Furniture & Lighting Outside Sales Specialist

Allora•Athens, GA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our client, Hawthorne House, is hiring for the Furniture & Lighting Outside Sales Specialist position to lead growth through the Concierge, Encore, and the To-The-Trade service programs. This is a project-based, client-facing sales role that blends design knowledge with business development and account management. The position is based in Athens, Georgia, with both in-showroom appointments, virtual and local travel for meetings and presentations. This role is ideal for a seasoned furnishings and lighting professional with deep industry experience, strong presentation skills, and a refined understanding of the decorative arts. The right candidate will be entrepreneurial, resourceful, and relationship-driven, capable of managing complex projects from concept through installation while representing the Hawthorne House standard of excellence. There is a tremendous opportunity for growth, expansion, and upward movement within the company for a high performer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Decorative Arts, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of three years of experience in luxury furnishings, lighting, or interior design.
Knowledge of furnishings, decorative arts, and lighting, with an appreciation for craftsmanship and quality.
In-depth understanding of the furnishings and lighting market and the ability to communicate with confidence and professionalism.
Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
Proven success in project-based sales with a strong understanding of lead times, trade pricing, and manufacturing processes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, with familiarity in project management tools such as Monday.com.
Working knowledge of Shopify, Instagram, and Canva.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to self-direct, forecast, and manage multiple active projects simultaneously.
Must be based in or near Athens, Georgia, with flexibility for off-site meetings and presentations.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage client relationships with homeowners, designers, decorators, realtors, developers, and property managers throughout the Athens, Atlanta, and extended U.S. markets.
Generate sales through project-based programs, including Concierge, Encore, and To-The-Trade service programs.
Conduct client consultations in the showroom, virtually, and onsite to guide selections in furnishings, decorative lighting, and art.
Prepare and present proposals and quotes for orders related to furnishings and lighting projects.
Manage all aspects of project sales from presentation through order tracking, vendor communication, shipping coordination, and client updates, collaborating with the assistance of the Retail Showroom Sales Coordinator.
Coordinate with bookkeeping and operations to forecast payments, track open purchase orders, and manage term-account timing with accuracy.
Partner with marketing and other company divisions to build outreach campaigns and sales tools and to maintain follow-up funnels with potential clients and leads.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the furnishings, lighting, and decorative lines represented by Hawthorne House while staying current with broader industry trends, materials, and innovations.
Participate in the design community by attending trade shows, designer show houses, vendor presentations, and industry events to strengthen professional relationships and identify new opportunities.
Prepare and maintain organized client files, proposals, and sales tracking reports.
Collaborate with leadership on strategies to reach monthly and annual sales goals.
Maintain strong vendor relationships, staying informed about new introductions, lead times, and product availability.
Meet or exceed monthly sales goals with consistent attention to client satisfaction and design integrity.