Architectural Facade Design Manager(Seattle)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architectural Facade Design Manager

Company: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE)

Location: Kent, Washington (with travel to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales & Business Development (Architectural Products)

Date Posted: August 07, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site (with significant travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive architectural specification efforts for facade and glazing solutions across a multi-state territory, focusing on securing basis-of-design wins.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships within the architectural, design, and construction communities, acting as a key liaison for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE) and CRL products.

• Manage the project pipeline from early design stages through completion, ensuring consistent product promotion and technical support.

• Leverage industry expertise in glass and glazing to provide solution-based recommendations and technical guidance to clients.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and distribution teams to achieve regional growth objectives and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on architectural specification and basis-of-design wins, which is a critical distinction in the construction and building materials sector. It requires a proactive, relationship-driven approach to influence project outcomes early in the design phase, rather than purely transactional sales. The emphasis on CRM and pipeline management highlights the need for structured sales processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the promotion of OBE and CRL architectural glass, glazing systems, hardware, and related solutions to architects, designers, developers, consultants, and general contractors within the assigned territory (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas).

• Proactively identify and pursue projects where OBE products can be specified as the basis of design, ensuring OBE's competitive advantage.

• Diligently track project opportunities, specification progress, and all related customer interactions within the company's CRM system to maintain accurate sales funnel data.

• Develop and nurture a robust pipeline of qualified project opportunities through strategic engagement and relationship building within the regional architectural and design community.

• Conduct impactful customer visits, presentations, and meetings, effectively communicating the value proposition of OBE's product portfolio and technical capabilities.

• Provide expert-level product knowledge and technical recommendations, assisting clients in selecting appropriate facade and glazing solutions for their project requirements.

• Interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documentation to understand project scope and identify opportunities for OBE products.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Architectural Specialists, Marketing, Strategic Sales, and Distribution Sales, to ensure a cohesive approach to project acquisition and support.

• Actively participate in industry association meetings and events (e.g., AIA, CSI, IIDA) to enhance brand visibility, network with key stakeholders, and stay abreast of industry trends.

• Monitor market trends, competitive activities, and evolving customer needs, providing actionable insights to leadership to inform strategic decisions.

• Travel extensively (approximately 30%) throughout the assigned territory to conduct client meetings, site visits, and attend industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a consultative sales approach, requiring deep product knowledge and the ability to influence design decisions. The mention of AIA, CSI, and IIDA participation indicates a need for strong industry engagement and understanding of professional development requirements for architects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is required. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in roles such as Project Management, Architectural Sales, Business Development, Specification Writing, or a similar client-facing position within the design and construction industry.

• Demonstrated experience and a strong understanding of the specification-driven bidding process, common in architectural product sales.

• Proven track record of success in securing project specifications and driving sales growth in a competitive market.

• Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from initial concept through to completion. Required Skills:

• Architectural Specification & Product Knowledge: Deep understanding of the glass and glazing industry, including product performance, applications, and installation considerations. Ability to articulate product benefits and technical details effectively.

• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with architects, designers, specifiers, and general contractors.

• Sales Pipeline Management: Proficiency in developing, managing, and forecasting a project pipeline using CRM systems.

• Presentation & Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence and ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including large groups of design professionals.

• Technical Aptitude: Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documentation. Comfort working with a broad portfolio of architectural products.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities to provide solution-based recommendations for intricate project requirements.

• Organizational & Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail, enabling effective management of competing priorities and deadlines.

• CRM Proficiency: Experience using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar) for lead tracking, opportunity management, and reporting.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Skills:

• LEED Accreditation: Knowledge of sustainable building practices and LEED certification processes.

• BIM Project Management: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its application in project design and specification.

• SAP Experience: Familiarity with SAP for enterprise resource planning, potentially for order processing or project tracking.

• Industry Certifications: Membership or active participation in relevant professional organizations beyond basic attendance.

• Growth Mindset: A proactive, self-motivated, and collaborative attitude with a desire for continuous learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to detail what "demonstrated experience" and "strong presentation skills" specifically entail in the context of architectural product sales and specification. The preferred skills highlight areas that would offer a competitive advantage and indicate a forward-thinking candidate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Specification Case Studies: Showcase examples of successful projects where you were instrumental in getting OBE/CRL products specified as the basis of design. Detail the project type, your approach, the challenges overcome, and the final specification outcome.

• Relationship Mapping: Evidence of how you've built and managed relationships within the architectural community, potentially through networking event participation, client testimonials, or a visual representation of your network.

• Project Pipeline Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage a sales pipeline, perhaps through a sample pipeline report, a description of your CRM usage, or a case study on how you prioritized and managed multiple opportunities.

• Technical Solution Presentation: Provide examples of technical presentations or materials you've developed to educate architects on product capabilities, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and persuasive communication.

• Market Analysis & Strategy: Illustrate how you've analyzed market trends or competitive landscapes to inform your sales strategy, perhaps with a sample market assessment or a strategy document.

Process Documentation:

• Specification Process Flow: Document your typical workflow for engaging with architects from initial contact through specification submission and follow-up. Highlight key touchpoints and decision-making stages.

• CRM Utilization Strategy: Outline your approach to using CRM systems for effective lead nurturing, opportunity tracking, and forecasting. Detail how you ensure data integrity and leverage CRM insights.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocol: Describe your process for collaborating with internal sales, marketing, and technical teams to support project wins, ensuring seamless communication and resource alignment.

• Project Win/Loss Analysis: Explain your methodology for analyzing project outcomes, identifying factors contributing to wins and losses, and incorporating lessons learned into future strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to the specific demands of a specification-focused role. It emphasizes demonstrating influence and process rather than just sales volume, with a focus on how candidates manage relationships and technical information to achieve specification wins.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $80,000 - $130,000 USD per year. This range reflects the mid-to-senior level experience required, the consultative nature of the role, and the territory's potential for significant revenue generation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to industry-competitive health insurance plans designed to provide robust coverage at a low cost to the employee.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO allowance to support work-life balance.

• Holidays: Company-observed holidays.

• Floating Holidays: Additional floating holidays that employees can choose to use, offering flexibility in scheduling personal time off.

• Performance-Based Compensation: A pay-for-performance culture with the potential for annual salary increases and performance bonuses, directly rewarding hard work and achieved results.

• Professional Training & Development: Investment in employee growth through comprehensive training programs designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in their roles.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. However, due to the travel requirements and the nature of engaging with architectural firms, flexibility may be needed to accommodate client meetings and project deadlines outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly taken from the input. The benefits are detailed from the provided list, with context added for how they might appeal to operations professionals. The working hours note acknowledges the potential need for flexibility inherent in a client-facing, travel-heavy role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Materials Manufacturing & Distribution (Architectural Glass & Building Envelopes)

Company Size: Over 6,500 employees globally, operating more than 80 manufacturing and distribution facilities across five countries.

Founded: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE) is a significant entity within the building materials sector, part of CRH plc. While the exact founding date of OBE as a distinct entity might vary, its parent company, CRH, has a long history.

Team Structure:

• Regional Focus: The Architectural Facade Design Manager will be part of a regional sales team focused on specific geographic territories.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires close collaboration with internal Architectural Specialists (who may focus on specific product lines or technical aspects), Marketing teams (for collateral and lead generation), Strategic Sales (for larger accounts), and Distribution Sales teams (who manage relationships with contractors and fabricators).

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Regional Sales Director or similar leadership position overseeing the sales efforts in the specified geographic area.

Methodology:

• Specification-Driven Approach: The core methodology revolves around influencing project designs early through architectural specifications, ensuring OBE products are the chosen solution.

• Relationship-Centric Sales: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key influencers in the architectural and design community is paramount.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing CRM data for pipeline management, performance tracking, and strategic planning.

• Solutions-Oriented: Focusing on providing tailored facade and glazing solutions that meet complex project requirements, rather than just selling products.

Company Website: https://obe.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights OBE's scale and global reach, contrasting with the regional focus of this specific role. The emphasis on "specification-driven" and "relationship-centric" sales is crucial for understanding the company's go-to-market strategy in this segment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level within a sales and business development function, specifically targeting the architectural and design community. It requires a blend of technical product knowledge, strategic sales acumen, and strong relationship-building skills. It's a key contributor role with significant responsibility for revenue generation through influencing design specifications.

Reporting Structure: The Architectural Facade Design Manager will likely report to a Sales Director or a similar senior sales leader responsible for the region. They will operate with a degree of autonomy in managing their territory but will be integrated into broader sales and marketing initiatives. Collaboration with various internal departments (product management, marketing, technical support, distribution) is expected.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's revenue and market share by securing specifications for architectural projects. Successful performance means driving demand for OBE products at the design stage, which translates into significant project wins for manufacturing and distribution. The insights gathered from market interactions also inform product development and strategic sales planning, contributing to the overall GTM strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership within Sales: Potential to advance into Senior Architectural Manager roles, Key Account Management, or Sales Director positions overseeing larger territories or teams.

• Product Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific facade technologies or product lines, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into product management, strategic marketing, or broader business development roles leveraging established industry relationships and market knowledge.

• Industry Influence: Continued growth can lead to speaking opportunities at industry events, participation in standards committees, or becoming a recognized leader in architectural facade design within the construction sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role not just as a sales position but as a critical component of the GTM strategy, emphasizing its impact on revenue and product direction. Growth opportunities are defined within the context of a large manufacturing organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily an on-site role with significant travel. While the candidate will be based in Dallas, Texas, the role requires extensive travel throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The "office" will often be on the road, in client offices, at construction sites, or at industry events. A home office setup for administrative tasks and remote communication is standard.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Base: Dallas, Texas.

• Territory: Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

• Travel: Approximately 30% travel is expected within this territory.

Workspace Context:

• Field-Oriented: The role is heavily field-based, requiring the candidate to be comfortable working independently and managing their schedule effectively while traveling.

• Client-Centric: The workspace is largely dictated by client locations – architectural firms, design studios, and potentially project sites.

• Technology Enabled: Access to company-provided laptops, mobile devices, and CRM/communication tools is essential for staying connected and managing work remotely.

• Collaborative Interactions: While much of the work is independent, regular virtual or in-person meetings with internal teams (sales, marketing, technical support) and external stakeholders (architects, contractors) are part of the workflow.

Work Schedule:

• The core work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with general business hours. However, client demands, project deadlines, and industry events may necessitate flexibility, including evening meetings or weekend work on occasion. The 30% travel requirement means periods of consecutive days away from home are likely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description clarifies the "on-site" nature of the role, emphasizing the significant travel component and the field-based aspect of the workspace, which is common for architectural sales representatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of the specification process and your experience in the architectural products market.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your sales methodology, project management approach, and specific experience with glass and glazing products. They will probe your ability to build relationships and manage a territory.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from sales, marketing, or product teams. These interviews will assess your collaboration skills and your understanding of how your role fits into the broader organization.

• Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation on a past project, your sales strategy for a specific market segment, or how you would approach a hypothetical sales challenge. This is a key opportunity to showcase your portfolio and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior sales leader or executive, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Specification Wins: Your portfolio should prominently feature case studies of projects where you successfully influenced the specification of architectural products (ideally glass and glazing). Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., project value, percentage of specification secured).

• Demonstrate Relationship Building: Include examples of how you've cultivated and leveraged relationships with architects and designers. This could be through testimonials, descriptions of successful networking, or a visual representation of your professional network.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Include examples of presentations, technical documents, or problem-solving scenarios where you demonstrated deep product knowledge and the ability to provide effective solutions.

• Process & Strategy Clarity: Clearly articulate your sales process, pipeline management techniques, and how you use CRM and other tools to drive efficiency and results.

• Tailor to OBE: Research OBE's product lines and recent projects. Highlight experiences that align with their offerings and strategic priorities. Understand their key competitors and how you would differentiate OBE.

Challenge Preparation:

• Territory Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing and managing the assigned territory (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas), including market analysis, key target accounts, and a potential action plan.

• Handling Objections: Prepare for questions about how you handle common objections from architects, such as price, competition, or technical concerns.

• Product Knowledge Application: Be ready to discuss how you stay current with product knowledge and how you translate that into value for clients.

• CRM and Data Usage: Prepare to discuss your experience with CRM systems and how you use data to inform your sales activities and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete advice for applicants, focusing on how to best present their experience and prepare for the specific types of interviews and assessments common in architectural sales and specification roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency with a robust CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics) is essential for managing leads, opportunities, customer interactions, and sales forecasting. The company likely uses one of these industry-standard platforms.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for daily tasks, reporting, presentations, and communication.

• Communication Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for internal and external communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Reporting Modules: Ability to generate and interpret reports from the CRM system to track pipeline health, sales performance, and identify trends.

• Excel for Data Analysis: Strong Excel skills for ad-hoc data analysis, creating custom reports, and visualizing data.

• Potential BI Tools: Familiarity with Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) could be beneficial for deeper data analysis, though not explicitly stated as a requirement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: As mentioned, a core CRM system is critical. The ability to leverage its features for workflow automation (e.g., follow-up reminders, task management) is expected.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) may be useful for managing personal task lists and project timelines, though not a primary requirement for this role.

• Presentation Software: Beyond PowerPoint, experience with graphic design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign) could be a plus for creating more impactful presentation materials, especially for architectural audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential technology stack for a role involving sales, CRM management, and client presentations. It highlights the critical need for CRM proficiency and strong data interpretation skills using standard office tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of architects, designers, and the construction community, providing solutions that add value to their projects.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, building trust through reliable product information, honest communication, and dependable service.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where internal teams and external partners work together towards shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing new technologies, and consistently seeking ways to optimize processes, products, and customer engagement.

• Accountability & Performance: Taking ownership of responsibilities, driving for results, and striving for excellence in all aspects of the role, from specification pursuit to project support.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively reaching out to internal departments (e.g., technical support, marketing, distribution) to ensure clients receive comprehensive support and accurate information.

• Information Sharing: Regularly sharing market insights, competitive intelligence, and client feedback with relevant teams to inform strategy and product development.

• Solution-Oriented Problem Solving: Working collaboratively with technical and sales teams to develop and present integrated solutions for complex architectural challenges.

• Respectful Communication: Maintaining open, honest, and professional communication channels with all stakeholders, both internal and external.

• Feedback Integration: Being receptive to feedback from colleagues and clients, using it constructively to refine strategies and improve performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred based on typical corporate culture in the building materials and B2B sales sectors, emphasizing collaboration, customer success, and continuous improvement, which are vital for a specification-driven role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The architectural facade and glazing market is competitive, requiring consistent effort to differentiate OBE products and services.

• Long Sales Cycles: Specification-driven sales often involve lengthy design and approval processes, demanding patience and sustained engagement.

• Technical Complexity: Staying current with a broad range of architectural products and their technical specifications requires ongoing learning and a commitment to professional development.

• Territory Management: Effectively covering a multi-state territory requires excellent time management, prioritization skills, and the ability to balance travel with administrative duties.

• Influencing Design: Convincing architects to specify new or unfamiliar products requires strong persuasive skills, technical credibility, and robust support materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Comprehensive training on OBE and CRL product lines, including new product introductions and technical updates.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Opportunities to enhance consultative selling techniques, negotiation strategies, and presentation skills through internal or external training programs.

• Industry Knowledge: Support for attending industry conferences, trade shows, and association meetings (AIA, CSI, IIDA) to expand professional networks and deepen market understanding.

• LEED & BIM Specialization: Pursuing certifications like LEED Accreditation or developing expertise in BIM applications can enhance marketability and technical capabilities.

• Mentorship: Potential access to experienced sales leaders within OBE for guidance on career progression, territory management, and strategic sales approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential hurdles in the role and frames them as opportunities for skill development, aligning with the company's stated commitment to training and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to identifying and prioritizing architectural projects for specification pursuit within a new territory." (Focus on market research, segmentation, and CRM utilization.)

• "Walk me through a complex project where you successfully influenced the basis-of-design specification. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing your process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with architects and designers, especially in a competitive market?" (Highlight your networking strategies, follow-up processes, and value-added services.)

• "Imagine an architect is hesitant to specify our product due to cost concerns compared to a competitor. How would you address this objection?" (Demonstrate your ability to articulate value beyond price, focusing on total cost of ownership, performance, and support.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and our position in the architectural facade market?" (Research OBE's projects, products, and market standing. Be prepared to discuss competitors.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall success of OBE's sales and growth objectives in the Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas region?" (Connect your responsibilities to broader business goals.)

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with internal teams such as marketing, technical support, and distribution sales." (Provide specific examples of cross-functional teamwork.)

• "How do you stay updated on architectural trends, building codes, and new materials in the facade industry?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, specification success, or client relationship. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., dollar value of specifications secured, percentage increase in project wins, number of new relationships established).

• Visual Aids: Incorporate high-quality images of projects, architectural drawings, product specifications, or presentation slides to make your portfolio engaging.

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives, highlighting the problem, your solution, and the positive outcome. Emphasize your role and contributions.

• Practice Your Walkthrough: Rehearse presenting your portfolio with a focus on clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about each element.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and tips are designed to help candidates prepare for specific interview scenarios relevant to an architectural sales and specification management role, focusing on demonstrating strategic thinking, technical knowledge, and relationship management skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Architectural Facade Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in architectural specification, glass and glazing, CRM management, and relationship building within the design/construction industry.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your accomplishments using action verbs and quantifiable results, particularly focusing on project wins and specification successes relevant to OBE's product lines.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, its products, recent projects, and competitors. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience in architectural sales and specification.

• Networking Research: If possible, identify key individuals at OBE or in the Dallas architectural community whom you know or who could offer insights into the company culture and market dynamics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.