Senior Director – HVAC OEM Relations

Senior Director – HVAC OEM Relations

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Compensation: Salary of $150–185k + 20% annual bonus, plus quarterly profit sharing

About the Role:
You’ll lead the push to bring HVAC equipment makers on board as parts partners for a national replacement-parts distributor that’s expanding hard into HVAC. The work is getting in front of manufacturer leadership, negotiating distribution agreements, and turning each one into a program that moves real parts volume – while leading a team of directors and business development managers.
This is a strong fit for someone who has sat on either side of the manufacturer–distributor table – running channel or aftermarket for an equipment maker, or managing supplier relationships for a distributor – and wants to build something instead of babysit it. Most of these relationships don’t exist yet, the company is putting real money behind HVAC, and the seat has direct visibility with the executive team.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Decide which equipment makers to chase first – air side, water side and international brands
• Get in front of manufacturer executives, make the case, and take the partnership from first meeting to signed agreement
• Be the go-to resource for partner leadership on getting their parts to contractors faster – logistics, e-commerce and fill rates
• Set annual growth targets with each partner and hold both sides to them
• Quarterback each partner launch internally so every department is ready on day one
• Lead quarterly reviews with partner executives and keep our leadership team current on wins, risks and where to push next
• Lead, coach and grow a team of directors and business development managers
• Travel nationally for manufacturer meetings, plant visits and industry events – roughly half the time while the portfolio is being built

About You:

• HVAC/HVACR industry experience – you know the equipment, the channel and the major manufacturers
• 5+ years in partnerships, business development, enterprise or strategic account sales, or manufacturer/supplier relations
• A track record of opening new manufacturer or enterprise relationships and negotiating agreements that grew revenue or margin
• At ease across the table from C-suite executives
• Experience leading people or driving complex cross-functional initiatives; leading leaders is a plus
• Comfortable building the numbers – margin models, forecasts and growth plans
• Able to travel about 50%; a passport (or the ability to get one) for future international partner work
• Chicago area preferred; strong Midwest candidates will be considered

What We Offer:

• Base salary plus annual bonus and profit sharing
• Hybrid schedule – three days in the office, two remote
• A true build role: write the playbook for a category the company is investing heavily in
• A leadership seat with a team that’s growing, plus direct exposure to the executive team
• Health, dental and vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off and paid parental leave
• High-energy, fun culture with a full home-office setup provided