Architectural Specialist – Specialty Products

About Us

Company Overview

Foundation Building Materials (FBM) is a leading construction materials distribution company serving the commercial and residential construction markets across United States and Canada.  In conjunction with Unified Door & Hardware Group (UDHG), a premier provider of commercial door, frame, and hardware solutions, FBM supports a broad range of construction and architectural projects nationwide.

 

Together, FBM and UDHG’s 8,000+ Team Members are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and employee development.  By combining scale, specialty expertise, and a customer-first mindset, we deliver high-quality products and services to contractors, builders, and project teams across diverse markets.  As the organization continues to grow and evolve, we are investing in strong, forward-thinking talent to support our long-term success.

Overview

Position Overview

At Foundation Building Materials (FBM), the Architectural Specialist – Specialty Products is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and coordinating architectural specialty products for large-scale commercial construction projects. This role serves as a critical liaison between customers, vendors, project teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure products are competitively priced, accurately specified, delivered on schedule, and maintained in proper condition throughout the project lifecycle. The Architectural Specialties Specialist reviews project drawings, specifications, and construction documents to identify product opportunities, validate scope requirements, and support successful project execution from bid through final delivery.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Key Responsibilities Project Review & Scope Analysis

• Review architectural drawings, blueprints, specifications, and bid documents to identify project requirements and architectural specialty product opportunities.
• Analyze project scope to ensure product selections align with design intent, customer needs, code requirements, and installation specifications.
• Identify potential scope gaps, product substitutions, value engineering opportunities, and specification conflicts.
• Collaborate with sales and project teams to develop complete and accurate material packages for customer proposals.

  Procurement & Vendor Negotiation

• Serve as the primary decision-maker for sourcing and procurement of architectural specialty products for large-scale commercial construction projects, balancing customer requirements, project specifications, lead times, and company profitability.
• Lead negotiations with vendors, manufacturers, and suppliers regarding pricing, freight, delivery schedules, and service-level commitments to secure the most favorable commercial terms for the company and its customers.
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating vendor proposals, comparing product alternatives, and selecting sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, availability, and overall project performance.
• Analyze market conditions, material cost fluctuations, vendor pricing trends, and supply chain constraints to develop procurement strategies that protect margins and reduce financial risk.
• Make purchasing recommendations and procurement decisions on behalf of the company, including approval of vendor selections, pricing structures, and product substitutions within established authority levels.
• Evaluate and recommend value engineering opportunities by identifying alternative products, manufacturers, or sourcing solutions that meet design specifications while improving cost efficiency or lead times.
• Develop and maintain strategic vendor relationships to improve pricing leverage, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure high service standards, product quality, and reliable delivery performance.
• Resolve vendor disputes, pricing discrepancies, product availability issues, and escalations by negotiating practical business solutions that minimize operational disruption and financial exposure.
• Partner with leadership and sales teams to support bid strategy, margin optimization, and large-project procurement planning, providing recommendations that directly influence revenue and profitability.
• Continuously assess vendor performance, compliance, and purchasing trends to identify consolidation opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and process improvements.

  Quoting & Pricing Management

• Prepare accurate material quotes, pricing proposals, and cost analyses for commercial construction projects.
• Ensure pricing aligns with company margin expectations, requirements, and market conditions.
• Support value engineering efforts by identifying cost-effective product alternatives without compromising project requirements.
• Review and process pricing changes, revisions, and change orders as project scope evolves.

  Order Management & Project Coordination

• Manage purchase orders, order placement, and order tracking to ensure material accuracy and timely fulfillment.
• Coordinate with internal teams, vendors, and customers to align procurement schedules with project timelines and milestones.
• Monitor order status and proactively address delays, shortages, backorders, or specification changes that may impact project completion.
• Support project forecasting and material planning to ensure uninterrupted jobsite operations.

  Logistics, Delivery & Material Handling

• Coordinate deliveries to ensure materials arrive on schedule and in accordance with jobsite requirements.
• Ensure products requiring climate-controlled or specialized storage are handled, transported, and stored properly to preserve product integrity and manufacturer warranty requirements.
• Work closely with operations, warehouse, and transportation teams to optimize delivery schedules and minimize project disruption.
• Resolve delivery, freight, damage, and logistics issues in a timely manner.

  Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and process submittals, product documentation, certifications, and other project-related materials.
• Maintain accurate records of quotes, purchase orders, project documents, product specifications, and vendor communications.
• Ensure all documentation complies with contractual requirements, customer specifications, and internal company standards.
• Support billing review, credits, returns, and discrepancy resolution as needed.

  Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a subject matter expert for architectural specialty products and provide technical guidance to customers and internal teams.
• Partner with sales, operations, purchasing, accounting, and project stakeholders to support project execution and issue resolution.
• Maintain consistent communication with customers regarding order status, lead times, delivery schedules, and project changes.
• Build strong customer relationships through responsive service, technical expertise, and proactive problem-solving.

  Additional Responsibilities

• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and product innovations to identify opportunities for improved sourcing and competitive advantage.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, vendor performance, and project execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business objectives.

   Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management, sales support, customer service, construction materials, distribution, or related industry experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement, specialty products, order management, pricing, logistics, and customer relationship management.
• Experience working with ERP, CRM, and project management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound business decisions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive knowledge of specialty ceiling products.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Reports ToRegional Manager, Sales   Compensation

The listed pay range reflects the expected base rate for this position. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, and work location within state. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and benefits.

• Base: $80,000 annually, DOE
• Bonus: 10% Target Bonus
• Total Compensation (Base + Bonus): The successful candidate could reasonably expect a Total Compensation Package in the range of $90,000 – $140,000 annually
• Equity: This role is not eligible for equity opportunities, awards or grants.

   Benefits

At FBM, we’re committed to supporting our employees both personally and professionally. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to help you thrive inside and outside of work. Our excellent package includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision plans with leading national providers
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Company Provided Basic Life and Accident Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Critical illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Coverage
• Legal Insurance Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Company Holidays
• 401(k) plan with generous company match

Statements

Equal Opportunity Employer

Foundation Building Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We value diversity and inclusion and are dedicated to creating a workplace where all employees feel respected and empowered. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to help them perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process or while employed, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

 

Posting Period

This job will be posted for at least 5 days, starting on the initial post date reflected above.