Commercial Specification Sales Representative
About the Role:
MSI is hiring a Commercial Specification Sales Representative to grow sales of our porcelain, natural stone, wall tile, countertop, hardscape, and mosaic product lines across the Hoboken, NJ territory. In this role, the Commercial Specification Sales Representative builds relationships within the Architecture & Design (A&D) community, drives MSI product specifications during the design stage of commercial projects, and protects those specifications through the bid and buyout process. The Commercial Specification Sales Representative also partners closely with the local sales team and National Commercial team to ensure specified projects are successfully converted into MSI sales.
Compensation: This salaried, exempt position pays from $95,000 to $110,000 per year. The estimated annual pay for new hires generally ranges from $110,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on experience, education level and commission structure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with architects, designers, and specifiers through regular sales visits, product presentations, and networking.
- Identify and prioritize key Architecture & Design firms within the assigned territory and develop strategic account plans to grow MSI's share of specifications.
- Drive MSI product specifications during the design stage of commercial projects, positioning MSI materials before projects are released for bid.
- Manage incoming leads and sample requests promptly while providing accurate product information and project support.
- Provide samples for specific projects and maintain A&D firm material libraries with current MSI products, marketing materials, and contact information.
- Develop, enter, and maintain project specifications within the CRM and project tracking system.
- Track specified projects through the bid and buyout process to ensure MSI specifications remain in place and convert to sales.
- Coordinate with local and national sales teams on project hand-offs, specification pull-through, quotations, and product delivery.
- Partner with the local sales leader and National Commercial team to align territory activities with MSI's commercial growth strategy.
- Conduct product knowledge presentations and continuing education (CEU) seminars, including AIA and IDCEC programs.
- Develop and maintain expert knowledge of MSI products, competitive offerings, industry standards, building codes, and LEED/sustainability initiatives.
- Represent MSI at trade shows and industry association events, including ASID, AIA, IIDA, and NEWH.
- Maintain accurate records of customer meetings, sales calls, project activity, and pipeline progress.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with architects, designers, and specifiers.
- Ability to manage multiple commercial projects simultaneously.
- Strong presentation skills, including confidence presenting to large audiences.
- Self-motivated, results-driven, and highly organized with excellent follow-up skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with CRM platforms preferred.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Experience Requirements:
- Two (2) years or more of experience calling on the Architecture & Design (A&D) community, or equivalent B2B/outside sales experience.
- Experience within flooring, tile, natural stone, countertops, or other building materials industries preferred.
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience selling flooring, tile, stone, countertop, or related building materials.
- Existing relationships within the local Architecture & Design community.
- Knowledge of LEED, sustainability initiatives, and applicable building codes.
- Experience delivering CEU-accredited presentations (AIA, IDCEC).
- Strong commercial specification sales and project tracking experience.
This role has the following physical demands:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with their hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee frequently walks, stands and occasionally sits.
- The employee must regularly lift, pull and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
- This is a safety-sensitive position.
Benefits: MSI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Referral, Holiday, and Annual Bonuses
- Annual pay increases
- Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Short Term and Long Term disability;
- Company-paid Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company matching contributions
- Charitable donation matching programs
- Free, company-sponsored 1-on-1 tutoring for children/dependents of MSI employees in grades k-12, including free tutoring for SAT and ACT tests.
About MSI:
Founded in 1975, MSI is a leading supplier of flooring tile, countertops, wall and backsplash tile and hardscaping surfaces products in North America. Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI also maintains over 50 state-of-the-art showroom and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. MSI's product line includes an extensive offering of Granite, Quartz, Porcelain, Luxury Vinyl flooring, Slate, Marble, Travertine, Sandstone, Limestone, Quartzite, onyx, stacked stone and pavers imported from over 36 countries on six continents.Over the years, MSI has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including:
- Top 5 fastest growing companies - OC Business Journal
- Supplier Diversity Award - Home Depot
- #1 Flooring Distributor multiple years in a row - Floor Covering Weekly
- Top Workplaces Award winner multiple times - Top Workplaces
- MSI Founder named the Entrepreneur of the Year - Ernst and Young
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion and belonging for all employees. We provide a work environment that allows all employees to do their best work, free from all forms of discrimination. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military status, religion, disability status, or any other legally protected group. MSI provides reasonable accommodations for all employees and applicants. If you believe you require an accommodation, please speak with your recruiter or a member of our HR team.
How to Apply
- Ready to grow MSI's specification business in Hoboken, NJ? Applying for the Commercial Specification Sales Representative role is quick and guided:
- Click the "Chat to Apply" button above or open the chat widget in the bottom right corner of this page to talk with Mira, MSI's Intelligent Recruiting Assistant.
- Tell Mira about your experience and interests - she'll answer questions about MSI's business, culture, and team, and recommend tailored roles based on your background.
- Submit your application directly through the chat, or use the Apply Now button to go straight to the application form.
- An MSI recruiter will follow up to discuss next steps, including interview scheduling.