specialist
  • Application Specialist
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with commercial teams to align go-to-market strategies, pricing, and customer engagement.
• Collaborate with Product Development to guide innovation pipelines and product lifecycle management.
• Work with Industrial Operations to ensure supply chain readiness, cost optimization, and quality assurance.

Business Ownership

• Own the P&L for the category, ensuring revenue growth and margin targets are met.
• Lead annual planning and budgeting processes for the category.
• Oversee category portfolio management, including product rationalization and expansion.

Executive Engagement

• Report directly to the CEO and communicate category strategy, performance, and risks to executive leadership.
• Represent the category in customer meetings, industry events, and strategic partnerships.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; MBA preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of experience in strategic business leadership, category management, or product strategy.
• Proven track record of driving growth and innovation in a technical or scientific product environment.
• Experience in life sciences, laboratory instrumentation and automation, or scientific manufacturing.
• Familiarity with global markets and international business operations.
• Background in managing cross-functional teams in matrixed organizations.

SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE

• Technical and industry knowledge
• Lab automation instruments
• Regulatory compliance
• Category management skills
• Strategic sourcing
• Supplier relationship management
• Spend analysis and budgeting
• Analytical and planning skills
• Market analysis
• Project management
• Inventory optimization
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Negotiation and influence
• Clear communication
• Leadership and people management