Now Hiring - Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. - Retail Sales Sales Director in Portland, OR

Full description of the position

At Schoolhouse we’re designers, makers, and creative thinkers, and since 2003 we have handcrafted custom lighting and lifestyle products that transcend time and trend. Just as important as the products we make are the people we work with. They are at the heart of everything we do.

Summary

Our Sales Director is a dynamic and experienced professional who works directly with our VP of Customer Experience and Sales Manager to drive new business growth at Schoolhouse, Food 52, and Dansk. This role plays an integral part in all stages of the sales cycle from initial strategy and pipeline generation to deal negotiation and close. Working closely with our Sales Manager they will mentor our Account Representatives, and continue to grow a dedicated sales team. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of lighting, hardware, and home goods, preferably within a manufacturing company, coupled with years of sales experience driving new business.

Key Functions

Communication: Maintains frequent and timely communication with staff, management, and business partners to keep everyone current and well-informed with accurate information concerning business performance, needs, opportunities, and risks. Conducts or attends daily, weekly, monthly meetings, both ad-hoc or scheduled, leading, or participating in an engaged and relevant manner. Negotiates needs, deliverables, and timelines to meet business partners’ service level requirements.

Business Partners: Instills confidence with proactive requests or information, and provides timely responses to cross-functional partner interests and queries. Establishes Service Level Agreements with business partners as appropriate to understand, negotiate and meet business objectives. Presents project proposals, progress reports, and summaries to intra- and inter-departmental business partners, external business partners, leadership, and ownership.

Client Development

• Drive leads, grow pipeline, push deal progression, and meet sales quotas
• Understand the mindset of performance/growth marketers
• Assess current team processes and procedures, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement them
• Deliver compelling and polished sales presentations and utilize effective sales techniques in order to influence target customers
• Negotiate business terms with senior executives and clients
• Effectively communicate with management regarding pipeline, activities, customer needs, and other business opportunities
• Utilize your product and industry expertise to understand the clients' agenda/needs, and identify ways Schoolhouse’s proprietary measurement approach can enhance their business performance
• Lead the development and growth of strategic relationships with target clients and teaming partners that align with core and growth markets.
• Lead and mentor marketing and other business development staff on pursuits including proposal development, preparation of marketing materials, event planning and help maintain strong relationships with key leaders.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities to increase win rate and grow key accounts and overall sales backlog.
• Work with account reps/project managers throughout the entire lifecycle of strategic pursuits, from identification and opportunity qualification, to capture management and pre-proposal activities, through proposal development and final opportunity capture.
• Identify and develop relationships with key client decision makers. Facilitate meetings between client decision makers and key practice leaders.
• Plan approaches working with team to develop proposals that speak to the client’s needs, concerns and objectives.
• Work closely with finance team to offer competitive pricing negotiations on a project/project opportunity basis.
• Cross-sell and increase business from current accounts. Working with other company project managers and sales professionals on developing efficient business development strategies for new and existing clients.
• Participate and provide input on strategic growth initiatives to expand client base both regionally and nationally.
• Collaborates with the VP of Customer Experience and the Sales Manager to roll out Schoolhouse Trade initiatives

Secondary Responsibilities

• Coordinate outbound strategy with the rest of the Trade/ Interior Stylist Team
• Participate in regular one-on-one, staff, and training meetings as scheduled
• Special projects and other duties and activities as assigned.

Competencies

• Teamwork – Be trustworthy. Treat others with respect. Help others learn and grow
• Communication – Be timely and concise in relaying information. Be aware of different communication styles and adapt for greater understanding
• Change – Be nimble, never cynical. Embrace challenges and change
• Judgment – Make sure to include the right people in the right conversations
• Self-Motivated – Strive for results in all instances
• Ambiguity – Excel in situations with uncertain boundaries and minimal guidance; create order out of uncertainty
• Time management – Use your time wisely and efficiently
• Self-Review – Always look for ways to grow and improve
• Innovation – Continually review systems and processes for better ways to reach our goals

Qualifications

• 5+ years working in either inside or outside sales
• 3+ years working in the specialty lighting industry or residential/commercial construction field
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Knowledge of Salesforce, SAP By Design, Zendesk, and Shopify a plus
• Develop an advanced knowledge of SAP by Design, Schoolhouse internal processes, and an advanced knowledge of our Trade offerings
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field of study preferred.
• Existing relationships with interior designers, architects, developers, contractors, hospitality decision makers, etc. is highly desirable.
• Ability to effectively work with diverse technical teams focused on different services and end markets.
• Experience developing and making presentations to clients.
• Experience in managing a sales pipeline through all stages of an opportunity.
• Demonstrated track record of capturing new business opportunities and developing new clients.
• Experience in preparing proposals and negotiating contracts.
• Must have strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must have the ability to interface well with and develop a rapport and positive relationships with clients and company employees.

Requirements

• Must be available to work Monday through Friday and have the flexibility to adjust around customer’s needs
• Must have personal transportation for making sales visits
• Ability to mix working on a computer, visiting customers, and giving presentations

OUR COMPANY AND CULTURE

At Schoolhouse, we believe our greatest strength is our people. We are a diverse team of makers, dreamers, thinkers, and craftspeople who take pride in our work, sweat the details, and are dedicated to creating the next generation of modern heirlooms. With multiple nationalities and languages spoken across our teams, we recognize that we’re not all the same and embrace that. We work hard to cultivate an open and collaborative culture where all employees not only feel valued for their differences but also at home in the workplace. We hold ourselves accountable for long-term internal change in the form of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. You can read more about our support and progress in our latest Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report.

ELIGIBILITY

We value culture adds over culture fits and believe diversity in experience only contributes to team growth and success. Every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our company benefits include paid time off and holidays, a comprehensive insurance package, paid parental leave, 401k plan, a generous employee discount and exceptional on the job training with cross-functional career opportunities. Our wellness and parental leave programs are crafted to support you and embrace a culture of work life balance. And in acknowledgement of a job well done, we regularly enjoy employee engagement activities and community gatherings.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Shift:

• Day shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Hybrid remote

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97210