Role: Account Manager, Design-Led Furniture Dealer
OVERVIEW
Join an established design-led furniture specialist with a respected product portfolio, strong industry relationships and an experienced team behind you. Combining consultancy, account management and business development, this is an opportunity to grow existing relationships, develop new business and build a long-term career within the company.
The Opportunity
One of London’s most established and respected design-led furniture specialists.
Working with an extensive portfolio of contemporary furniture and lighting, the company supports architects, interior designers, specifiers and end users across workplace, hospitality, residential and public-sector projects.
This is an Account Manager position for someone who genuinely enjoys furniture consultancy and developing considered product solutions, but who is equally comfortable getting out into the market, meeting clients and generating new business.
The successful candidate will inherit existing relationships and live opportunities, while being expected to develop new contacts, re-engage dormant accounts and build a strong long-term pipeline.
This is not a hard-sell environment. The company’s reputation has been built through design knowledge, trusted advice and a high level of service. However, the successful candidate must still be commercially driven, proactive and confident creating opportunities rather than waiting for enquiries to arrive.
The Role
You will manage and develop relationships with architects, interior designers, specifiers, property professionals and client end users.
You will work consultatively with clients, understanding their brief and recommending furniture and lighting based on aesthetics, functionality, budget, lead times, sustainability and project requirements.
Alongside managing existing accounts, you will be expected to remain visible within the design community, arranging studio visits, attending industry events, hosting showroom meetings and developing new relationships.
You will manage opportunities from the initial conversation and product presentation through to quotation, specification and internal project handover, maintaining oversight of the client relationship throughout.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of existing client accounts.
- Develop new relationships with architects, designers, specifiers and end users.
- Reconnect with dormant clients and identify new opportunities within existing accounts.
- Arrange regular studio visits, client meetings, presentations and showroom appointments.
- Respond to furniture and lighting briefs with considered, commercially appropriate solutions.
- Source and specify products from a broad portfolio of international design brands.
- Prepare quotations, budgets, product schedules and client presentations.
- Manage projects and opportunities through each stage of the sales process.
- Maintain an accurate pipeline, CRM and sales forecast.
- Work towards agreed revenue, margin and business-development targets.
- Coordinate closely with sales support, purchasing, project management and operations teams.
- Develop strong relationships with manufacturers and supplier partners.
- Maintain a detailed understanding of products, finishes, materials, pricing and lead times.
- Attend design fairs, product launches, networking events and relevant industry exhibitions.
- Provide a high level of communication and aftercare throughout the client relationship.
The Candidate
You may currently be working as an Account Manager, Business Development Manager, Furniture Consultant, Project Sales Manager or in a similar commercial furniture role.
Ideally, you will have experience working for a design-led furniture dealer, contract furniture consultancy, manufacturer or high-end furniture brand.
You should be comfortable advising clients and developing specifications, while also having the confidence and energy to generate new conversations and opportunities.
You will ideally bring:
- Experience within the design-led furniture, lighting or interiors sector.
- An understanding of the A&D, contract or professional interiors market.
- Existing relationships within the design community, or the ability to build them quickly.
- Strong furniture and product knowledge.
- A genuine interest in contemporary design, materials and manufacturing.
- Experience developing both existing accounts and new business.
- The ability to interpret briefs and present appropriate product solutions.
- Commercial awareness, including quotations, margins, budgets and sales targets.
- Strong communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
- Good organisation and attention to detail.
- The ability to manage multiple opportunities and project timelines.
- Confidence working independently while contributing to a close-knit team.
Personality
The right person will be warm, credible and knowledgeable, without being overly sales-led.
You will enjoy becoming a trusted resource for your clients and helping them make informed decisions. At the same time, you will be naturally proactive and understand that strong relationships need to be continually developed.
You will be comfortable picking up the phone, arranging meetings, visiting studios and finding reasons to reconnect with both new and established contacts.