Account Associate

STARK is seeking to hire an Account Associate for our Chicago showroom. This position offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about the interior design industry to embark on a career path leading to sales excellence. With a structured training and ramp-up period, candidates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a dynamic sales environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Engage in a comprehensive training program designed to provide a solid foundation in sales techniques, product knowledge, and client service. This period allows for the gradual ramp-up of responsibilities, ensuring readiness for direct sales activities.
• Provide exceptional service (coverage) at the front desk, enhancing the overall client experience.
• Provide sales support to our Account Managers.
• Actively engage with retail and trade clients in the showroom, using in-depth product knowledge to drive sales. This includes selling to retail and trade customers, working with clients to provide quotes, samples, process orders, and follow up on orders.
• Advise clients on product attributes and qualities as related to their needs through networking, observing and analyzing market trends, and using personal judgment.
• Identify potential clients and create strategic client-centric marketing plans, including decisions on who to visit, when, and how many times. Cold call potential clients using customized sales and marketing scripts developed on a client-by-client basis. Create pre and post-client visit reports, assess the purchasing potential of clients, and deliver analysis to senior management.
• Prepare sales documents to initiate and close sales, and collaborate on the creation of layouts for installation from the design perspective.
• Grow a client base large enough to reach sales goals and build and maintain client relationships.
• Service existing client base according to best practices and Core Values.
• Work closely with Account Managers to learn additional skills, share ideas, and assist with pre-sale tasks.
• Assist with events and develop event strategy, lead, and organize events for specific clients with full discretion over budgets and invitees.
• Showroom coverages for all out-of-town showrooms.
• Be a positive contributor to company culture.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Must possess a strong interest in the interior design trade as well as interpersonal, communication, and computer skills.
• Experience in the design industry preferred
• Associate or B.A. / B.S. Degree preferably in Interior Design or related field, and/or a minimum 2 years retail or to-the-trade sales
• Acceptable score on Sales Assessment

Benefits:

• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Supplemental Benefits 
• Great Paid Time Off Policy 
• 401k match