Director of Product Management

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.

Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We are currently hiring for the role of Director of Product Management.

SUMMARY

Plans, directs, and coordinates the development of the company’s product offering. This includes responsibility for determining what products to offer through suppliers, manufacture, or private label.  This position is responsible for the supervision and deliverables of all the product management functions including technical training. Working in collaboration with the Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance teams the Director, Product Management creates and implements strategic business initiatives that increase revenue and profitability through the offering of the “Right Product at the Right Price”.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year product roadmap with a core focus on NPI and private-label expansion.

• Identify category gaps, new technologies, regulatory shifts, and customer needs that present opportunities for differentiated product launches.

• Drive cross-functional NPI processes, from concept validation through commercialization, ensuring speed-to-market and strong adoption.

• Lead product strategy and align product portfolio with Kele’s offer and value propositions to the marketplace.  Support unique growth initiatives with strategies for proactive offer management.

• Evaluate opportunities for private-label products, including sourcing strategy, supplier capabilities, competitive positioning, and margin impact.

• Develop business cases, product briefs, and launch plans that support investment decisions and go-to-market execution.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of BAS, components, parts, and accessory products.

• Analyze product performance, pricing, mix, and lifecycle stage to drive optimization and proactive improvements. Drive strategies to support appropriate market share for Kele in key strategic areas of offer.

• Lead SKU rationalization and quality enhancement initiatives to strengthen product-line performance.

• Ensure private-label offerings maintain competitive quality and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

• Build strategic relationships with, suppliers, private-label manufacturers, and emerging technology partners.

• Lead negotiations around cost, terms, rebates, exclusivity, supply continuity, and co-marketing programs.

• Assess supplier capabilities and capacity for supporting private-label development, including tooling, packaging, and quality requirements.

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to ensure successful execution of NPIs and private-label launches. Drive associated processes.

• Develop product positioning, value propositions, training materials, and competitive differentiation assets.

• Support field sales teams with technical expertise, product insights, and promotional strategy.

• Monitor industry trends, competitive offerings, regulatory changes, and customer feedback to refine product strategy.

• Own pricing and margin performance across the product portfolio, with specific targets for private-label profitability.

• Conduct cost analysis, competitive benchmarking, and market-based price positioning.

• Collaborate with Finance to forecast revenue, manage rebates, and evaluate cost-reduction opportunities.

• Lead and mentor a team of product managers and analysts responsible for category execution and market success.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

• Guide cross-functional teams through structured NPI processes and disciplined product management practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises product management team.

• Performs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Lead and mentor a team of product managers and analysts responsible for category execution and market success.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

• Guide cross-functional teams through structured NPI processes and disciplined product management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum of five years of related work experience.

• Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance ​

• HSA

• FSA (medical and dependent care)

• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting

• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage

• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available

• Paid time off and paid holidays

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum of five years of related work experience.

Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.