National Architectural Paint Specialist
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Rust-Oleum
Vernon Hills, IL, US
Summary
The specialist will lead national sales efforts for the architectural coatings portfolio across Paint, Hardware, and MRO channels. They are responsible for driving product specification, managing distributor relationships, and providing technical expertise to support business growth.
Job Description
Job Title: National Architectural Coatings Sales Specialist
Location: Fully Remote
Department: Rust-Oleum Sales, USA
Reports to: National Sales Manager
Position Summary
Rust-Oleum is seeking a highly driven and strategic National Architectural Coatings Sales Specialist to play a critical role in the launch and expansion of our architectural paint portfolio across the Paint Channel, Hardware, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) segments. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert and commercial leader, partnering with field sales, distribution, and key accounts to accelerate adoption, drive specification, and deliver profitable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead national sales efforts supporting the architectural coatings launch, ensuring alignment across Paint, Hardware, and MRO channels
- Act as the technical and commercial expert on architectural coatings, providing product training, application guidance, and competitive positioning
- Partner with Regional Sales Managers and Distributor Sales Teams to identify, develop, and close new business opportunities
- Drive pull-through demand by working with contractors, facility managers, and end users to influence product specification and conversion
- Build and execute channel-specific growth strategies to expand distribution, increase shelf presence, and improve share of wallet
- Conduct joint sales calls and field rides to coach and elevate sales execution across the organization
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Product Management, and Supply Chain to ensure successful product launch and lifecycle management
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitive activity to inform strategy and optimize performance
- Support national and regional trade shows, customer events, and training sessions
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in architectural coatings, paint, or related building products industry
- Proven success in multi-channel sales environments, including Paint, Hardware, and/or MRO distribution
- Strong understanding of coatings applications, contractor needs, and specification selling
- Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead through collaboration
- Excellent communication, presentation, and training skills
- Willingness to travel nationally (50–70%)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience launching new products or entering new market segments
- Established relationships with key distributors, contractors, or national accounts
- Familiarity with competitive brands and market dynamics within architectural coatings
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking & Execution
- Channel Development & Growth Mindset
- Technical Acumen in Coatings
- Influencing & Relationship Building
- Results Driven
Salary: $85,000 – $100,000, bonus eligible.
From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates! After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Rust-Oleum offers 9.5 paid holidays and two floating holiday per year. You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.
Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.
Solving challenges is the very foundation of who we are. After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn’t particularly care about paint. He just wanted to keep his ship intact. That’s why, when he noticed that an accidental splash of fish oil had stopped the relentless spread of corrosion on his rusty metal deck, he immediately recognized it for what it was: A valuable solution.
The same passion that drove the Captain to spend his next few years creating the world’s first rust-preventative paint still drives us today. When we see a problem, we work diligently until we've perfected a solution—which has led to some of the most cutting-edge, durable and innovative products in the industry.
If you've got a surface you need to protect or a look you want to transform, you've come to the right place. We have a coating for every challenge.
Welcome to Rust-Oleum, home of trusted quality—and powerful solutions—since 1921.
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Rust-Oleum Corporation is a subsidiary of RPM International, Inc.
Founded
1921
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Industry
Manufacturing
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Vernon Hills, IL
Solving challenges is the very foundation of who we are. After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn’t particularly care about paint. He just wanted to keep his ship intact. That’s why, when he noticed that an accidental splash of fish oil had stopped the relentless spread of corrosion on his rusty metal deck, he immediately recognized it for what it was: A valuable solution.
The same passion that drove the Captain to spend his next few years creating the world’s first rust-preventative paint still drives us today. When we see a problem, we work diligently until we've perfected a solution—which has led to some of the most cutting-edge, durable and innovative products in the industry.
If you've got a surface you need to protect or a look you want to transform, you've come to the right place. We have a coating for every challenge.
Welcome to Rust-Oleum, home of trusted quality—and powerful solutions—since 1921.
__
Rust-Oleum Corporation is a subsidiary of RPM International, Inc.
Founded
1921
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Industry
Manufacturing
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Vernon Hills, IL