Design Sales Specialist

About our Client

Our Client is an Italian headquartered design company specialized in historical design and contemporary furniture. They curate mid-century modern pieces and craft bespoke contemporary items, merging tradition with innovation. Their mission is to bring a distinctive and sophisticated perspective to the architecture and interior design community in North America.

The company has recently established a formal U.S. entity and is strengthening its North American presence, building on a solid commercial history developed through its Italian operations.

Our Client is seeking a
Design Sales Specialist
to join its New York City branch and support business growth across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

This role blends
sales, design advisory, account management, and client-facing showroom work
, with a strong focus on the NYC architecture & design (A&D) community, high-end residential clients, and fast-turnaround commercial opportunities.

The ideal candidate has:

• Strong experience in luxury design furniture
• A consultative, design-driven approach
• The ability to speak the language of architects and interior designers
• Maturity, long-term orientation, and strong aesthetic sensibility
• Experience in NYC or major U.S. design hubs

The role reports directly to the Principal of the company.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Client Management

• Manage the full sales process autonomously, including negotiations, follow-ups, order finalization, and post-sale support.
• Handle and convert inbound leads from marketplaces such as 1stDibs, the company website, social media, and digital channels.
• Conduct in-person showroom visits at the NYC showroom, ensuring a high-touch, design-focused client experience.
• Meet with clients across NYC and occasionally other U.S. cities for project meetings and design consultations.
• Manage relationships with:

Interior designers

Architects

Collectors

Dealers and high-end private clients

• Perform ongoing follow-ups with A&D firms, including presentations, "lunch & learns," and project-driven consultations.

Design Advisory

• Act as a Design Advisor, guiding clients through product selection and product knowledge.
• Provide design-driven recommendations based on project requirements, aesthetics, and budget.
• Speak confidently about historical and contemporary design, design movements, and relevant designers.

Order & Operations Coordination

• Coordinate with the Italian headquarters to manage:

Inventory availability

Customizations and restorations

Air shipments (primary shipping method)

Occasional ocean freight for oversized items

• Communicate shipping timelines and lead times to clients (typically from a few days to 3–4 weeks depending on the item).

Market & Business Development

• Develop and execute targeted sales strategies to grow revenue in the U.S. market.
• Expand the company's network across A&D firms, boutique design studios, developers, and luxury residential clients.
• Participate in strategic events and occasional trade fairs.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and track industry trends in the high-end design market.

Digital Sales & CRM

• Manage listings, inquiries, and negotiations on design marketplaces.
• Maintain CRM records with client interactions, sales pipeline, and follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with marketing to improve digital presence and brand visibility.

Requirements

Professional Background

• 5–7 years of experience in luxury furniture, design, or high-end interiors
  , ideally in NYC or major U.S. design markets.
• Strong track record in sales roles involving design products or luxury furniture.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously in a small, entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong aesthetic sensibility and genuine passion for historical and contemporary design.
• Ability to engage in design-driven conversations with architects and interior designers.
• Consultative, relationship-oriented sales approach.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage both fast-turnaround sales cycles and project-based sales.
• Proficiency with digital tools, CRM platforms, and e-commerce/marketplaces.
• Italian language fluency is highly preferred
  , due to frequent coordination with Italian HQ

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: Competitive base salary plus incentive plan
• Health Insurance
• Exposure to iconic historical design pieces and bespoke contemporary collections.
• Opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing brand with direct impact on U.S. market expansion.

Work Environment

• Boutique, design-focused NYC showroom-office.
• High autonomy and direct collaboration with Italian leadership.
• Fast sales cycles with highly engaged design clients.
• Culture characterized by professionalism, creativity, and a long-term vision.