Director of Category Management

Morsco; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Reece USA is seeking a Director of Category Management to lead end-to-end strategy, profitability, and execution for Waterworks product categories. You will optimize assortment, margins, and inventory while strengthening supplier relationships across branches and markets.

The role requires deep Waterworks product knowledge (valves, hydrants, PVC, ductile iron, fittings) and a proven track record in category management, procurement, and vendor negotiation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in category management or procurement in Waterworks or building materials sector.
• Deep knowledge of Waterworks products (materials, standards, applications).

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the category strategy aligned with market trends, customer demand, and company objectives.
• Maintain profitable, regionally relevant assortment and perform SKU rationalization.
• Negotiate terms, rebates, marketing support, and supply agreements with manufacturers and key vendors.
• Partner with finance and branch leadership to manage profitability at the category and SKU level.
• Work with the supply chain to maintain optimal inventory and reduce stockouts or overstock risks.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operations on new product introductions and end-of-life phase-outs.
• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to fill portfolio gaps or drive innovation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Vendor management

Category P&Ls

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

Eclipse ERP

Power BI

Job description

Who We AreWorking at Reece & Fortiline means being part of a growing global company that brings our purpose and values to life every day. We celebrate our team members living our values and provide opportunities to build a long and remarkable career. We’re proud to support essential industries helping bring clean air and water to everyone. To learn more about our purpose and values, visit our career site at https://careers.reece.com/us/POSITION SUMMARYThe Director of Category Management is responsible for leading the end-to-end strategy, performance, and profitability of product categories within a Waterworks wholesale distribution environment. This role is instrumental in driving growth, improving margins, optimizing inventory, and strengthening supplier relationships. The ideal candidate brings deep technical and commercial expertise in Waterworks products, including Valves + Hydrants, PVC, Ductile Iron, and Fittings + Accessories used in Waterworks applications.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCategory Strategy & ExecutionDevelop and own the category strategy, aligned with market trends, customer demand, and company objectives.Maintain a competitive, profitable, and regionally relevant assortment.Conduct SKU rationalization and lifecycle planning to ensure optimized inventory.Negotiate terms, rebates, marketing support, and supply agreements with manufacturers and key vendors.Partner with finance and branch leadership to manage profitability at the category and SKU level.Work with the supply chain to maintain optimal inventory levels and reduce stockouts or overstock risks.Partner with Sales and Operations to recommend new product introductions and end-of-life phase-outs.Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to fill portfolio gaps or drive innovation.Cross-Functional CollaborationAct as the subject matter expert for Waterworks products across sales, marketing, operations, and training teams.Support sales enablement by providing product knowledge resources, pricing strategies, and promotional guidance.Collaborate with the digital/e-commerce team to ensure accurate product content and merchandising online.Leadership & Team DevelopmentEmbrace the company purpose and live the values.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)Year-over-year category sales growthGross margin performance by product lineInventory turnover and availabilityRebate capture and vendor performance metricsSKU rationalization progressSupplier on-time delivery and service levelsQUALIFICATIONSEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA a plus).8+ years of experience in category management or procurement in the Waterworks, plumbing, or building materials sector.Deep product knowledge of Waterworks products (materials, standards, applications).Experience working with contractors, distributors, or manufacturer reps.Skills & CompetenciesStrong analytical and negotiation skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.Proven ability to manage complex vendor portfolios and category P&Ls.Effective communicator with strong influencing skills across departments and senior leadership.Proficient in ERP and analytics platforms (e.g., Eclipse, Power BI).Our commitment to excellent customer service is just part of our story. We’re also dedicated to supporting our most valuable asset, our associates! One of the ways we do this is by offering a variety of high-quality benefits for our associates and their families.All full-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:Medical and Dental InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings AccountsCompany-paid Life InsuranceShort Term Disability401(k) PlanPaid Time Off (PTO) - plus paid holidaysParental LeaveVoluntary benefits:VisionLong-term DisabilityVoluntary Life and AD&D InsuranceAdditional Voluntary Benefits through CorestreamWe're an equal opportunity employer and we welcome diversity and inclusion! Reece USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer— Employer Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, and any other status protected by law.