Director of Sales + Operations

For nearly a decade, South Loop Loft has been a go-to resource for interior designers nationwide, offering an award-winning collection of European vintage furnishings, an immersive showroom experience, and exceptional service to the design trade. At South Loop Loft, you’ll join a vibrant, passionate team dedicated to collaboration and excellence. Our supportive culture fosters professional growth, making us a unique place to work.

We are seeking a dynamic experienced Manager to lead our team and drive business growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in management, sales, and luxury products, along with exceptional organizational, HR, financial literacy, and communication skills. You will oversee showroom performance, profit and loss, and support efforts in quality, brand awareness, and company culture. Your main focus will be on executing strategies and managing all operational teams to drive increased profit.

Primary Responsibilities: The Big Picture

• Lead a team of 6 with a focus on results, fostering a positive and proactive environment through teaching and coaching
• Improve current Sales Strategy and develop Outreach Strategy to increase annual revenue
• Maintain a best-in-class client experience by developing and creating an environment of exceptional customer service.
• Oversee execution of quote and order management by the sales and sales support teams.
• Utilize reporting strategically for a big-picture understanding of overall business and areas for growth and improvement.
• Resolve escalated client-service cases.
• Implement process and service improvement plans.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and ongoing mentoring of new employees
• Act as a brand representative on the sales floor, in the office, and at events to develop and grow relationships with the local design community.
• Maintain the signature South Loop Loft best-in-class visual image. Oversee merchandising and overall presentation of space, working with the Inventory Team + Ownership
• Manage facilities, including working with outside vendors for repairs, updates, etc.
• Collaborate with the South Loop Loft accounting teams to facilitate seamless accounting processes, forecasts, and budgets.
• Oversee inventory management for the showroom, working with the Inventory Coordinator to streamline processes and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Liaise with the marketing team to develop client and brand-focused outreach and events
• Plan and execute 4-7 annual events.
• Handle administrative + operational responsibilities related to the business operations

Team Management

• Facilitate weekly team meetings; setting an agenda + tracking goals established
• Weekly one on one meetings, along with providing leadership and weekly goal setting and management with the Sales Team, Ecommerce Team, Marketing Freelancers + Inventory Team
• Weekly meeting with Owner
• Track the successes and metrics of each team member; provide recommendations and feedback for annual reviews; additional training and support
• Provide daily support for a team of 6
• Organize Team building opportunities bi-monthly
• Identify + implement team training and educational opportunities
• Maintain a positive and collaborative work culture
• Oversee additional training + goal setting for a Part Time Shop Assistant

Financial Management

• Financial Reporting: Monthly coordination with Accounting team for P&L Statements; provide analysis + report findings + recommendations to Ownership; including identifying areas for Cost Control; where growth or decline occurred
• Monthly Sales Tax Reporting
• Cost Control: Assess monthly + annual spending + identify areas of Cost Control; provide recommendations + implementations for approved Cost Control initiatives
• Assemble Monthly Metrics Reporting for Sales
• Facilitate payments + manage invoicing for Artist Partnerships; Vendors + Freelancers
• Review + Optimize contracts and agreements with outside vendors + providers

Sales Growth Management

• Work with Ownership to identify key areas of potential in our Sales programming; including working on Outreach + growing our Trade Program Membership; General Manager is responsible for leading the execution of strategies
• Work Closely with our Sales Team towards monthly + annual goals; identify areas of opportunity; identify key clients for monthly outreach; + manage outreach initiatives
• Research + Identify Continuing Education Opportunities for our Sales Team; including online material to enhance our communication skills + customer service ethos, + sales strategies
• Identify + Implement a new CRM for our Sales Team that connect seamlessly with GMAIL

MONTHLY REPORTING

• Collect Reporting from E Commerce and evaluate sales performance of our different online outlets; identify areas of growth, decline + opportunity; Identify trends over time and make recommendations to Ownership
• Collect Reporting from our POS and evaluate sales performance based on inventory categories; identify areas of growth, decline + opportunity; Identify trends over time and make recommendations to Ownership
• Collect + Evaluate reporting from our Marketing Freelancers; and identify areas of success, growth, decline + opportunity
• Attend meetings with Ownership + the Finance team to review monthly and quarterly metrics

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with Ownership to develop key Partnerships; including Furniture Makers + Artists; Consignment Opportunities + Brand Partnerships
• Take the lead with outreach for Partnership Opportunities + Relationship Management as it related to PR + Branding
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities and stay competitive.
• Execute Strategies developed by ownership for Brand Development + Growth

Marketing and Sales

• Sales Targets: Set and monitor sales targets for the team, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Marketing Initiatives: Collaborate with the marketing team and oversee execution of marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and sales.
• Customer Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Assist and Oversee Product + Collection Launches; coordinating with Marketing, E Commerce, Inventory Team + Ownership
• Attend Marketing Analytics Meetings with Ownership
• Recruit + Hire Marketing Freelancers as needed; including an Email Marketing partner with Klaviyo experience

Operations Management

• Operational Efficiency: Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics.
• Technology Implementation: Implement and manage technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Manage paperwork, licensing, etc required for three work vehicles.
• Manage contracts related to leases, security systems, and utilities.
• Review leases and foster positive relationships with landlords.
• Manage security systems for the showroom and warehouse.
• Handle password management for enhanced security.
• Ensure timely transmission of monthly statements to bookkeepers.
• Explore and evaluate connectivity options for improved operations.
• Coordinate potential projects and initiatives.
• Assist with logistics for trade shows.
• Manage permits, licenses + compliance paperwork

Human Resources

• Training and Development: Identify training and development needs and provide opportunities for professional growth.
• Manage accurate and timely payroll.
• Manage 401k plans and annual audit.
• Manage permits and licenses for South Loop Loft.
• Manage PTO requests and adjustments in ADP.
• Manage commissions added to payroll and other adjustments
• Manage 1099s annually.
• Management of Benefits planning and programming for the business
• Create and manage expense reports for team members
• Conduct an annual audit for business insurance, in collaboration with the owner.
• Organize training material and improve training manuals for each position.
• Conduct compliance audits and safety training, in tandem with an HR consultant.
• Create and post job listings, interview, hire, and create training material for new positions.
• Manage onboarding + training of new employees

Risk Management

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including health and safety regulations.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential business risks.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement crisis management plans to handle emergencies and unexpected events.

Community and Public Relations

• Community Engagement: Engage with the local community and participate in community events to build positive relationships, such as RNDD + West Town Art Walk
• Public Relations: Manage public relations efforts to enhance the company's reputation and brand image. Including replying to opportunities we receive; and managing communication with people reaching out regarding marketing, influencer + brand partnerships