Sr Architectural Specialties Manager

Position Summary:

High-visibility leadership role that will shape the growth of GMS' premium product lines in one of the most dynamic regions for commercial development in the U.S. This role will support the top architectural and design firms, influence landmark projects, and lead a talented team while driving innovation in the built environment.

The Sr. Architectural Specialties Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth, market expansion, and brand visibility for architectural specialty products (such as acoustical ceilings, walls, cladding, and specialty materials like felt, glass, wood, metal, acrylic, EIFS, Firestop, and FSC Lumber products) across the Southeast region-North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This role serves as a strategic leader, managing relationships with architects, designers, contractors, and manufacturers while guiding a regional sales team to achieve and exceed business goals in commercial sectors including Education, Healthcare, Corporate Workplace, Government, and Hospitality.

The Sr. Architectural Specialties Manager is a strategic market builder and a hands-on leader who drives specifications, nurtures client relationships, manages manufacturer relationships, and ensures our architectural specialty products and partners are positioned as the go-to solutions across the Southeast commercial architecture market.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Sales Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute a regional sales strategy aligned with corporate objectives and in parallel with regional sales managers.
• Set sales targets and pricing contracts with key manufacturer partners and coordinate with purchasing to ensure our costs are optimized.
• Monitor performance and ensure consistent pipeline growth across NC, SC, GA, and FL.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in target verticals, focusing on specification-driven sales.
• Forecast market trends, competitor activity, and regional construction demand to inform strategy.

Market Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with architectural and design firms, influencing product specifications early in the design process.
• Partner with general contractors, subcontractors, and the local GMS sales teams to ensure products are competitively positioned and delivered.
• Promote company presence at AIA chapters, design expos, industry networking events, and trade shows across the region.

Team Management & Coaching

• Lead, educate, and motivate a team of Sales Representatives on AS products.
• Coordinate and provide training to internal sales teams on products and procedures for each strategic manufacturer partner.
• Foster a collaborative culture with clear goals, accountability, and recognition.

Client Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison for key accounts and large-scale projects, ensuring client satisfaction from design through installation.
• Deliver product presentations, lunch-and-learns, and continuing education (CEU) sessions for architects and designers.
• Collaborate with key sub-contractors by providing qualified leads and market intel, as well as regular job tracking.

Business Operations

• Track and report on sales performance using CRM tools.
• Work with local market managers and vendors to develop region-specific campaigns, case studies, and reference projects.
• Collaborate with manufacturer sales reps, relaying regional feedback on design trends, material preferences, and performance needs.
• Ensure smooth coordination with Project Management and Technical Support teams to deliver seamless client experiences.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of commercial architecture, design processes, and construction project cycles.
• Strong relationships within the A&D community and contractor networks in the Southeast.
• Proven ability to lead specification-driven sales and close large, complex deals.
• Leadership and team development experience across multiple territories.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to position specialty products as premium design solutions.
• Analytical mindset for interpreting sales data, market trends, and competitive intelligence.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Achievement of regional revenue and growth targets with existing and new product lines.
• Number of new product specifications secured across NC, SC, GA, and FL.
• Expansion of architectural firm and contractor relationships.
• Team performance and development milestones.
• Contribution to brand visibility and market share in key verticals.
• Client satisfaction and retention metrics.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree Preferred
• 7-10 Years of related experience in senior management role

Core Competencies:

• Strive to do the right thing by displaying trust and integrity.
• Embody the principles of servant leadership, even in a non-people management role, by putting the needs of others first, valuing diverse perspectives by sincerely appreciating and considering others' opinions and ideas and demonstrating a positive and humble attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and on a team; ability to lead, execute and/or delegate as needed, while also collaborating with others to get the job done.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at every level of the organization; invest in building relationships with the Field Operations and Field Support Center team members.
• Help champion an inclusive working environment; empower others to bring their full selves to the workplace; celebrate, welcome, and value the different backgrounds and experiences that make up our workforce; recognize that all team members are valued, regardless of race, background, tenure, or title.
• Ability to self-manage, show initiative, be proactive, and drive results.
• Communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing to coworkers and customers.
• Possess good organizational and analytical skills, and demonstrate high integrity and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate knowledge of general accounting policy and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position in an office environment 70% of the time.
• Will occasionally move about inside the office to access files, office machinery, etc.
• Must be able to operate basic office machinery.
• Must be able to communicate with team and management and be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Travel required

Required Cognitive Skills:

• Must be able to problem solve and prioritize tasks.
• Must be able to manage stress depending on deadlines and ongoing projects.
• Must be able to multitask.
• Must be able to receive and analyze information.
• Must be able to quickly communicate solutions if problems occur.
• Must be able to demonstrate a high degree of sound judgement and initiative.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life Insurance
• Wellness Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Holidays & Vacation Days
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Development & Training Programs

This job description is subject to change at any time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Launch your career with a national building materials distributor and discover opportunities for growth and advancement. We value our team members and believe them to be our greatest assets. As such, we invest in training and strive to provide a work-life balance.

We are a smoke-free workplace committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is only permitted in designated areas and is prohibited in and around all company buildings, vehicles, and workspaces. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action.