The Ceilings Architectural Sales Associate (ASA) reports to the National A&D Manager and collaborates with the outside sales representatives and Regional Sales Managers within the designated Region. The role proactively calls on the D/E/F architecture and design firms not currently managed by USG outside sales representatives, strategically generate project leads, as well as provide technical and resource support. Position will rely on extensive product, technical, and application expertise to promote USG Ceilings, USG Specialty Ceilings, USG Ceilings Plus and Knauf Ceiling products. Requires an in-depth understanding of how architects and designers formulate a design, specify products, and develop construction documents for the use of bid, permit and construction. Candidate should have working knowledge of the construction bid and build process, understanding the milestone dates for specifications, bid award and product follow-through. Successful incumbents will gain development and training should they pursue a future outside sales representation role/position. Company headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. Candidate work location is flexible and at the sole discretion of the hiring manager based on experience, skill, knowledge, and ability. Travel based on business and customer needs requirements and request.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Manage the D/E/F architectural and design firms in the designated territory. Proactive in the outreach to uncover new project leads, while also fielding incoming requests and questions from the firms.
• Develops relationships with architects, interior designers, and specification writers. Embraces "putting customers first" and strives to make USG Ceilings "the easiest to do business with."
• Utilizes DPS skills to ask the right questions, collaborate on the best solutions, and ultimately help build those relationships.
• Hosts USG Ceilings virtual presentations and CEU modules.
• Appropriately engages manager and technical teams and colleagues to get questions answered, provide the best counsel, and collaborate with customers.
• Aligns with assigned sales representatives to manage key projects by supporting the coordination of specification efforts and documentations. Connects the dots between project leads and USG specifications with the transactional sales team who works with dealers and contractors in the region.
• Facilitates substitution requests and contractor coordination, as necessary.
• Engages strong SF.com and Construct Connect capabilities to uncover job leads and streetfighter opportunities. Decisive in whether to pursue the leads or not, based on sales potential and scale.
• Manages pipeline by keeping opportunities up to date and captures sales activities in the system. Contributes to, and collects, data on the following:
• Architects/designers specifying USG products
• The quality of those specifications (e.g., proprietary to streetfighter)
• Streetfighter or substitution request opportunities
• Engagement of local sales teams on opportunities
• Ready-to-bid preparation
• Job tracking
• Technical queries Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of construction process and systems (preferred).
• Computer proficiency required in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Salesforce.com is used daily to record and share information.
• Other industry-related computer skills of value: (CAD, REVIT, Sketch Up, Construct Connect, Master Spec, BSD Spec Link, E-quote, presentation software, etc.) are a plus, for while these may/may not be used, having an understanding of the audience and how they use these tools is critical.
• Self-starter with very strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable in making presentations and answering questions live.
• Proven ability to identify key decision makers and build relationships from afar.
• Confident in cold-calling firms and individuals to make personal connections and uncover project leads or information.
EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Design, Marketing, Business, or related field. Advanced education beyond a bachelor's degree is a plus.
• Two-year minimum sales experience (preferred).
• Technical expertise/aptitude required.
Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.
Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.
Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today. EOE including disability/veteran
