Business Development Representative - Trade Direct

Job Purpose

As a Business Development Representative for the Furnitureland South Trade Direct Program, your primary responsibility will be to identify and establish partnerships with interior designers who are seeking high-quality furniture solutions for their clients. Your role will involve cultivating relationships, promoting the benefits of the Trade Direct Program, and driving the growth of the program by expanding the network of interior designers working with Furnitureland South. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Prospecting and Lead Generation:

• Conduct market research to identify potential interior designers and firms that align with Furnitureland South's offerings.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage with interior designers and promote the benefits of joining our trade program.
• Utilize various channels, including industry events, online platforms, social media, email, and direct calls, to establish connections and generate leads.

Networking and Relationship Building:

• Initiate and build strong relationships with interior designers to understand their unique needs and preferences.
• Build and maintain relationships with key players in the interior design industry, including design firms, schools, and professional organizations.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to connect with potential candidates.

Promotion of Trade Direct Program:

• Clearly communicate the benefits of the Trade Direct Program to potential design partners.
• Create and deliver compelling presentations to showcase the advantages and benefits of partnering with Furnitureland South.
• Develop persuasive sales pitches tailored to the needs of individual interior designers, demonstrating how Trade Direct can enhance their business.

Onboarding and Conversion:

• Work closely with the Trade Direct team to ensure that potential candidates meet the necessary qualifications for the program and receive a World-Class onboarding experience.
• Assist in the onboarding process as needed, providing information, support, and guidance to new interior designers joining the trade program.
• Work towards achieving sales goals by converting leads into active participants in the Trade Direct Program.

Performance Tracking:

• Maintain accurate records of leads, interactions, and conversions of prospective interior designers identified as viable candidates for the Trade Direct Program.
• Implement tracking tools to measure the success of recruitment strategies and adjust approaches as needed.

*This is a hybrid position.

Competencies

1. Communication
2. Accountability
3. Customer focus
4. Integrity

Required Education and Experience

• 1-3 years of experience working within the interior design, furniture, or related industry.
• 4-6 years of sales experience.
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong knowledge of interior design industry dynamics.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 1-3 years outside sales experience.
• Previous experience as an Interior Designer.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers and smartphones.

5-10% travel possible. This is a hybrid role.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.