Brand Activation Specialist

At Design Public Group (DPG) , we connect design-driven customers with thoughtfully curated ancillary furniture from leading brands around the world. We obsess over the details-from product expertise to logistics execution-so designers, architects, dealers, and procurement teams can focus on creating exceptional spaces. Built for the A&D community, contract dealers, and hospitality partners, the Design Public Group platform is trusted to deliver on vision, budget, timeline, and reputation. Simply put, it's where great design is easy to find. Design Public Group is proud to be part of the global family of industry-leading workplace and residential brands under HNI Corporation . Join Our Team Design Public Group is seeking a Brand Activation Specialist to drives brand visibility and sales performance for Design Public Group's portfolio of 150+ European brands. Based in our New York City showroom, this role executes showroom merchandising, marketing programs, and brand partner initiatives that support growth across contract, trade, and direct-to-consumer channels. Success in this role requires a blend of design expertise, marketing execution, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful customer experience and sales support. What You'll Do Build and manage relationships with European brand partners, serving as the primary contact for communications, training, showroom visits, and business negotiations. Provide expert product knowledge and strategic guidance to support brand growth, market positioning, and sales activation across contract, trade, and direct-to-consumer channels. Lead the execution of new product launches, showroom activations, events, and multi-channel marketing campaigns. Design, curate, and maintain showroom vignettes and displays that showcase European design and drive engagement across commercial, residential, and hospitality audiences. Manage showroom merchandising, sample libraries, and product presentation to ensure a cohesive and compelling customer experience. Coordinate day-to-day showroom operations, including facility needs, vendor relationships, office supply management, mail distribution, and overall showroom readiness. Develop and produce marketing materials, including lookbooks, brochures, digital assets, sales tools, and regional marketing toolkits. Partner with sales, merchandising, and cross-functional teams to identify growth opportunities, support product strategy, and align offerings with market needs. Monitor showroom activity, sales performance, customer insights, and market trends to inform merchandising, marketing, and business decisions. Analyze competitor offerings, pricing, and industry developments while sharing insights and recommendations with internal stakeholders. Represent the company and brand portfolio at trade shows, training sessions, and industry events to strengthen partnerships and expand market knowledge. Participate in activities as appropriate to ensure the success of the organization. What You'll Bring Bachelor's degree in International Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3 years of relevant sales experience required; 5+ years preferred. Demonstrated history of proficiency in visual merchandising, showroom coordination, design-focused marketing, DTC, Trade, and Contract customer journeys in furniture and interiors. Demonstrated history of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including but not limited to advising international brand partners on US market strategy, brand negotiations, partnership development, and vendor relationship management. Why Join Design Public Group? Competitive compensation package with significant earning potential Established brand presence and strong industry reputation Entrepreneurial environment with the freedom to shape your market strategy Industry-leading portfolio of ancillary furniture solutions Opportunity to work alongside innovators in commercial and hospitality design Backed by the strength and stability of HNI Corporation Make a direct impact on how ancillary furniture is specified, sourced, and delivered in today's evolving market Pay Transparency We are committed to transparent and equitable compensation practices. The posted salary range represents the targeted hiring range for this position. Actual compensation will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr HNI Corporation