Sales, Business Development

Sales, Business Development

Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 79 years of experience and more than 435 full-time employees across the country. We are the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States and support a list of more than 500 manufacturers. We partner with best-in-class architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver proven workspace solutions. With creative and cost-effective results, we address business challenges and activate brands.

Empire Office is currently seeking a Sales, Business Development professional for our Atlanta, GA office to join our growing team. This will be a hybrid/in-person role, with an expected three to four days per week in the office. The function of this position is to manage client expectations, provide quality-based products, and deliver knowledge-based solutions. This role will be responsible for increasing market share and profitability by cultivating client trust through daily account oversight.

Job Responsibilities

• Update the client on new product offerings and market trends.
• Exercise value engineering when interacting with the client.
• Work with the Marketing Department to provide updated materials and information to the client.
• Seek out opportunities for ancillary products and additional services to offer up
• Provide prompt and courteous response to client inquiries, needs, requests, etc.
• Make/herself available to the client for face-to-face meetings over general phone and email communication
• Share the Empire story and promote the depth and breadth of resources he/she provide
• Promote the unique capabilities, knowledge, and expertise he/she possess to the client
• Remain cognizant and prepared for any anticipated client needs
• Possess an understanding of the competition for proper product positioning
• Negotiate with vendors additional discounting then forward to management for increased profitability
• Continually practice strategic social relationship building
• Carry out forecasting and a strategic account plan

Sales Process

• Act as the "quarterback" throughout the sales process by facilitating and managing all steps involved
• Coordinate necessary actions as they are carried by the Sales Coordinator or Project Manager
• Monitor all reports (waiting, unbilled, or aging)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education
• Minimum 1 year sales experience required; 1 year design experience preferred
• Minimum 1 year working in the furniture industry and/or a dealership
• Capable of reading and understanding blueprints, CAD, or construction drawings
• Microsoft Office knowledge (Outlook/Excel/Word)
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Highly motivated, persistent, and skilled negotiator
• Plans and carries out responsibilities with little to no direction
• Comfortable working independently
• Handles deadlines and pressure with ease
• Works well in a team environment