Product Channel Manager – Commodities

Overview PACE Supply is seeking a Product Channel Manager – Commodities to lead product channel strategy, vendor alignment, assortment direction, and margin performance for our commodity categories — including pipe, valves, and fittings, copper tube, carbon and stainless steel pipe, brass, PVC/CPVC, PEX, cast iron soil pipe, and related consumables — across all markets. Commodity categories carry real price volatility and inventory risk. This role owns the cost and pricing discipline behind them: tracking mill and producer cost movement, positioning inventory ahead of announced increases, protecting margin through the swing, and giving branches and regional sales teams the pricing guidance they need to quote with confidence. 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 with Division Managers, regional leadership, and regional sales teams. 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. Responsibilities Channel Strategy and Assortment Direction Support the overall channel strategy for commodity categories across all markets Determine the right product mix by market, branch profile, and customer segment, balancing stocking breadth against carrying cost Review product line performance, identify assortment gaps, and recommend additions, consolidations, and exits Standardize commodity assortments across branches where practical to improve buying leverage and reduce duplication Identify growth opportunities within existing categories and adjacent product lines Vendor Alignment and Program Management Align preferred vendor partners, mills, and producers 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 commodity vendors; coordinate line reviews and business reviews Monitor vendor performance on cost, fill rate, lead time, allocation behavior, and program compliance, and escalate gaps Coordinate vendor-led product training and promotional support for branch and sales teams Margin Support and Pricing Track commodity cost movement, published price increases, and market indices; communicate impact and timing to the field Analyze cost changes, sell-price positioning, and margin leakage; recommend corrective action Provide pricing guidance to divisions, branches, and regional sales teams on volatile categories Partner with the Pricing team on matrix maintenance, cost updates, and special pricing agreements Support quoting and bid strategy on large projects, including cost validity windows and escalation terms 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 Communicate cost increases, allocations, and supply constraints to the field with clear guidance on how to respond 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, alternate materials, 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 buy-ahead and forward-buy decisions against announced cost increases, balancing margin opportunity against inventory exposure Support forecasting for seasonal demand, large project activity, and promotional programs 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 commodity market trends, raw material movement, competitor assortments, and pricing dynamics Analyze sales, margin, and share data to identify risks and opportunities by region and category Maintain awareness of code, specification, and manufacturer changes affecting commodity product 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, cost position, and open items Recommend process improvements that strengthen channel execution and field support Perform other duties as required Qualifications Minimum High school diploma and Associate's degree 5–7 years of wholesale distribution experience Experience in product/category management, purchasing, or commodity product sales Working knowledge of commodity product categories — pipe, valves and fittings, copper, steel, brass, PVC/CPVC, PEX — including 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 commodities or PVF Experience managing price-volatile categories, including forward-buy strategy and cost increase pass-through Experience supporting a multi-branch, multi-region distribution network Experience with buying group programs, rebate structures, and mill or 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) 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 Environment Pre-Employment Requirements As 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 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. Benefit Snapshot: PACE Supply is proud to be an employee-owned corporation. We offer competitive wages, career pathways of growth, and excellent benefits packages that includes medical, dental, and vision care that is available to you within the first 30 days! We also provide our employees with life insurance, sick days, holidays, vacation, two retirement programs of 401(k) and ESOP, and much more. Relocation Benefits NO Remote Availability IN MARKET REMOTE *Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company's sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, qualifications and other business considerations. PACE Supply is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the HR Department at (844)-393-7172.