Category Manager - Pipe, Valves & Fittings (PVF)-Dallas, TX

Category Manager – Pipe, Valves & Fittings (PVF)

Salary: $135,000–$155,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Travel: Travel required as needed, with increased travel anticipated during the first six months

Position Overview

A leading organization in the mechanical and construction industry is seeking an experienced Category Manager specializing in Pipe, Valves & Fittings (PVF) . This is a newly created, highly strategic individual contributor role responsible for developing sourcing strategies, strengthening manufacturer and supplier relationships, and providing critical market intelligence to support estimating, procurement, and project teams.

The Category Manager will work closely with estimating teams during the early stages of projects to understand material requirements and determine the most effective sourcing strategy. This individual will look beyond traditional wholesale channels, developing direct relationships with manufacturers to gain greater visibility into pricing, availability, lead times, market conditions, and potential supply disruptions.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of hands-on experience in the PVF industry along with a strong understanding of manufacturers, distribution channels, market dynamics, and strategic sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with estimating and project teams early in the project lifecycle to understand scope, material requirements, specifications, timelines, and sourcing needs.
• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for PVF materials and related services.
• Conduct market research to identify cost-saving opportunities, sourcing alternatives, supply risks, and potential market disruptions.
• Build strong relationships directly with PVF manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other strategic suppliers.
• Evaluate sourcing options based on cost, quality, reliability, availability, lead times, risk, compliance, and overall project requirements.
• Analyze PVF market conditions, including raw material costs, commodity trends, labor factors, technology developments, competitive conditions, and potential supply disruptions.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing strategies by expanding visibility beyond traditional distribution channels.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, and supplier agreements while supporting organizational and project objectives.
• Develop and maintain an effective network of qualified manufacturers and suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance, service levels, quality, and contractual requirements and develop corrective action plans when necessary.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Provide PVF subject matter expertise and market intelligence to estimating, procurement, project management, and operational teams.
• Collaborate with tactical procurement teams to promote consistent sourcing and procurement practices.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes, and procedures.
• Analyze category performance and prepare reports and recommendations using Excel, Power BI, and other analytical tools.
• Travel to key manufacturers and industry partners to develop market knowledge and strategic relationships, particularly during the first 180 days.
• Support additional strategic sourcing initiatives and projects as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience within the Pipe, Valves & Fittings (PVF) industry required.
• Experience may include procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, estimating, project management, inside sales, outside sales, or a closely related PVF role.
• Strong knowledge of PVF manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, products, sourcing channels, and overall market dynamics.
• Strong understanding of procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain principles.
• Experience within the MEP, mechanical contracting, construction, or related industry strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Proven negotiation skills with experience securing competitive pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate market conditions, sourcing alternatives, costs, and supply risks.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with manufacturers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Power BI and purchasing/ERP systems is beneficial.
• Ability to provide guidance and subject matter expertise to procurement and cross-functional teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate understands the PVF market from both the supplier and project perspective . This individual knows the major manufacturers and distribution channels, understands the factors that influence pricing and availability, and can use that knowledge to develop sourcing strategies that improve project competitiveness.

Candidates with previous PVF category management experience are especially desirable, although professionals coming from PVF procurement, estimating, project management, manufacturer sales, or distribution may also be strong candidates if they possess the required market knowledge and relationships.

Compensation

$135,000–$155,000 annually , depending on experience and qualifications.

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