SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

James & James LLC•Little Rock, AR

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

James + James Furniture is seeking a Sales & Business Development Manager to help build and grow Ralph Speer, our designer and trade furniture business. This is a hands-on sales opportunity for an accomplished salesperson who is energized by building relationships, developing new business, closing sales, and helping shape a growing brand. The Sales & Business Development Manager will be responsible for developing new designer and trade accounts, strengthening existing relationships, reconnecting with past customers, and turning opportunities into completed orders and repeat business. Ralph Speer combines high-quality hardwood furniture, customization capabilities, and established manufacturing resources through James + James Furniture. This position will play an important role in connecting those capabilities with interior designers, design firms, trade professionals, hospitality customers, and other strategic accounts. This is initially an individual-contributor sales role, not a position managing an existing sales team. The successful candidate will work closely with Charles Morgan, CEO and key senior leadership team members, gaining direct exposure to the business while taking ownership of sales development and results. A proven record of successful sales and demonstrated ability to personally close business is essential. Furniture-industry experience is desirable but not required.

Requirements

A demonstrated history of successful sales performance.
Experience achieving or exceeding sales goals.
Strong prospecting and relationship-development skills.
Confidence in asking for the business and closing opportunities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills and disciplined follow-through.
The ability to work independently and take ownership of results.
Curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to learn quickly.
A professional presence and customer-focused approach.
The ability to build trust and develop relationships that lead to repeat business.

Nice To Haves

Experience in furniture or home furnishings
Experience in interior design or design services
Experience with premium or luxury products
Experience in trade or hospitality sales
Experience in project-based sales
Experience with customized products
Experience in relationship-driven business development
Accomplished sales professionals from other industries

Responsibilities

Develop and close new business opportunities within the designer, trade, hospitality, and related markets.
Build and maintain productive, long-term relationships with interior designers, design firms, trade professionals, and strategic accounts.
Identify prospective customers and establish a consistent, purposeful outreach strategy.
Reconnect with previous customers and develop opportunities for renewed and repeat business.
Understand customer needs, project requirements, budgets, timelines, and design objectives.
Present Ralph Speer products and customization capabilities in a compelling and professional manner.
Prepare proposals, pricing, and sales materials in coordination with internal teams.
Address customer questions and concerns and confidently move qualified opportunities toward the close.
Maintain an accurate sales pipeline and consistent follow-up throughout the sales process.
Work closely with Marketing to leverage product introductions, lookbooks, photography, communications, and other sales resources.
Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and Operations to ensure customer expectations are clearly communicated and delivered.
Provide regular updates regarding pipeline activity, opportunities, customer feedback, and anticipated business.
Help establish a repeatable sales process that can support future growth and the addition of additional sales team members.
Represent Ralph Speer and James + James professionally with customers, designers, industry partners, and the community.