Sales Manager in Training

Job Description

Job Description

Are you a results-driven leader who thrives on developing high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences? Join Factory Direct Enterprises LLC, one of the largest licensees of Ashley Furniture, and take your leadership career to the next level. With competitive compensation, a culture focused on growth, and a strong support system, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join a team honored by Furniture Today as one of the Best Places to Work in Furniture for 2025.

About Us

FDE represents Ashley, the number one selling furniture brand in the world and the leading retailer of furniture and bedding in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the industry:

• Base salary ranging from $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience and store assignment

• Annual bonus opportunities with the potential to earn up to $72,540 additional pay, based on performance and company success

• Paid 13-week training program through the Ashley Sales Academy

• Quarterly and annual performance awards

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Paid time off, holiday pay, and a paid day off for your birthday

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with plans starting at $25 per week

• Employee discounts on Ashley products

• Referral bonuses of up to $1,000 for successful candidate referrals

• Eligibility for the FDE G3 Profit-Sharing Program, rewarding team members based on company and store performance outcomes

Our Culture and Team Member Programs

At FDE, we foster a culture of accountability, growth, and recognition. We actively seek employee feedback and invest in meaningful programs to support our team and communities:

• Hope to Dream: Every mattress purchase helps provide beds to children in need

• Give a Day: One paid day annually to volunteer with an approved nonprofit organization

• Corporate Chaplains: Confidential support for personal, family, and wellness matters

• Life Resources: Quarterly wellness events on finance, relationships, and health

• Team Member Relief Fund: Financial support for unexpected life events

• SmartDollar: Free financial education and budgeting platform for employees

Your Role: Sales Manager 

As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing the performance of the sales team. You will create a culture of accountability and success, focusing on driving KPIs, guest satisfaction, and overall store performance. You will lead by example on the sales floor, ensuring team engagement and alignment with company goals and values. You will have a designated 'Home Store' at one of our CT locations; Milford, Hamden - with the expectation for you to be flexible in working location according to meet the business need. 

Key Responsibilities

Sales Leadership and Coaching

• Lead and execute FDE’s seven critical sales leadership processes

• Manage team staffing levels to align with traffic and sales volume

• Support the onboarding and development of new team members

• Coach and performance manage associates to achieve sales excellence

• Oversee consistent execution of the Ashley Proven Sales Process

• Guide prospecting and follow-up to build a strong pipeline of customers

• Ensure sales practices meet company compliance and quality standards

• Maintain a consistent presence on the sales floor to coach and support staff (Position to Impact)

Leadership Development

• Apply leadership tools and best practices in daily management

• Attend required training including leadership development and product/vendor sessions

• Mentor future leaders including Assistant Managers, Coaches, and Managers-in-Training

Daily Operations and Motivation

• Lead energizing morning huddles and coaching scrimmages

• Assign team opportunities and participate in guest interactions

• Review and manage staffing-to-traffic ratios and store KPIs

Sales and Performance Metrics

• Achieve store sales budgets based on store tier

• Improve sales KPIs including close rate, sales per guest, and average ticket

• Monitor and drive success across categories such as protection plans, sleep products, and financing

• Track Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Total Piece Exception Rate

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all activities align with the company’s mission, values, and operational standards

• Participate in weekly “Perfect Store Visit” meetings to review store readiness and performance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready showroom environment

Schedule Requirements

• Full-time, minimum of 45 hours per week including weekends

• Availability during holiday periods and business-critical dates

• Two scheduled days off per week, with exceptions during peak periods

• Regular, in-person attendance at the assigned store location is required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

• Previous leadership experience in a fast-paced retail environment

• Strong ability to coach, lead, and drive performance through others

• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and motivational skills

• Ability to foster teamwork and build strong internal relationships

• Highly organized with the ability to adapt to changing priorities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to learn company systems

Our Hiring Process

We've designed our process to get you from application to offer in 1-2 weeks — no lengthy waiting periods, no unnecessary stages.

Step 1 — AI Interview (within 48 hours of applying). Complete a short AI-powered interview, at a time that suits you. No scheduling required — you choose when you do it, and it can be completed within 48 hours of applying.

Step 2 — Recruiter Call. A member of the team will reach out to walk you through the role and the business in more detail, answer your questions, and make sure this is the right fit on both sides, then schedule your face to face interview.

Step 3 — Hiring Manager Interviews. You'll meet the team. A face to face interview in the store designed to give both parties a thorough and genuine sense of fit.

Step 4 — Offer. If it's a match, we move fast. Expect a clear, timely offer without the drawn-out back-and-forth.

Job Type

Full-time

Benefits

Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Life insurance, Paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, Employee discount, Paid training program

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