Architectural Specification Writer

Locations: Chicago, IL | Orlando, FL | San Francisco, CA
Territory Alignment: Candidates must reside within 30 miles of the designated city center or be willing to relocate.

Job Summary

Benjamin Moore is seeking an experienced Architectural Specification Writer to serve as a trusted technical authority and strategic partner to the architectural and design (A&D) community. In this highly visible role, you will be responsible for developing, securing, and maintaining high-quality paint specifications that drive project success and long-term market growth.

This position blends technical expertise, relationship management, and project lifecycle ownership. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with sales, marketing, retailers, and project stakeholders. You will play a critical role in influencing specifications on commercial and complex architectural projects while reinforcing Benjamin Moore’s brand leadership, innovation, and sustainability commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Market Strategy, Development & Execution

• Develop and execute a strategic account plan to drive specification growth within the architectural segment, in partnership with and under the direction of the Area Sales Manager.

• Identify, qualify, and pursue key opportunities to maximize specification penetration and optimize accounts for long-term success.

• Proactively engage architects, designers, consultants, and specifiers to ensure Benjamin Moore products are specified in upcoming projects.

• Manage and advance leads through the specification process, with a strong focus on commercial and large-scale projects.

Technical Expertise & Specification Leadership

• Serve as the subject-matter expert on Benjamin Moore’s product portfolio, including performance attributes, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance.

• Deliver presentations, continuing education courses (CEUs), and in-office meetings to educate the A&D community on the advantages of specifying Benjamin Moore.

• Provide white-glove service in writing, reviewing, and validating paint specifications to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with design intent.

• Guide decision-makers in selecting the most effective and efficient coating solutions for each project application.

• Utilize the Benjamin Moore Spec Writer tool to create specifications and educate clients on self-service capabilities.

• Collaborate closely with architects, consultants, and project managers to ensure technical documentation reflects project goals and design requirements.

• Support retailer efforts by assisting with specification updates through painters and contractors.

Project Management & Construction Phase Support

• Act as an extension of the client’s project team, providing expert guidance throughout the full project lifecycle.

• Track project opportunities and specification activity, ensuring alignment and effective follow-up with Territory Representatives and painter partners.

• Partner with Territory Representatives during construction to review submittals, respond to RFIs, and confirm specification compliance.

• Conduct job site visits to assess project conditions and support proper implementation of specified products.

Market Intelligence & Business Acumen

• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and industry developments to uncover new opportunities and inform strategy.

• Collaborate with the A&D Marketing Manager to leverage marketing tools and develop custom materials as needed.

• Balance desk-based specification work with field engagement to maximize efficiency, impact, and market share growth.

• Maintain consistent communication with the A&D Headquarters team, providing feedback on critical market insights.

• Submit accurate and timely CRM reports and documentation on a weekly basis.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with the architectural and design community.

• Demonstrated ability to write and self-source architectural specifications and finish schedules, managing projects through installation.

• Strong understanding of the architectural project lifecycle and specification process.

• Ability to clearly articulate and position the Benjamin Moore brand value proposition to A&D professionals.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and specification tools commonly used by architects and designers.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, listening, and public speaking skills.

• Strong project management, time management, and prioritization capabilities.

• Proven analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Ability to travel domestically on an overnight basis for meetings, conferences, and trade shows.

• Must reside in the designated geography or be willing to relocate.