[Hiring] Plumbing Channel Manager @PACE Supply

Role Description

PACE 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.

Responsibilities

• Channel Strategy and Assortment Direction
  • Support the overall channel strategy for plumbing categories across all markets.
  • Determine the right product mix by market, branch profile, and customer segment.
  • Review product line performance, identify assortment gaps, and recommend additions, consolidations, and exits.
  • Identify growth opportunities within existing categories and adjacent plumbing product lines.
• Vendor Alignment and Program Management
  • Align preferred vendor partners to channel strategy and to division and regional priorities.
  • Support negotiation preparation and administration of vendor programs, rebates, and buying group participation.
  • Serve as primary point of contact for assigned vendors; coordinate line reviews and business reviews.
  • Monitor vendor performance on cost, fill rate, lead time, and program compliance, and escalate gaps.
  • Coordinate vendor-led product training and promotional support for branch and sales teams.
• Margin Support and Pricing
  • Support margin improvement initiatives across plumbing categories.
  • Provide pricing guidance to divisions, branches, and regional sales teams.
  • Analyze cost changes, sell-price positioning, and margin leakage; recommend corrective action.
  • Partner with the Pricing team on matrix maintenance, cost updates, and special pricing agreements.
  • Support quoting and bid strategy on large projects within assigned categories.
• Commercial Execution and Field Support
  • Translate channel strategy into executable branch-level actions.
  • Partner with Division Managers, regional leadership, and regional sales teams on category growth plans.
  • Support branch needs including product selection, availability, substitutions, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Develop and deliver product communications, sales tools, and campaign support to the field.
  • Conduct branch and market visits to gather field feedback and reinforce category priorities.
• Product Lifecycle Management
  • Manage the product lifecycle from evaluation and introduction through maturity and discontinuation.
  • Evaluate new products and vendor submissions against strategy, margin, and demand criteria.
  • Coordinate new product setup, item data accuracy, and launch readiness with internal partners.
  • Manage transitions, substitutions, and end-of-life plans to minimize obsolete and aged inventory.
• Inventory Planning Support
  • Partner with Purchasing and Replenishment on stocking strategies, min/max levels, and branch-level assortments.
  • Support forecasting for new product launches, seasonal demand, and promotional activity.
  • Monitor inventory health — turns, fill rate, excess, and aged stock — and recommend corrective action.
  • Support resolution of supply disruptions, allocations, and vendor lead-time changes.
• Market and Competitive Analysis
  • Monitor market trends, competitor assortments, and pricing dynamics in the plumbing channel.
  • Analyze sales, margin, and share data to identify risks and opportunities by region and category.
  • Maintain awareness of code, specification, and manufacturer changes affecting plumbing lines.
  • Prepare category performance reporting and recommendations for leadership review.
• Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
  • Partner across Marketing, Operations, and Finance to support company initiatives and shared best practices.
  • Provide regular updates to leadership on category performance and open items.
  • Recommend process improvements that strengthen channel execution and field support.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and Associate's degree.
• 5–7 years of wholesale distribution experience.
• Experience in product/category management, purchasing, or plumbing product sales.
• Working knowledge of plumbing product categories, vendors, and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales, cost, and margin data and translate it into actionable recommendations.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and vendor programs.
• Ability to influence and partner across divisions, regions, and branch teams without direct authority.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft products, with advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent time management and proven ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field.
• 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.
• Experience with buying group programs, rebate structures, and manufacturer negotiations.
• Proficiency with ERP and business intelligence tools for category reporting and analysis.
• Professional certification in supply chain or product management (e.g., APICS CPIM/CSCP).

Benefits

• 100% employee-owned corporation.
• 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 in product selection and strategy.

Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.