Merchandiser of Hand Tools

Summary / Position

Purpose:

The Merchandiser - Hand Tools is responsible for managing and growing the hand tools category within a distribution environment, with a focus on key supplier partnerships such as Stanley, Klein Tools, Greenlee, and Wiha
. This role drives assortment strategy, pricing, supplier engagement, and go-to-market execution to maximize revenue, margin, and market share.

The position requires a strong understanding of industrial hand tools across production, maintenance, and repair applications, where tools are essential for operational efficiency and reliability.

• Develop and execute category strategies across hand tools (pliers, cutters, drivers, crimpers, torque tools, electrical tools, etc.)
• Manage product assortment across direct and redistribution suppliers, balancing precision/professional tools vs. commodity SKU expansion
• Identify gaps in the offering and onboard new SKUs aligned to customer demand and key verticals (electronics, MRO, industrial)

• Own relationships with key brands (i.e.)
  Stanley, Klein Tools, Greenlee, Wiha
• Negotiate pricing, programs, rebates, and stocking strategies
• Drive SKU expansion and ensure competitive positioning vs. market leaders

• Partner with sales and marketing teams to develop campaigns, promotions, and cross-sell bundles
• Coordinate product training and positioning for sales teams
• Support customer segmentation strategies across key industries such as manufacturing, construction, and MRO

• Track category KPIs: revenue, margin, turns, attach rate, and SKU productivity
• Analyze performance to identify growth opportunities and underperforming segments
• Use data to refine assortment and pricing strategies

• 3-7+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or product management (industrial distribution preferred)
• Experience with hand tools, industrial supplies, or MRO categories strongly preferred
• Strong analytical skills with experience in SKU-level data analysis
• Supplier negotiation and relationship management experience
• Proficient in Excel, Power BI and ERP/PIM systems

• Category strategy & assortment planning
• Vendor negotiation & partnership management
• Pricing & margin optimization
• Data-driven decision making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong understanding of industrial end markets

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

This position requires applicants to be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship;
Test Equity does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Test Equity provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.