Trade Development Manager
About The Position
A manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Trade Development Manager to drive business growth and brand advocacy within the architecture and design community. This individual will build trusted relationships with architects, interior designers, and specifiers while positioning the company's semi custom cabinetry products as a preferred choice for upcoming projects. The Trade Development Manager will provide product education, deliver CEU presentations, offer technical guidance, and work with trade professionals from initial introduction through product specification. This role will also identify new business opportunities, develop a strong pipeline of trade relationships, and work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to help convert opportunities into business.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in trade development, architectural and design sales, or a related business development role required
- Strong understanding of residential and commercial design trends
- Ability to communicate credibly with architects, designers, and specifiers
- Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
- Comfortable delivering CEU accredited presentations and educational content
- Proven relationship building and consultative selling skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Marketing, and Product teams
- Ability to travel regularly for meetings, trade events, and industry conferences
Nice To Haves
- Experience within cabinetry, building products, interior finishes, or a related industry strongly preferred
- Knowledge of cabinetry products, construction methods, and specification processes preferred
- Established relationships within the architecture and design community are a strong plus
- Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field preferred
- Active involvement with NKBA, ASID, AIA, or similar organizations is a plus
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain relationships with architects, interior designers, specifiers, and key A&D firms
- Serve as a brand ambassador and primary resource for the architecture and design community
- Identify and engage influential designers, architects, and firms to develop new business opportunities
- Deliver product education, lunch and learns, and CEU accredited presentations
- Provide technical guidance on cabinetry specifications, construction, finishes, and applications
- Support trade partners throughout the project lifecycle from initial interest through final specification
- Influence product specifications and help drive project conversion and sales opportunities
- Track project pipelines, specification wins, and market opportunities
- Support and promote the company's Trade Partner Program
- Partner with Sales to hand off qualified opportunities and support deal conversion
- Collaborate with Marketing on messaging, campaigns, collateral, and resources for the A&D market
- Provide Product teams with feedback on design trends, market needs, and specifier preferences
- Represent the company at trade shows, kitchen and bath events, industry conferences, and networking events
- Build relationships through relevant industry organizations, including NKBA, ASID, and AIA
- Monitor design trends, competitive activity, and developments within the A&D market
- Report on relationship development, pipeline activity, specification wins, and event results
Benefits
- Refer a friend and earn up to $1,500 upon a successful hire
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
