Account Manager

Account Manager - Inside/Outside Sales & Client Development

Position Summary

The Account Manager role at STARK combines inside and outside sales, account management, and business development to drive growth and deepen client engagement across trade and design partners. This hybrid position blends in-office collaboration with field-based relationship building, ensuring a proactive approach to cultivating long-term partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and showcasing STARK's premium carpet and rug offerings.

Success in this role requires initiative, creativity, and a strong drive to expand a dynamic client portfolio while delivering best-in-class service to the interior design community.

Key Responsibilities:

Inside Sales - In-Office Responsibilities

• Maintain in-office presence 2-3 days per week (as needed) to support showroom and client activities.
• Conduct in-person design consultations with clients and trade partners, providing expert product guidance and design solutions.
• Support product sourcing, sample replenishment, and organization within the showroom.
• Participate in team strategy sessions, training programs, and company events.
• Host or support in-office presentations, seminars, and new product launches.
• Maintain accurate CRM records of account activity and ensure timely follow-up with showroom leads and walk-in clients.
• Collaborate with showroom and marketing teams on product presentations, merchandising, and design layout support.

Outside Sales - Field Responsibilities

• Conduct 10-15 client-facing meetings per month (in-person or virtual) to assess project needs and present tailored solutions.
• Maintain consistent digital touchpoints - minimum 20 purposeful social, DM, or text interactions per month - to engage new and existing accounts.
• Deliver 6-10 personalized outreach mailers monthly, including samples, product updates, and curated design presentations.
• Attend 1-3 industry networking events per month to strengthen relationships, uncover new business, and stay informed on emerging design trends.
• Represent STARK at out-of-town trade shows, pop-up events, and partner activations - engaging attendees, promoting product offerings, and capturing qualified leads.
• Proactively generate new business through:
• • Targeted industry networking
  • Strategic partnerships with complementary brands
  • Outreach to emerging designers and firms
• Track and report on sales activity, pipeline health, wins/losses, and client feedback to inform strategic decisions.
• Mentor and support new Account Managers through onboarding guidance, sharing best practices, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Client Development & Strategic Growth

• Advise clients on STARK product attributes, qualities, and design applications based on project needs.
• Identify and pursue new client opportunities by creating customized client-centric marketing plans - including visit schedules, communication cadences, and engagement goals.
• Develop and execute event strategies to deepen client relationships, including product showcases, designer luncheons, and educational seminars.
• Collaborate with senior management and marketing teams to align sales efforts with STARK's overall growth and brand objectives.

Qualifications:

• Strong existing relationships with the interior design and architecture trade community.
• Proven sales success with luxury or design-driven brands.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and CRM management abilities.
• In-depth understanding of carpet and rug qualities, materials, and manufacturing techniques preferred.
• Education: B.A./B.S. in Interior Design, Fine Arts, or related field, plus 2+ years of sales experience to the trade; or 5+ years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• Must achieve a passing score on the STARK Sales Assessment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary commensurate with experience, plus commission and/or incentive bonus potential.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental benefits.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• 401(k) with company match.

COMPANY INFO

About Us:

With more than 80 years of industry expertise, STARK is the discerning designer's go-to source for luxurious custom carpet and rugs.

Our Mission:
To live our mission of helping create beautiful spaces, we believe our first responsibility is making design industry professionals the heroes in their projects because supporting businesses helps to preserve craftsmanship and enable unique and specially designed spaces to exist. In meeting their needs, we must continue to deliver peace of mind service while offering an expansive, diverse, and innovative product assortment that is accessible and convenient.

Our Heritage:
Established by Arthur Stark and his wife Nadia in 1938, the foundation of STARK was always to provide the very best products to our customers. With a rich history, third generation owners Chad Stark, as CEO, and Ashley Stark, as Creative Director, bring the STARK legacy into the new century by staying true to their founding principles. To seek out the best craftsman and methods of manufacturing for the most innovative and beautiful designs.

Stark Carpet Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.