Summary: The Architectural & Design (A&D) Specialist is a key member of the sales team, responsible for driving product awareness, specification, and adoption among architects, interior designers, engineers, and other design professionals. This role ensures that the company’s counter-top and flooring solutions are accurately represented in project specifications and supports the design and construction process from concept through completion. The A&D Specialist acts as a trusted advisor, offering technical expertise, design insight, and project coordination support.

Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM, 1 Saturday(s) a month from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Seniority Level: Associate

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: This salaried, exempt position pays from $85,000 to $120,000 per year. The estimated annual pay for new hires generally ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on experience, education level and commission structure.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to complete the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with architects, designers, and specifiers to promote the company’s countertop and flooring solutions.
• Conduct engaging product presentations, lunch-and-learns and maintain one on one relationship with designers and designing firms.
• Collaborate with the design community to develop project-specific specifications that align with performance, aesthetic, and sustainability goals.
• Provide technical support including installation methods, subfloor preparation, and maintenance recommendations.
• Partner with internal sales, project management, and installation teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Track and manage project pipelines using CRM tools, ensuring timely follow-ups and accurate forecasting.
• Represent, the company at industry events, trade shows, and networking functions to build brand visibility and market intelligence.
• Stay current on industry trends, competitive products, and emerging technologies to provide informed recommendations.
• Assist in the development of marketing collateral and specification tools tailored to the A&D community.

Additionally, the candidate must meet the following Education and/or Experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Interior Design, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in commercial flooring, building materials, or a design-related industry.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and design software (AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp is a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for design, innovation, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

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 sits and may occasionally stand or walk.
  
• The employee must occasionally lift, pull and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

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.