Product Channel Manager – Rough Plumbing

PACE Supply•Stockton, CA

20h•$150,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PACE Supply is seeking a Product Channel Manager – Rough Plumbing to lead product channel strategy, vendor alignment, assortment direction, and margin performance for our rough plumbing categories across all markets. This role serves as a strategic partner and an extension of the division — connecting product strategy, vendor programs, pricing support, inventory planning, and field execution. You will work closely with Division Managers, regional leadership, and regional sales teams to ensure the right products, vendors, programs, and support structures are in place to drive branch growth, customer service, margin improvement, and long-term channel success. This is a regional office position based in the Oakland, Sacramento, or Stockton area, with remote flexibility and periodic travel to branches, distribution centers, vendor facilities, and industry events. PACE Supply is 100% employee-owned. When you join PACE, you become an employee-owner with a stake in the company's success.

Requirements

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 rough 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

Nice To Haves

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)

Responsibilities

Support the overall channel strategy for rough 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
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
Support margin improvement initiatives across rough 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
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
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
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
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 rough plumbing lines
Prepare category performance reporting and recommendations for leadership review
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