Plumbing Product Category Manager

Job Description – Plumbing Product Category Manager

Würth Baer Supply Company

Location:

100 Saunders Rd suite 310, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Würth Baer Supply Company is one of the nation's leading specialty wholesale distributors to the woodworking industry, offering an extensive inventory of decorative and functional hardware, board & panel products, woodworking machinery, surfacing materials, tools and shop supplies. The company generates over $400M in annual revenue and operates 29 distribution locations across the Upper Midwest, Midwest, Ohio Valley, East, and Northeastern United States.

Würth Baer Supply Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Würth Group, a €20B+ privately held company headquartered in Künzelsau, Germany, with 450+ companies in over 80 countries.

We are seeking a motivated Plumbing Product Category Manager to join our Lake Forest, IL branch. This position will play a critical role in developing and expanding a plumbing product category within the organization, identifying, evaluating, and onboarding suppliers and products that align with our company’s strategic sourcing objectives.

The ideal candidate will bring direct experience within plumbing supply distribution, along with strong vendor negotiation skills, product knowledge, and the ability to build relationships with manufacturers and suppliers within the plumbing industry. Experience working with SAP is required.

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT (40 hours per week)

• $85,000 to $110,000+ based on experience.

• Identify, source, and negotiate with suppliers for plumbing-related product lines, including fixtures, fittings, valves, connectors, and other plumbing supply categories.
• Identify and establish relationships with new plumbing manufacturers and suppliers to expand the company’s product assortment.
• Evaluate supplier performance and pricing to ensure alignment with company objectives and profitability targets.
• Manage the product lifecycle from sourcing through digital onboarding, ensuring all product content, descriptions, and pricing are accurate and optimized for our e-commerce platform.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Marketing, E-Commerce, and Sales teams to ensure successful product launches and category growth.
• Analyze market trends and competitor offerings within the plumbing supply distribution market to identify opportunities for assortment expansion and cost savings.
• Support the development of pricing strategies, rebate structures, and promotional initiatives for plumbing product categories.
• Maintain strong relationships with key plumbing vendors to ensure reliable supply, product availability, and responsiveness.
• Leverage SAP to manage product data, supplier records, and pricing structures efficiently.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within plumbing supply distribution, plumbing products, or related trade supply categories.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with plumbing manufacturers, distributors, or supply vendors.
• Proficiency with SAP required; experience with other ERP and e-commerce systems is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-pace environment.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of product content optimization for digital marketplaces preferred.

• Bundled consumer-driven Medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental (Aetna), and Vision (VSP) pricing. New hires receive full access to benefits the 1st of the month following date of hire.
• 401(k) with matching program starts immediately. Company will match half of the first 5% of annual compensation.
• 8 paid company holidays.
• 2 weeks vacation (0 to 5 years), 3 weeks vacation (5 to 10 years), 4 weeks vacation (10 to 15 years), 5 weeks vacation (15+ years).
• Sick time that is not excessive or categorized under special medical leave will not come out of your vacation time – honor system for salaried employees.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Referral program.
• Employee discount.

• Onsite role only – this position is not remote or hybrid.

• This is a company where you can be yourself with a fun and upbeat culture.

• Many of our employees have been here for 15 to 30+ years.

• Würth Baer Supply Company is part of the Würth Group of Germany, a privately held company netting over $20 billion annually with a long legacy of promoting from within.

• Conversational and transparent.

• Work with a collaborative and knowledgeable team in a stable, growing organization with a company culture where employees can be themselves.
• Apply today and join a team that works hard for its customers—and for each other.

• Würth Baer Supply Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.