Outside Sales Associate

MillerKnoll•New York, NY

8d•$65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Contract Sales Representative is the primary sales lead for contract, hospitality, and large‑scale commercial design projects. This role partners closely with design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents to guide product selection, manage sales processes, and deliver a seamless experience from concept through order completion. The position requires deep knowledge of contract‑grade furnishings, specifications, timelines, and purchasing requirements. Success in this role comes from building trusted, long‑term relationships with the contract design community, insightfully supporting complex projects, and positioning the brand as an expert, reliable, and easy partner to do business with. This role directly supports the company’s growth in the contract and commercial market by ensuring designers and purchasing partners receive best‑in‑class service, expertise, and project execution. The Contract Sales Representative plays a critical role in translating design intent into successful outcomes—reinforcing trust, driving repeat business, and elevating the brand within the contract design community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience required
5+ years of sales experience focused on contract, hospitality, or commercial interior design projects
Strong understanding of contract project workflows, purchasing requirements, and specification processes
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills
Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and self‑driven
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; CRM experience preferred
Familiarity with industry systems (e.g., ERP/ordering platforms) a plus

Responsibilities

Build, nurture, and expand strong relationships with contract and hospitality design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents.
Identify and pursue new contract client opportunities within the assigned territory.
Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the life of large‑scale projects, from early design phases through installation.
Manage contract projects through the full sales lifecycle, including project registration, quoting, specification support, order processing, and follow‑up.
Oversee the preparation of detailed, accurate quotes aligned with contract pricing, timelines, and project requirements.
Clearly communicate product specifications, customization options, lead times, and compliance standards.
Support and oversee the conversion of quotes to orders, including securing required documentation, deposits, and approvals.
Maintain a full, strategic calendar of client appointments, including showroom presentations and in‑office visits.
Tailor curated presentations to address project scope, budget, and design intent.
Represent the brand at industry events, trade shows, and vendor meetings as appropriate.
Partner closely with Contract Support, Customer Service, and internal operations teams to ensure smooth order execution.
Provide consistent project updates and proactive communication to internal and external partners.
Meet or exceed individual, territory, and company contract sales goals.
Maintain accurate records, sales call reports, and project tracking.
Participate in regular business reviews with Showroom General Manager to assess pipeline, strategy, and opportunities.
Develop and maintain expert knowledge of all product categories, including construction, performance standards, customization, and maintenance.
Stay current on new product launches, vendor updates, and market trends relevant to contract interiors.
Support client libraries with up‑to‑date samples, memos, and resources.