Sales associate/sales specialist (Reidsville, NC)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION & JOB PURPOSE

The Sales Associate manages the full sales cycle for Tier 2 (and Tier 3) customers in the upholstery division of Global Textile Alliance (GTA). This includes scheduling appointments, product presentations, generating leads, and following up on customers for a specified regions of the US and/or Canada. The main goals are to maintain strong relationships with existing accounts, seek out new potential customers and opportunities in the designated regions, and grow our market share.

The purpose of this position is to be the primary contact and main line of communication to the Tier 2 (and Tier 3) accounts and be responsible for coordinating the sales and marketing efforts with those customers.

This position requires working closely with the Sales Directors and VP of Sales (for materials procurement, planning, and production) and with the Fabric Designer when needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES & ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responsible to grow and maintain products using GTA and Love Home Fabrics products on a seasonal and annual basis. The majority of all other duties for this position stem from the following tasks:

• Communicate on a regular basis to know the customer’s current usage and future usage of upholstery fabrics they are specifying for themselves, for their customers or for their manufacturers.
• Monitor customer preferences and needs and develop focused sales strategies.
• Manage and coordinate our Design efforts with some of the key Tier 2 customers on new product developments, if needed.

• Growth of GTA products in the designated region.
• Manage the expenses needed to grow the territory.
• High-performance team effort by working with other regional sales associates to help grow entire business.
• Keep the sales team and other teammates up to speed with market data and information.
• Plan and execute strategic and tactical plans to achieve sales objectives assigned. • Product positioning and identification of marketing opportunities for some of the growing Tier 2 accounts.
• Keep up-to-date on market trends and industry intelligence.
• Evaluate market conditions and competitive landscape to develop opportunities for business growth in the market place. • Develop strong customer and partner relationships with customers within assigned territory, and build strong networks and affiliations within key market segments.
• Prospecting new accounts and growing customer base.
• Create inventory sales reports and follow-up with customers to limit obsolete stock.
• Build the image of the company and its worldwide presence and managerial philosophy and objectives.
• Support strategic initiatives and objectives of the company within GTA.
• Assist internal departments in order fulfillment (customer service, sample-making, shipping, and accounting).
• Handle complaints and collaborate with quality and manufacturing department to resolve problems.
• Attend sales meetings to exchange ideas and methods that support sales goals and other company objectives.
• Provide market-based feedback regarding new product opportunities.
• Represent the company at some trade shows and conventions to maintain customer relations, market new products and establish new relationships.
• Maintain consistent visitation schedule between all assigned territories and customers.
• Responsible for monthly booking of one’s travel and completion of business expenses. • Reports directly to the Sales Director.

KEY SKILLS

• Fluent spoken/written English • Ability to clearly communicate ideas, identify opportunities in the future and put together an effective path to achieve goals. • Open for growth with critique and training. • Professional demeanor. • Organized. • Great communicator and coordinator. • Innovative thinker. • Relationship driven. • Dynamic customer interaction skills. • Proven track record of success in promoting product growth. • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • Good knowledge of the upholstery industry. • Strong work ethic and passion for a career in sales. • Positive and energetic attitude. • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. • Excellent negotiation and communication skills. • Interpersonal skills. • Results-driven. • Ability to lift and transport sample bags up to 70lbs. • Travel required 50% of the time while being based in Phoenix, AZ sales office. Must be able to work remotely when not in the office.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 2 years of B2B Sales and/or Marketing of retail or specialty products. • Preferred industry experience and direct interaction with retail management in the area of furniture, decorative home goods, luxury products, specialty fabrics or similar types of consumer goods.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Textiles, or related field or equivalent education and related training.