Business Development Manager- Lighting Specialist

Quincaillerie Richelieu • Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Richelieu is seeking a customer-facing Business Development Manager – Lighting & Design Specialist to grow its lighting business across the Midwest and Western United States. The role combines design, product expertise, education, and business development. Working alongside Richelieu sales representatives, the specialist will support cabinet shops, kitchen and bath dealers, showrooms, designers, closet manufacturers, and other woodworking customers in integrating lighting into cabinetry, furniture, closets, displays, and interior spaces.

The position focuses on helping customers understand where, why, and how lighting can improve the appearance, functionality, and value of finished spaces. The specialist will provide design consultations, product demonstrations, presentations, and training, and assist with product selection, layouts, quoting, samples, and customer programs. Richelieu will provide product and technical training. The role is based in the Midwest or Western United States and typically requires 50–70% regional travel.

Requirements

• Experience working directly with customers, designers, showrooms, or manufacturers.
• Strong design instincts and an ability to visualize finished spaces.
• Engaging presentation and communication skills.
• Curiosity and ability to learn technical products.
• Confidence presenting products and design concepts to individuals and groups.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently across a large geographic territory.
• Willingness to travel frequently.
• Passion for design, innovation, and helping customers create better finished spaces.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in kitchen and bath design, cabinetry or closet design, interior design, cabinet or furniture manufacturing, kitchen and bath showrooms, architectural or decorative products, cabinet hardware and accessories, space planning or specification, or design-oriented building products.
• Experience with design software such as 2020 Design, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Chief Architect, Cabinet Vision, or similar platforms.
• Lighting experience.
• A degree in interior design, industrial design, architecture, business, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with cabinet shops, kitchen and bath dealers, showrooms, designers, closet manufacturers, and woodworking customers.
• Help customers incorporate lighting into cabinetry, furniture, closets, displays, and interior spaces.
• Conduct showroom visits, design consultations, product demonstrations, and customer presentations.
• Identify opportunities to integrate lighting earlier in customers’ design and specification processes.
• Help customers select lighting products based on application, aesthetics, functionality, and installation requirements.
• Build relationships with designers, showroom personnel, business owners, and other customer decision-makers.
• Partner with Richelieu sales representatives on customer calls, territory development, and lighting opportunities.
• Help sales representatives identify customers with strong lighting potential.
• Participate in joint customer visits and specification meetings.
• Support strategic opportunities with product selection, layouts, quoting, samples, and demonstrations.
• Help convert lighting opportunities into repeatable customer programs.
• Support regional trade shows, open houses, showroom events, and industry events.
• Become a subject-matter expert on Richelieu’s decorative and functional lighting portfolio.
• Deliver lighting and design presentations to customers and sales teams.
• Train sales representatives on lighting applications and opportunity identification.
• Support new product introductions and product demonstrations.
• Educate customers on emerging trends in integrated cabinet and furniture lighting.
• Translate technical product information into practical, design-oriented solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive market-based salary plus monthly, quarterly, and annual commissions.
• Monthly car allowance and covered fuel.
• Business expense reimbursement.
• Group insurance program, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matching.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Company cell phone.
• Paid vacation time, sick days, and 9 paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed