Director of Category Management

Reece Group • Addison, TX

3d

About The Position

The Director of Category Management leads the end-to-end strategy, performance, and profitability of product categories in a Waterworks wholesale distribution environment. The role drives growth, improves margins, optimizes inventory, and strengthens supplier relationships. It requires deep technical and commercial expertise in Waterworks products, including Valves + Hydrants, PVC, Ductile Iron, and Fittings + Accessories used in Waterworks applications.

The director owns category strategy and execution, serves as a Waterworks product subject matter expert across teams, supports sales enablement and online merchandising, and fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Performance is measured through category sales growth, gross margin, inventory turnover and availability, rebate capture, SKU rationalization, and supplier delivery and service levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in category management or procurement in the Waterworks, plumbing, or building materials sector.
• Deep product knowledge of Waterworks products, including materials, standards, and applications.
• Experience working with contractors, distributors, or manufacturer representatives.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proven ability to manage complex vendor portfolios and category P&Ls.
• Effective communication and influencing skills across departments and senior leadership.
• Proficiency in ERP and analytics platforms, such as Eclipse and Power BI.

Nice To Haves

• MBA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own category strategies aligned with market trends, customer demand, and company objectives.
• Maintain a competitive, profitable, and regionally relevant assortment.
• Conduct SKU rationalization and lifecycle planning to optimize inventory.
• Negotiate terms, rebates, marketing support, and supply agreements with manufacturers and key vendors.
• Partner with finance and branch leadership to manage category- and SKU-level profitability.
• Work with the supply chain to maintain optimal inventory levels and reduce stockout and overstock risks.
• Partner with Sales and Operations to recommend new product introductions and end-of-life phase-outs.
• Evaluate and onboard suppliers to fill portfolio gaps or drive innovation.
• Serve as the Waterworks product subject matter expert for sales, marketing, operations, and training teams.
• Support sales enablement with product knowledge resources, pricing strategies, and promotional guidance.
• Collaborate with the digital/e-commerce team to ensure accurate online product content and merchandising.
• Embrace the company purpose and live its values.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Short-term disability.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Voluntary vision coverage.
• Long-term disability.
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
• Additional voluntary benefits through Corestream.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director