Associate Sales Manager-Chicago, Ann Sacks

Kohler Co.•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Ann Sacks is seeking an ambitious, growth-oriented sales leader to drive market performance, develop high-performing sales talent, and expand our influence within the architecture and design community. The Associate Sales Manager serves as a sales leader for the Chicago market, responsible for driving revenue growth, profitability, client engagement, and market visibility through disciplined territory development and strong sales team leadership. The showroom is our hub, but the market is the focus. Success in this role requires a visible presence both inside and outside the showroom, building relationships with architects, designers, builders, contractors, developers, and other key influencers who shape luxury residential and commercial design. The ideal candidate is a natural relationship builder with strong business acumen, a passion for luxury design, and the ability to lead a consultative sales team. You understand that growth comes from consistent activity, thoughtful client strategy, disciplined follow-up, and meaningful market presence. You bring energy, accountability, and a drive-growth mindset. You know how to motivate people, build trust with clients, and turn market insights into action. This role does not own an individual book of business, but is expected to be actively engaged with the market’s most influential clients and design partners, helping strengthen Ann Sacks’ position as the preferred luxury surfacing partner.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of sales experience required.
Minimum of 1 year of experience managing, coaching, or leading a sales team required.
Experience using CRM systems to manage pipeline, track activity, analyze data, and maximize sales performance required.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office or similar business tools required.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate performance data, identify trends, and translate insights into action.
Ability to contribute to a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Prior showroom, luxury retail, architectural/design, interiors, or related industry experience preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, design, architecture, interior design, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead market growth initiatives through relationship-building, business development, networking, client engagement, and strategic territory management.
Coach associates to develop and execute territory plans that strengthen client relationships, expand market influence, and generate future sales opportunities.
Drive accountability to High Impact Activities, including outreach, client meetings, events, networking, project follow-up, account reactivation, and activities that support long-term growth.
Foster a proactive sales culture focused on creating opportunities, not waiting for opportunities.
Partner with associates on Top 25 client relationships, significant project opportunities, presentations, and strategic account development.
Lead showroom-hosted events, CEUs, product presentations, client experiences, networking opportunities, and community engagement efforts.
Build and lead a results-driven sales culture grounded in accountability, client engagement, relationship development, and consistent execution.
Partner with your leader to provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance management to help associates achieve and exceed sales goals.
Review individual and team pipelines, forecasts, High Impact Activities, outreach plans, and territory strategies to identify opportunities and remove barriers to success.
Recognize and celebrate individual and team wins while maintaining clear accountability to goals, behaviors, and expectations.
Proactively address performance gaps and partner with leadership and Human Resources as needed on coaching plans, performance improvement, disciplinary action, and career development.
Act as a visible market leader and ambassador for Ann Sacks within the local design and building community.
Maintain active engagement with the market’s most influential architects, designers, builders, contractors, developers, and strategic clients.
Partner with associates to deepen key account relationships, strengthen client loyalty, and expand Ann Sacks’ influence within target firms.
Attend industry events, design community gatherings, trade programs, networking opportunities, and client-facing experiences to build Ann Sacks’ presence in the market.
Serve as a resource for clients and associates on product, service, project strategy, and luxury client experience expectations.
Ensure the showroom reflects the high standards, hospitality, design point of view, and luxury experience expected of the Ann Sacks brand.
Set clear expectations for the client experience across every stage of the sales journey, from initial engagement through project completion and post-sale support.
Lead by example in delivering gracious, consultative, and solution-oriented client experiences.
Partner with associates to resolve client concerns with urgency, professionalism, and a focus on protecting long-term relationships.
Own showroom and market performance and overall business results, in close partnership with Area or Regional leadership.
Review sales forecasts and partner with associates to develop action plans that accelerate monthly, quarterly, and annual results.
Use CRM, reporting tools, pipeline data, activity metrics, and market insights to evaluate performance and guide priorities.
Drive disciplined follow-up, accurate forecasting, effective pipeline management, and consistent CRM utilization across the team.
Balance the urgency to drive sales with a strong understanding of long-term business health.
Provide market insights to Sales leadership and demonstrate strong knowledge of local market dynamics, client behavior, and competitive activity.
Ensure showroom operations support a high-performing sales environment and exceptional client experience.
Partner with leadership to ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, onboarding, and training across showroom roles.
Manage time and attendance, work schedules, vacation planning, and staffing adjustments to align with business needs.
Oversee daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reporting processes, using insights to improve sales effectiveness and business performance.
Maintain operational discipline while ensuring the primary focus remains market growth, sales leadership, and client development.
Build a strong network and talent pipeline within the luxury design, sales, showroom, and building materials industries.
Recruit, onboard, coach, and develop sales talent capable of delivering strong business results and exceptional client experiences.
Own the onboarding experience for new showroom sales and support associates, including training plans, skill assessment, role plays, and progress check-ins.
Create development plans that strengthen sales capability, product knowledge, territory management, client engagement, and leadership potential.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable team culture aligned with Ann Sacks and Kohler values.
Model professionalism, curiosity, resilience, and a growth mindset for the team.