Retail Trade Account Executive (full-time)

Ernesta•Greenwich, CT

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Ernesta is seeking an experienced Retail Trade Account Executive to build and grow its trade business within the local design community. Reporting to the Showroom Leader, this entrepreneurial sales role focuses on developing long-term relationships with interior designers, architects, and other trade partners, while growing existing accounts and acquiring new ones. The position combines proactive outreach, account management, consultative sales, product and design expertise, and reliable follow-through to help trade partners incorporate Ernesta products into their projects. The role involves spending approximately 20–30% of the month meeting with the local trade community through office visits, Lunch & Learns, industry events, networking, and other relationship-building activities. The Executive works closely with the Showroom Leader and Design Assistants to provide a seamless customer experience, supports showroom events, shares trade-community feedback with internal teams, and tracks performance against business goals. The position requires local travel and a flexible retail schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, or events as business needs require.

Requirements

1–2+ years of relevant experience in interior design, home furnishings, architecture and design sales, trade sales, account management, or a related design-focused industry.
Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships and develop trust with clients or accounts over time.
Passion for interior design, home décor, architecture, and the broader design community.
Entrepreneurial, self-motivated approach and drive to create new business opportunities and grow a book of business.
Commercial mindset and motivation to achieve sales and relationship-growth goals.
Strong organization, time management, and disciplined follow-through.
Comfort prospecting, initiating new relationships, and engaging people not previously worked with.
Confidence communicating and presenting one-on-one and to groups, including designers, architects, and design firms.
Curiosity and consultative ability, including listening deeply, understanding project needs, and recommending thoughtful solutions.
Solutions-oriented judgment, business sense, high integrity, and willingness to take ownership.
Ability to manage multiple accounts, projects, quotes, samples, and follow-up timelines simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication across in-person, phone, email, text, and video interactions.
High comfort using digital tools and systems for customer relationship management, communication, and sales activity.
Ability and willingness to travel locally for trade meetings, office visits, Lunch & Learns, and industry events.
Ability to work a flexible retail schedule as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends, or events.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships within the local interior design, architecture, or home furnishings community.
Experience in a high-end or design-focused showroom environment.
Experience managing a portfolio or book of trade, designer, or professional accounts.
Experience with custom products, textiles, rugs, furniture, or other home furnishings.
Experience with design tools, spatial planning, or custom measurement processes.
BA or experience working in a creative field such as interior design, architecture, art history, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Build and grow Ernesta’s local trade business through meaningful, long-term relationships with interior designers, architects, and other trade partners.
Own a portfolio of trade accounts and develop relationships that drive repeat projects, retention, and revenue growth.
Identify, prospect, and acquire new trade accounts through targeted outreach, referrals, networking, and community engagement.
Activate new trade accounts by learning about their businesses, introducing Ernesta’s products and services, and identifying opportunities to support current and future projects.
Spend approximately 20–30% of the month meeting with the trade community through designer and firm office visits, Lunch & Learns, industry events, networking, and other relationship-building activities.
Understand each trade partner’s business, aesthetic, project pipeline, and needs to provide relevant, personalized support.
Provide product and design expertise on materials, construction, sizing, styling, custom services, and the Ernesta assortment.
Deliver consultative sales experiences by listening to project needs and recommending tailored solutions.
Follow up consistently on sample orders, open quotes, active projects, and previously engaged accounts.
Maintain an organized, actionable account pipeline with clear next steps, project timelines, relationship activity, and growth opportunities.
Partner with Design Assistants and the Showroom Leader to provide a seamless experience when trade partners bring clients or projects into the showroom.
Host and support showroom events that strengthen Ernesta’s presence in the local design community.
Share feedback from trade partners with internal teams to help improve products, services, tools, and the trade experience.
Track performance and goals for trade revenue, new account acquisition, account activation, pipeline development, retention, and relationship growth.
Represent Ernesta externally with professionalism, integrity, enthusiasm, and passion for design.
Travel locally for trade meetings, office visits, Lunch & Learns, and industry events.
Work a flexible retail schedule as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends, or events.