Director of Trade Sales

Recruiting Firm: Symbiotic Services

Position Overview

Symbiotic Services is seeking a Director of Trade Sales on behalf of a confidential client. This leadership role is responsible for owning and growing the trade segment as a strategic business unit. The Director will drive sales performance through disciplined execution, strong leadership, and consistent accountability across the sales team.

This position combines hands\-on field leadership with strategic planning to expand market share, strengthen client relationships, and deliver sustainable revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Strategy & Performance Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies to increase revenue and expand the trade customer base.
  




• Establish structured performance management for sales representatives and showrooms with clearly defined KPIs.
  




• Drive accountability through regular coaching, goal setting, and performance monitoring.
  




• Implement processes for tracking and reporting key metrics including revenue growth, new client acquisition, pipeline conversion, and sales activity levels.
  

Territory & Market Optimization

• Evaluate and optimize sales territories based on market potential, historical performance, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities.
  




• Conduct territory productivity analysis to identify expansion opportunities, including new showrooms or sales representation.
  




• Monitor emerging market trends through field engagement, customer feedback, and competitive intelligence.
  




• Translate insights into actionable strategies that support revenue growth and market expansion.
  

Account Leadership & Customer Engagement

• Support trade showrooms and sales representatives through regular visits, relationship development, and opportunity management.
  




• Serve as the escalation point for complex or high\-impact customer needs.
  




• Build and strengthen partnerships with leading designers, architects, and industry organizations.
  




• Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, networking functions, and market events.
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high\-performing sales team focused on results, accountability, and exceptional client service.
  




• Recruit, onboard, and mentor top sales talent to support ongoing growth initiatives.
  




• Address performance challenges through coaching, feedback, and structured development plans.
  




• Foster a performance\-driven team culture that encourages collaboration and excellence.
  




• Partner with retail sales leadership to ensure alignment and best practices across the organization.
  




• Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, customer service, and product teams to support seamless execution and customer experience.
  




• Provide insights that help inform product strategy, marketing initiatives, and operational improvements.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Deep understanding of the to\-the\-trade furniture market, luxury design trends, and the needs of the professional design community.
  




• Strong relationship\-building and networking capabilities.
  




• Excellent presentation skills, including both development of materials and delivery to stakeholders.
  




• Proven leadership experience managing sales teams and collaborating cross\-functionally with marketing and product development.
  




• Strategic and creative thinker capable of translating ideas into actionable business initiatives.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Interior Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  




• 7–10 years of experience in trade sales, luxury furniture, or high\-end interior design.
  




• Demonstrated success working with designers, architects, and trade professionals.
  




• Willingness and ability to travel for trade shows, industry events, showroom visits, and client meetings as required.