Category Specialist - Solar

Position Purpose:

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.

Direct Manager Direct Reports:

This role reports to the Branch Manager with a dotted line to a Category Manager or Category Director and has no direct reports. The position works closely with internal partners and external customers to support category growth.

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).

• 3–5+ 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:

3–5 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

The base salary for this position typically falls within the range of $54,200.00 to $70,400.00 annually. Starting wage may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the position being offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. SRS Distribution offers additional competitive and non-financial benefits. Depending on the role, associates may also be eligible for performance-based bonus programs, commissions, profit-sharing programs, car allowance or automobile and fuel program, and reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with company travel policy.

Job Location:

SRS Building Products - Waukegan 1414 Jacobson Drive Waukegan, IL 60085

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: 855.556.3221, or by email to: [email protected] 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries for all team members paid weekly
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, Volunteer Day, Holidays, Birthday, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance Program
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Company paid Life insurance and Short-Term Disability
• Additional Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability also offered
• Mental, Physical and Emotional Well-Being Programs for Employees and Families
• Wellness Program and Safety Program with Bonuses for our Drivers
• Employee Referral Bonus Program