Commercial Category Specialist

Category Specialist

The Category Specialist at SRS Building Products drives sales growth and market expansion within an assigned product category at the branch level. This role serves as a product knowledge expert and key relationship manager, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver strong service, support customers, and grow SRS's specialty product offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute sales strategies to achieve category and branch growth goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with contractors, builders, architects, distributors, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on assigned product lines and provide technical/product guidance to customers and internal teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, customer service, and marketing to support customer needs and drive sales.
• Prepare quotes, manage customer relationships, and support the full sales cycle.
• Monitor performance, analyze market trends, and provide reporting and insights to leadership.

Travel Requirements

Travel within the assigned territory is required to support customer relationships, sales growth, and market development.

Physical Requirements

This role includes both office and field activities. Requirements include operating standard office equipment, communicating by phone and email, and sitting or standing for extended periods. Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds and travel within the territory may be required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Working Conditions

The Category Specialist operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that includes branch, field, and remote work. The role requires strong organization, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting customers and internal teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 35+ years of sales experience in building materials, with preference for specialty products.
• Strong understanding of building supply markets and customer base.
• Proven ability to drive sales growth and manage customer relationships.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with CRM and sales reporting tools.
• Ability to travel within assigned territory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
• Established network within building materials or specialty products.
• Experience developing sales strategies, supporting product training, and managing long-term customer relationships.
• Industry certifications (CSP, LEED AP, CCM) preferred.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field preferred.

Minimum Years of Work Experience

35 years of sales experience in building materials or specialty products.

Certifications

Preferred certifications include CSP, LEED AP, or CCM.

Competencies

• Strategic sales execution and customer relationship management
• Product knowledge and market awareness
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Communication and negotiation

Job Location: SRS Building Products - Cincinnati 4100 Rev Drive Cincinnati, OH 45232

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, uniform service, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws.

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact Human Resources at US: View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email to: View email address on click.appcast.io with the nature of your accommodation request and include the Business name, location and title of the job opening. Please allow one (1) business day for a reply.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, as permitted by law.

Competitive weekly/bi-weekly pay, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, volunteer, holidays, birthday, floating), medical/dental/vision, flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and short-term disability, plus optional long-term disability, and additional life insurance. All benefits subject to eligibility.

Should a Candidate be submitted to fill a position by a recruiting or staffing services agency ("Agency"), the Company has no obligation to pay the Agency any fee for submission, offer, placement or any service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement.