Account Manager

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

DEBNER is Houston’s premier partner in the innovation of progressive solutions that capture the dynamic nature of today’s workplace. Founded in 1991 on the principle of exceptional service, we bring visions to life with our history of earned expertise and skillful execution.

We change perspectives by changing environments, outfitting productive spaces with modern concepts and inspired, enduring style. Our solutions are built on collaboration and enhanced by customization.

It’s not just about the furniture, it’s the way you work.

OUR MISSION

To create inspired, original service solutions that bring teams together, paving the way for innovation and success in our clients’ workplaces and our own.

OUR VISION

To define and maintain the standards of quality and service for our industry in Houston and beyond, earning a reputation as people of unwavering integrity who push the boundaries of the evolving office.

Account Manager 

Position Overview: The Account Manager is the dealership’s primary client partner, responsible for cultivating relationships, securing opportunities, and ensuring the successful delivery of workplace furniture solutions. This role manages the full project lifecycle—business development, proposal and RFP response, design collaboration, order management, and installation oversight—while coordinating across sales, design, operations, and vendor partners. Success in this role requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, combined with a consultative, service-oriented mindset that inspires client confidence and drives long-term partnerships.

Key Responsibilities 

Customer & Account Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all dealer activities, services, orders, and personnel for assigned accounts.
• Oversee the performance of the internal team, ensuring all decisions align with client needs and business objectives.
• Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with clients and their third-party partners, including General Contractors, A&D firms, and IT, Engineers and other consultants as required.
• Provide timely responses to client requests for products, services, and information.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client’s corporate goals, business practices, and satisfaction criteria to drive long-term account success.
• Dedicate at least 25% of time to identifying additional sales opportunities within new and existing accounts to increase revenue and market share.

Project & Order Management

• Oversee all customer projects, work orders, and lead the team to ensure seamless execution from initiation to completion.
• Lead internal team kickoffs, establishing roles and responsibilities for key accounts, RFPs, and presentations while monitoring progress against target dates.
• Oversee all customer projects and work orders, to ensure the highest level of quality work is being produced.
• Manage project effectiveness to avoid profit margin erosion due to errors and omissions in specifications. 
• Review project work plans, schedules, and logistics to ensure successful implementation and client satisfaction.
• Maintain complete and accurate project files, ensuring all documentation aligns with dealership standards.
• Provide weekly or bi-weekly status reports to clients on project progress and outstanding work orders ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Attend project meetings in person or virtually as needed to maintain relationship with clients and to maintain oversight and client alignment.
• Introduce DEBNER PM’s and designers early in the process to increase client confidence in the team’s expertise and attention to their project.
• Stay involved from kick-off through project close-out including punch list resolution and close-out documentation (final images, PO’s, spend summaries).

Sales Order Management

• Manage the development of plans and specifications, either independently or in collaboration with the design team.
• Manage the creation of detailed, accurate, and professional quotes, presenting them to clients in a timely and polished manner (quotes, specs, finish books).
• Ensure consistency between quoted items, awarded packages, and PO’s through reference documentation.
• Ensure a responsible closure of the sale by obtaining signed sales orders, client purchase orders, terms and conditions, and deposits as required.

Organizational Interfaces & Team Coordination

• Serve as the communication hub between clients and their third-party partners, including A&D firms, general contractors, electrical and communications engineers, and IT teams to ensure all parties are aligned.
• Maintain a positive and proactive, problem-solving approach, fostering trust and upholding DEBNER’s core values within the organization.
• Maintain proactive collaboration with manufacturing reps, leveraging their expertise and resources to influence client decisions.
• Manage account team workload to ensure balance, support, and accountability.

Process & Project Coordination

• Ensure all customer work activities meet established standards of performance, quality, and accuracy.
• Set and enforce drop-dead order dates and decision milestones for clients and design firms.
• Maintain strict quality control of PO’s, shop drawings, and submittals; provide design firms with mini-image packages for validation.
• Build validation packages by room and provide and provide ancillary support tools (Scout boards)
• Document all activities in writing with meeting minutes or reports to ensure clarity and accountability.
• Work closely with the customer service team to track order statuses and ensure timely move-in and installation dates.
• Schedule and participate in client presentations, project and construction meetings, pre-installation meetings, and punch list walkthroughs to align project expectations.
• If required, conduct job site visits to assess site conditions before bid submissions or installations.
• Coordinate with building managers or the project management consultant to obtain details on freight docks, elevators, and other logistics for a seamless project execution.

Operations & Installation Oversight

• Manage project effectiveness to avoid profit margin erosion due to errors during installation.
• Collaborate with the project management department to schedule deliveries, installations, and manpower allocation.
• Communicate special requirements, including extended work hours, specialized tools, protective materials, or handling equipment needed to meet client or building management needs.
• Ensure all deliveries and installations are executed according to schedule, resolving any on-site challenges proactively.

Customer Satisfaction

• Ensure high-quality execution of all client work, meeting performance standards and expectations.
• Establish cost structures and pricing strategies for account products and services, maintaining alignment with contract pricing, gross margin guidelines, and service pricing models.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all account activities, ensuring adherence to dealership processes and procedures.
• Strive for the perfect order.

Sales & Business Development

• Proactively market a full range of dealership products and services to assigned accounts.
• Proactively introduce clients to new opportunities, offering insights into products, services, and solutions that align with their evolving needs.
• Present new products and services to clients, leveraging manufacturer representatives, research teams, and internal experts to influence buying decisions.
• Identify opportunities for additional sales, leveraging existing projects to expand into new locations and services.
• Develop long-term purchasing contracts with key accounts to create multiple revenue streams and strengthen client retention.
• Support design firms who are fee-constrained by providing process and administrative support. 
• Deliver brand-aligned presentation and strategic recommendations that position DEBNER as the partner of choice.

RFP Ownership, Proposal Management & Interview Preparation

• Own the RFP process end-to-end, serving as the primary leader from initial receipt of RFP through final submission.
• With Marketing Coordinator, review all incoming documents and prepare a checklist of action items for required deliverables for submission (Contract Terms and Conditions, COI, etc.)
• Facilitate structured kick-off meetings to define scope, identify team, clarify requirements, and align the team on overall strategy, product strategy, and deliverables.
• Establish and manage detailed timelines, assign responsibilities, and oversee cross-functional collaboration to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely completion of all proposal components.
• With Executive Sponsor and BD Director, shape proposal strategy, messaging, and positioning, ensuring alignment with client needs and differentiation from competitors.
• Highlight the dealership’s unique value, capabilities, relevant experience, and approach, to maximize impact and relevance.
• Coordinate with Marketing Coordinator to conduct research and provide audience insights on the prospect’s organization, dossiers on client project team, culture, and decision-making drivers, equipping the team to tailor messaging and presentations.
• Prepare and coach internal teams for interviews and presentations by facilitating dry runs, ensuring polished delivery, cohesive storytelling, and confidence in addressing client questions.
• Continuously improve proposal processes by capturing lessons learned, refining templates, and leveraging best practices for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Pipeline Management & Forecast Accuracy

• Update Pipedrive forecast weekly to ensure accuracy and completeness of all opportunities.
• Track deal progression and verify alignment with client communication and project milestones.
• Prepare forecast update for 1:1 meeting with President and BD Director and be prepared to discuss hot opportunities that need strategic alignment and attention.
• Conduct project reviews with management and/or sales teams, maintaining oversight of all account activities.

Measures of Success

• Projects delivered on time, on budget, zero punch, with satisfied clients.
• Respected, strong, trust-based relationships with design firms and clients.
• Increased share of wallet and repeat business within accounts.
• Accurate documentation, proactive communication, and risk mitigation at every stage.
• Positive reputation for DEBNER as the dealer partner of choice.

Impact Statement

As the bridge between clients and the dealership, the Account Manager ensures every project is delivered with precision, professionalism, and care. By building trust, anticipating needs, and coordinating resources seamlessly, this role drives client satisfaction, repeat business, and long-term partnerships. The Account Manager’s ability to translate client goals into successful workplace solutions directly impacts the dealership’s reputation, growth, and sustained success in the market.

Qualifications and Skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Interior Design, Project Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 0–2 years of experience in account management, project coordination, sales support, or related client service roles; exposure to commercial furniture, interiors, or workplace solutions is a plus.
• Familiarity with project workflows such as specifications, procurement, order management, or installation coordination.
• Interest in commercial furniture solutions, workplace design trends, and creating functional interior environments.
• Ability to collaborate with architects, designers, contractors, and facility managers, or willingness to learn how to support B2B client relationships.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities.
• Effective project coordination skills, with the ability to support multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Collaborative, relationship-driven mindset with a customer-focused approach.
• Problem-solving skills with attention to detail, proactive follow-up, and a willingness to learn.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook); familiarity with CRM or project management tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of furniture specifications, pricing, and contract management is a plus.