VP - Independent Distribution

CFO Trane U.S. Inc.-CFO; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 221,000 - 336,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K match

Paid time off

Education and training opportunities

Job summary

Trane Technologies in Davidson, NC seeks a VP of Independent Distribution to lead channel sales and distributor partnerships across North America. You’ll own the two-step distribution strategy, budgeting, long-range planning, and margin optimization, partnering with Finance, Legal, and the SLT to translate vision into action.

We require 15+ years in sales leadership within HVAC or industrial manufacturing, a Bachelor’s degree (MBA preferred), strong P&L experience, and proven ability to drive

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive sales leadership in commercial equipment, industrial manufacturing, or HVAC channels.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of two-step distribution models, channel economics, and distributor network structures.
• Experience leading large-scale P&L environments, with demonstrated discipline in budget planning, margin expansion, and channel investment returns.
• Proven record of cultivating trust with C-suite executives and channel partners, navigating complex dynamics to create mutual value.
• Demonstrated capability to lead through ambiguity, foster high accountability, and maintain steady composure under fire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the multi-year growth strategy for Independent Distribution across Trane, American Standard, RunTru, and Ameristar to maximize market penetration and drive long-term profitability.
• Lead our two-step distribution model, align channel performance with long-term enterprise goals, and deepen key distributor relationships.
• Partner with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to translate enterprise vision into actionable channel programs, strategic product introductions, and proactive responses to regulatory shifts.
• Own annual budgeting, long-range planning (LRP), and risk/return analysis for major channel investments in partnership with Finance.
• Drive sustainable growth and market share expansion by embedding modern two-step distribution practices and growth-oriented sales models.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Channel sales

P&L management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world’s challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world. Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. We boldly go. Where is the work: Prioritize engaging with customers. When not directly interacting with customers; collaborate with colleagues in your office. The Vice President of Independent Distribution leads our North American Equipment and Supply business and. This role owns channel sales, distributor relationships, and go-to-market strategy across our flagship independent channels, with accountability for market share growth, margin optimization, and the overall health of our distribution network. This role directly reports to our President of Residential HVAC. This key leader will create a comprehensive strategic roadmap to accelerate growth and business performance while refining and evolving the organization’s vision for the future.

Location/Travel:

This role is posted in Davidson, NC; however, for the right candidate, other U.S. locations may be considered. This position requires a minimum of 50% travel, including frequent travel to support independent distribution partners, customer engagement, field collaboration, and business meetings.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Channel Growth

• Lead the multi-year growth strategy for Independent Distribution across Trane, American Standard, RunTru, and Ameristar to maximize market penetration and drive long-term profitability.
• Lead our two-step distribution model, align channel performance with long-term enterprise goals, and deepen key distributor relationships.
• Partner with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to translate enterprise vision into actionable channel programs, strategic product introductions, and proactive responses to regulatory shifts.
• Own annual budgeting, long-range planning (LRP), and risk/return analysis for major channel investments in partnership with Finance.
• Drive sustainable growth and market share expansion by embedding modern two-step distribution practices and growth-oriented sales models.

Commercial Execution & Distributor Operations

• Monitor and evaluate monthly bookings, revenue streams, and margin performance, delivering active, transparent business reviews to executive leadership.
• Build and cultivate high-trust, executive-level relationships with independent distributor principals, establishing win-win partnerships and resolving complex distribution channel dynamics.
• Collaborate closely with Legal on distributor agreements, contract negotiations, terms and conditions, and strategic channel conversions.
• Partner across SIOP (Sales, Inventory, & Operations Planning) and Product Phase-Gate governance reviews to align supply chain, production capacity, and product performance with market demand.

Enterprise Integration

• Foster active collaboration with product management, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure fast, high-quality delivery of HVAC equipment and supply lines.
• Ensure strict compliance with corporate policies, standard operating procedures, and trade integrity across all channel operations.

Talent, Culture & Inclusive Leadership

• Build an uplifting team environment that reflects Trane Technologies’ Leadership Principles: We include and uplift one another and We make better happen.
• Attract, mentor, and empower diverse, high-performing sales and operations leaders, establishing clear career progression pathways across the enterprise.
• Model strong change management, creating clarity in ambiguous markets, driving constructive tension, and empowering delegates while maintaining uncompromised performance standards.

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive sales leadership in commercial equipment, industrial manufacturing, or HVAC channels.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of two-step distribution models, channel economics, and distributor network structures.
• Experience leading large-scale P&L environments, with demonstrated discipline in budget planning, margin expansion, and channel investment returns.
• Proven record of cultivating trust with C-suite executives and channel partners, navigating complex dynamics to create mutual value.
• Demonstrated capability to lead through ambiguity, foster high accountability, and maintain steady composure under fire.

Why Trane Technologies

Direct one of the largest and most impactful commercial engines in the climate solutions industry. Advance our 2030 Sustainability Commitments by bringing high-efficiency, sustainable HVAC technology to market through our distribution partners. Shape corporate strategy, participate in JV board governance, and influence enterprise growth trajectories. Experience a workplace committed to psychological safety, continuous learning, and helping you thrive at work and at home.

Compensation

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range: $221,250.00 - $335,562.50

Compensation Type: Salary Incentive Eligible: Yes Sales Commission Eligible: No Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Benefits

Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE! Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance. Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave. 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support. Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations Safety Sensitive Role: No The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.

At Trane Technologies, we’re climate innovators with the courage to look at our world’s challenges and see endless opportunities. We aren’t afraid to make bold commitments that set new standards to enhance the health and well-being of our employees, customers, communities, and the planet we share. Learn more about what we do & how we do it.

Joining the Trane Technologies team is more than just a job – it’s the beginning of a career full of purpose, impact, and meaningful contributions that challenge what’s possible for a more sustainable future. Together, we know we can change the world. With an inclusive culture, benefits to support you and your family, limitless opportunities to grow, flexibility to help you balance life’s demands, and more – you’ll be supported to thrive at work and at home. Learn more about building a career with us.

We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations to our candidates and employees who may need assistance due to disability or impairment.