Outside Sales Representative – Architectural Specialist; Estimator

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 following the recent acquisition by Lowe’s, we are investing in strong, forward-thinking talent to support our long-term success.

Position Overview

At Foundation Building Materials (FBM), the Outside Sales Representative – Architectural Specialist (Estimator) serves as a trusted advisor, technical expert, and project partner to customers. This hybrid role combines relationship driven sales, detailed estimating, and project coordination to support commercial construction projects from early design through completion.

You will drive growth by identifying project opportunities, developing strong B2B relationships, and delivering accurate estimates and specialty product solutions. This role is ideal for a proactive professional who thrives in both the field and a technical, detail oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Customer Relationships

• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with customers, contractors, architects, designers, and building owners
• Proactively research and identify project leads for architectural specialty products and systems
• Conduct sales calls to new and existing customers to drive revenue growth
• Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering value-driven solutions aligned with customer and project needs
• Maintain ongoing, professional communication before, during, and after a sale
• Collaborate with internal teams, manufacturers, and vendor representatives to support customer success

Estimating & Pre-Construction Support

• Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and construction documents to define project scope
• Perform detailed material takeoffs using On Center On-Screen Takeoff or similar software
• Prepare accurate and competitive material estimates, quantifying all system components
• Analyze project requirements, materials, and timelines to support bid development
• Coordinate pricing, product availability, and lead times with internal teams and suppliers
• Track bid activity and follow up on submitted proposals

Project Management & Execution

• Manage awarded projects from handoff through completion
• Verify project-specific requirements and ensure alignment with contract documents
• Oversee submittal and shop drawing processes
• Coordinate material ordering and delivery schedules to meet project timelines
• Provide technical support and installation guidance to customers as needed
• Support value engineering efforts and product substitutions when appropriate
• Maintain organized project documentation and communication throughout the lifecycle

Training & Product Expertise

• Stay current with new products, systems, and installation methods through continuous learning
• Attend and participate in required company and vendor training sessions
• Develop expertise in architectural specialty materials and systems

Miscellaneous

• Support Our Foundation in the areas of Safety, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Integrity, and being a Company of Choice
• Maintain awareness of market trends, competitive landscape, and pricing dynamics
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial construction required
• Minimum of 2+ years of sales, estimating, or project management experience in the construction or building materials industry preferred
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction documents
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time…