Sales Manager in Training - CT Area

Ashley Northeast•New Haven, CT

57d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Factory Direct Enterprises LLC, one of the largest licensees of Ashley Furniture, as a Sales Manager in Training. This role is for results-driven leaders who thrive on developing high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences. FDE represents Ashley, the number one selling furniture brand globally and a leading retailer in the US. The company offers competitive compensation, a culture focused on growth, and a strong support system. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact and join a team recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Furniture for 2025. The Sales Manager will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing the performance of the sales team, creating a culture of accountability and success. The focus will be on driving KPIs, guest satisfaction, and overall store performance, leading by example on the sales floor to ensure team engagement and alignment with company goals and values. The role has a designated 'Home Store' in CT (Milford or Hamden) with the expectation of flexibility in working location based on business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Previous leadership experience in a fast-paced retail environment
Strong ability to coach, lead, and drive performance through others
Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and motivational skills
Ability to foster teamwork and build strong internal relationships
Highly organized with the ability to adapt to changing priorities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to learn company systems

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and execute FDE’s seven critical sales leadership processes
Manage team staffing levels to align with traffic and sales volume
Support the onboarding and development of new team members
Coach and performance manage associates to achieve sales excellence
Oversee consistent execution of the Ashley Proven Sales Process
Guide prospecting and follow-up to build a strong pipeline of customers
Ensure sales practices meet company compliance and quality standards
Maintain a consistent presence on the sales floor to coach and support staff
Apply leadership tools and best practices in daily management
Attend required training including leadership development and product/vendor sessions
Mentor future leaders including Assistant Managers, Coaches, and Managers-in-Training
Lead energizing morning huddles and coaching scrimmages
Assign team opportunities and participate in guest interactions
Review and manage staffing-to-traffic ratios and store KPIs
Achieve store sales budgets based on store tier
Improve sales KPIs including close rate, sales per guest, and average ticket
Monitor and drive success across categories such as protection plans, sleep products, and financing
Track Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Total Piece Exception Rate
Ensure all activities align with the company’s mission, values, and operational standards
Participate in weekly “Perfect Store Visit” meetings to review store readiness and performance
Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready showroom environment

Benefits

Base salary ranging from $60,000 to $70,000
Annual bonus opportunities with the potential to earn up to $72,540 additional pay
Paid 13-week training program through the Ashley Sales Academy
Quarterly and annual performance awards
401(k) plan with company match
Paid time off
Holiday pay
A paid day off for your birthday
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with plans starting at $25 per week
Employee discounts on Ashley products
Referral bonuses of up to $1,000 for successful candidate referrals
Eligibility for the FDE G3 Profit-Sharing Program
Hope to Dream program participation
Give a Day: One paid day annually to volunteer
Corporate Chaplains support
Life Resources: Quarterly wellness events
Team Member Relief Fund
SmartDollar: Free financial education and budgeting platform