Category Specialist

CCategory Specialist (Technical Sales) - ConstructionCutstructMarketing & CommunicationsTodayNewLagos Full Time Construction ConfidentialShare linkShare on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on TwitterShare via SMSMin Qualification: Experience Level: Senior level Experience Length: 5 yearsJob descriptions & requirementsJob Title: Category SpecialistLocation: Lagos, Nigeria ( Hybrid )Reports To: Commercial ManagerAbout the CompanyCutstruct is a technology company redefining Africa's construction ecosystem by connecting financiers, developers, and contractors through digital solutions that simplify project funding, procurement, and delivery.Operating across Nigeria with a growing Sub-Saharan footprint, our platform leverages data, automation, and financial intelligence to make infrastructure delivery faster, more transparent, and fundable. Finance is a core enabler of scale and trust at Cutstruct.About the RoleThe Category Specialist (Technical Sales) is a revenue-facing, technically grounded role that sits at the intersection of materials expertise, supplier economics, and commercial execution.This role owns assigned construction material categories end-to-end, from technical evaluation and pricing intelligence to client advisory, deal conversion, and supplier negotiation. The Category Specialist acts as a trusted technical advisor to developers and contractors while translating sourcing advantages into profitable material sales and repeat business for Cutstruct.The role is critical to enabling revenue growth, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting complex construction transactions with credible technical input.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Advisory & Revenue GenerationServe as a technical sales advisor to developers, contractors, and project teams on material selection, specifications, and performance trade-offsTranslate BOQs, drawings, and project requirements into optimized material solutions that balance cost, quality, availability, and constructabilityRecommend technically viable alternatives (materials, grades, specifications, or sourcing strategies) to reduce project costs without compromising standardsConvert negotiated supplier pricing and technical recommendations into closed material sales and revenueSupport commercial teams with pricing rationale, margin optimization, and deal closure, especially on complex or high-value projectsCategory Ownership & Market IntelligenceOwn assigned material categories with accountability for pricing intelligence, supplier economics, and margin performanceTrack manufacturer pricing trends, supply constraints, import dynamics, and market benchmarksIdentify opportunities to expand category depth, introduce substitutes, or improve margins through specification optimizationDrive strategies that increase material adoption, repeat purchases, and wallet share from existing clientsStrategic Sourcing & Supplier EnablementIdentify, onboard, and manage manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers aligned with Cutstruct's quality, pricing, and delivery standardsNegotiate volume-based, project-specific, and strategic pricing directly with manufacturers to achieve below-market ratesDefine and enforce supplier SLAs covering quality assurance, lead times, logistics, and complianceConduct supplier due diligence, audits, and ongoing performance reviewsTechnical Evaluation & Quality AssuranceDeeply understand material specifications, grades, standards, and applications across multiple construction material categoriesReview and validate BOQs, material schedules, drawings, and specificationsProof-check materials proposed by suppliers to ensure fit-for-purpose, durability, and regulatory complianceProvide technical guidance during procurement and project execution phasesCommercial Advisory & Revenue GenerationMaintain deep, practical knowledge of material specifications, grades, standards, and applications across multiple construction categoriesReview and validate BOQs, material schedules, and technical specifications for accuracy and completenessVet supplier-proposed materials to ensure fit-for-purpose performance, durability, and regulatory complianceProvide technical support during procurement and execution to resolve specification, substitution, or quality issuesRequirementsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Building Technology, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.5–8+ years experience across construction materials, procurement, technical sales, or category managementStrong, hands-on knowledge of multiple construction materials (cement, steel/rebars, wood products, aggregates, finishing materials, etc.)Demonstrated ability to negotiate directly with manufacturers and secure competitive pricingCommercial mindset with the ability to translate technical expertise into revenueStrong stakeholder engagement skills