Plumbing Channel Manager

Plumbing Channel ManagerPACE Supply is seeking a Plumbing Channel Manager to lead product channel strategy, vendor alignment, assortment direction, and margin performance for our plumbing categories across all markets.The Plumbing Channel Manager supports product channel strategy, vendor alignment, assortment direction, margin performance, product lifecycle, and commercial execution for our finish and rough plumbing categories. You'll work closely with Division Managers, regional leadership, and regional sales teams as a strategic partner and an extension of the division — connecting product strategy, vendor programs, pricing support, inventory planning, and field execution so the right products, vendors, and programs are in place to drive branch growth, customer service, and margin improvement.Our ideal candidate has more than 7 years in wholesale distribution with direct product, category, or channel management responsibility in plumbing; experience supporting a multi-branch, multi-region distribution network; familiarity with buying group programs, rebate structures, and manufacturer negotiations; and proficiency with ERP and business intelligence tools for category reporting and analysis. A Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field is ideal, and a professional certification in supply chain or product management (APICS CPIM/CSCP or similar) is a plus.Why You'll Love Working HereWe're 100% employee-owned. PACE has been employee owned and operated since 1994, with more than 1,600 employee-owners. You don't just have a seat on the team — you have a stake in it.ESOP retirement benefit — company-funded, no contribution required from you.401(k) with company match, eligible from day one.Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective the first of the month following employment.Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.Real influence. This role works directly with division and regional leadership — your recommendations change what sits on the shelf.ResponsibilitiesChannel Strategy and Assortment DirectionSupport the overall channel strategy for plumbing categories across all marketsDetermine the right product mix by market, branch profile, and customer segmentReview product line performance, identify assortment gaps, and recommend additions, consolidations, and exitsIdentify growth opportunities within existing categories and adjacent plumbing product linesVendor Alignment and Program ManagementAlign preferred vendor partners to channel strategy and to division and regional prioritiesSupport negotiation preparation and administration of vendor programs, rebates, and buying group participationServe as primary point of contact for assigned vendors; coordinate line reviews and business reviewsMonitor vendor performance on cost, fill rate, lead time, and program compliance, and escalate gapsCoordinate vendor-led product training and promotional support for branch and sales teamsMargin Support and PricingSupport margin improvement initiatives across plumbing categoriesProvide pricing guidance to divisions, branches, and regional sales teamsAnalyze cost changes, sell-price positioning, and margin leakage; recommend corrective actionPartner with the Pricing team on matrix maintenance, cost updates, and special pricing agreementsSupport quoting and bid strategy on large projects within assigned categoriesCommercial Execution and Field SupportTranslate channel strategy into executable branch-level actionsPartner with Division Managers, regional leadership, and regional sales teams on category growth plansSupport branch needs including product selection, availability, substitutions, and customer-specific requirementsDevelop and deliver product communications, sales tools, and campaign support to the fieldConduct branch and market visits to gather field feedback and reinforce category prioritiesProduct Lifecycle ManagementManage the product lifecycle from evaluation and introduction through maturity and discontinuationEvaluate new products and vendor submissions against strategy, margin, and demand criteriaCoordinate new product setup, item data accuracy, and launch readiness with internal partnersManage transitions, substitutions, and end-of-life plans to minimize obsolete and aged inventoryInventory Planning SupportPartner with Purchasing and Replenishment on stocking strategies, min/max levels, and branch-level assortmentsSupport forecasting for new product launches, seasonal demand, and promotional activityMonitor inventory health — turns, fill rate, excess, and aged stock — and recommend corrective actionSupport resolution of supply disruptions, allocations, and vendor lead-time changesMarket and Competitive AnalysisMonitor market trends, competitor assortments, and pricing dynamics in the plumbing channelAnalyze sales, margin, and share data to identify risks and opportunities by region and categoryMaintain awareness of code, specification, and manufacturer changes affecting plumbing linesPrepare category performance reporting and recommendations for leadership reviewCollaboration and Continuous ImprovementPartner across Marketing, Operations, and Finance to support company initiatives and shared best practicesProvide regular updates to leadership on category performance and open itemsRecommend process improvements that strengthen channel execution and field supportPerform other duties as requiredQualificationsMinimumHigh school diploma and Associate's degree5–7 years of wholesale distribution experienceExperience in product/category management, purchasing, or plumbing product salesWorking knowledge of plumbing product categories, vendors, and applicationsDemonstrated ability to analyze sales, cost, and margin data and translate it into actionable recommendationsExperience managing vendor relationships and vendor programsAbility to influence and partner across divisions, regions, and branch teams without direct authorityComputer proficiency including Microsoft products, with advanced Excel skillsExcellent time management and proven ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple prioritiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsStrong interpersonal and customer service skills at all levels of the organizationStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environmentPreferredBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related fieldMore than 7 years in wholesale distribution with direct product/category or channel management responsibility in plumbingExperience supporting a multi-branch, multi-region distribution networkExperience with buying group programs, rebate structures, and manufacturer negotiationsProficiency with ERP and business intelligence tools for category reporting and analysisProfessional certification in supply chain or product management (e.g., APICS CPIM/CSCP)All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. PACE Supply will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to employment regulations.Work EnvironmentPre-Employment RequirementsAs part of our commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment for our team members and customers, successful candidates must complete the following pre-employment requirements:Background Check: A comprehensive background check will be conducted to ensure candidates meet the necessary criteria for employment. PACE Supply will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to California employment regulations.Physical Examination: Candidates will undergo a physical examination to assess their fitness for the position's requirements.Drug Test: A drug test will be administered to ensure a drug-free workplace.Work EnvironmentProlonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk and working on a computer.