Role Description
The National Channel Manager is responsible for developing and managing strategic channel partner relationships, expanding private label opportunities, and driving revenue through GWS Tool Groupβs standard and modified-standard cutting tool portfolio. The Channel Manager will work closely with national and regional channel partners to identify product conversion opportunities, support go-to-market initiatives, improve channel engagement, and ensure customers and partners understand GWS Tool Groupβs products, programs, capabilities, and value proposition. This position also serves as a key liaison between channel partners, sales, marketing, product management, customer service, and operations to align customer needs with scalable product and service solutions.
-
Develop, manage, and grow relationships with National Channel partners focused on private label programs and GWS standard product lines.
-
Identify private label and standard product conversion opportunities by working with channel partner leadership, category managers, procurement teams, metalworking specialists, and field sales organizations.
-
Conduct regular business reviews with key channel partners to evaluate sales performance, product line growth, inventory needs, program execution, and future opportunities.
-
Support the development and execution of channel contracts, growth incentives, promotional programs, and partner-specific action plans.
-
Partner with sales, marketing, product management, engineering, customer service, and operations to align private label and standard product offerings with channel partner requirements.
-
Coordinate product training, launch support, sales collateral, and partner enablement activities to increase channel knowledge of GWS standard product lines and private label capabilities.
-
Use sales data, market feedback, CRM activity, and partner input to target high-value accounts, improve quote conversion, and increase share of wallet within National Channels.
-
Work with channel partners to understand end-user demand, stocked product opportunities, competitive conversions, service expectations, and required product availability.
-
Collaborate with internal teams to address pricing, service, delivery, product availability, product rationalization, and new product launch requirements.
-
Support trade shows, partner summits, field sales meetings, and strategic networking events that strengthen GWS visibility with National Channels.
-
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts, partner performance reports, opportunity updates, and action plans for sales and leadership review.
-
Maintain accurate channel partner account information, key contacts, opportunity tracking, meeting notes, and follow-up actions in the appropriate sales management systems.
-
Coordinate joint sales calls with channel partners, application specialists, product managers, and internal stakeholders to support growth in standard and private label product lines.
-
Represent GWS Tool Group professionally, demonstrating strong business judgment, communication, diplomacy, and customer focus in all partner interactions.
Qualifications
-
Knowledge of cutting tools, manufacturing processes, distribution channels, supply chain, and standard product line management.
-
Strong distribution or National Channel background with a focus in cutting tools is required.
-
Experience supporting private label programs, standard product lines, channel contracts, or partner growth initiatives is preferred.
-
Account management, channel management, or strategic partner management experience is preferred.
-
Proven ability to develop new opportunities and expand existing channel partner relationships is ideal.
-
Degree in sales, marketing, business, engineering, or a related field is highly regarded.
Requirements
-
Capable of preserving confidential or sensitive customer, channel, pricing, and commercial information.
-
Strong understanding of channel partner business models, private label programs, product conversion strategies, and standard product line growth.
-
Effective time management, organization, follow-up, and multitasking skills.
-
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with national account teams, regional sales teams, channel partner leadership, and internal cross-functional teams.
-
Ability to understand customer applications and connect needs to appropriate standard, modified-standard, or private label cutting tool solutions.
-
Able to identify, develop, and execute growth opportunities within National Channels.
-
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present product, program, and performance updates to internal and external stakeholders.
-
Good team player and able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced sales environment.
-
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, CRM systems, reporting tools, and sales performance tracking.
Physical Requirements
-
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
-
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
-
Must be able to travel 50% of the time as required. (Driving and Flying)