Retail Trade Account Executive (full-time)
$62,400–$62,400 year
On-siteSummit, New Jersey, United States
Job Summary
Build and grow Ernesta's local trade business by developing meaningful, long-term relationships with interior designers, architects, and other trade partners. Own a portfolio of trade accounts and proactively develop those relationships to drive repeat projects, retention, and revenue growth. Spend approximately 20–30% of your month externally meeting with the trade community through firm office visits, Lunch & Learns, industry events, and networking. Deliver exceptional product and design expertise across materials, construction, sizing, and custom services while maintaining an organized and actionable account pipeline. Track performance against goals across trade revenue, new account acquisition, and relationship growth. Work collaboratively with the Showroom Leader and Design Assistants to ensure a seamless experience from initial introduction through project completion.
Required Qualifications
- 1–2+ years of relevant experience within interior design, home furnishings, architecture and design sales, trade sales, account management, or a related design-focused industry
- Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships and develop trust with clients or accounts over time
- Passion for interior design, home décor, architecture, and the broader design community
- Entrepreneurial and self-motivated, with the drive to proactively create new business opportunities and grow a book of business
- Commercially minded and motivated by achieving sales and relationship-growth goals
- Highly organized with strong time management skills and disciplined follow-through
- Comfortable prospecting, initiating new relationships, and engaging people you have not previously worked with
- Confident communicating and presenting one-on-one and to groups, including designers, architects, and design firms
- Curious and consultative, with the ability to listen deeply, understand project needs, and recommend thoughtful solutions
- Solutions-oriented with sound judgment, business sense, high integrity, and a willingness to take ownership
- Comfortable managing multiple accounts, projects, quotes, samples, and follow-up timelines simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across in-person, phone, email, text, and video interactions
- High level of comfort working across digital tools and systems used to manage customer relationships, communication, and sales activity
- Ability and willingness to travel locally for trade meetings, office visits, Lunch & Learns, and industry events
- Ability to work a flexible retail schedule as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends, or events based on the needs of the business and local trade community
Desired Qualifications
- Existing relationships within the local interior design, architecture, or home furnishings community
- Experience working in a high-end or design-focused showroom environment
- Experience managing a portfolio or book of trade, designer, or professional accounts
- Experience with custom products, textiles, rugs, furniture, or other home furnishings
- Experience with design tools, spatial planning, or custom measurement processes
- BA or experience working in a creative field such as interior design, architecture, art history, or a related discipline
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