Account Manager - Custom Projects

Gilbert; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilbert in Melville, NY seeks a Technical Account Manager to be the primary strategic partner for a portfolio of clients, guiding them from concept through project award. You will collaborate with estimating, design, engineering, and production to deliver high-impact architectural millwork projects.

Responsibilities include owning client relationships, expanding opportunities across Gilbert's capabilities, evaluating RFIs/RFPs, and ensuring seamless handoffs to project management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in account management, business development, project management, estimating, architectural millwork, commercial interiors, construction, or related fields.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts and develop trusted advisor relationships.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and Gilbert's capabilities.
• Coordinate RFIs, RFPs, RFEs with internal teams and clarify customer expectations.
• Lead preconstruction discussions and ensure proposals reflect customer needs, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate across Estimating, Engineering, Design, Project Management, Purchasing, and Production.

Skills

Consultative selling

Communication

Presentation skills

Multi-project management

Problem solving

Relationship building

Reading drawings/blueprints

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM software

Job description

Gilbert, located in Melville, NY, is a full-service experiential partner specializing in the design, fabrication, and execution of branded environments. Since 1986, we’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, custom solutions that bring brands to life through thoughtfully designed spaces and impactful experiences. Our core capabilities span trade show exhibits, architectural millwork and interiors, and live activations and events. We provide end-to-end support—from concept through execution—ensuring every project is delivered with precision, creativity, and accountability. We partner with leading brands across industries to translate their vision into high-impact environments. Our work is fast-paced and highly collaborative, grounded in a commitment to quality, exceptional service, and deep industry expertise.

Position Summary

This role serves as the primary strategic partner for a portfolio of clients, building long-term relationships while identifying opportunities to expand Gilbert's business. This role combines consultative selling, technical problem solving, and project development to guide clients from initial concept through project award.

Working closely with estimating, design, engineering, project management, and production, the Technical Account Manager helps customers navigate complex architectural millwork and custom fabrication projects. Success in this role comes from understanding the client's business, identifying opportunities, providing expert guidance, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

What You'll Do

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts.
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with clients, architects, designers, and procurement teams.
• Understand each client's business objectives, brand standards, and future initiatives.
• Maintain regular communication to identify upcoming opportunities.
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience throughout every interaction.

Business Development

• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships.
• Introduce Gilbert's capabilities across architectural interiors, retail environments, trade shows, experiential marketing, and custom fabrication.
• Develop relationships with additional business units, brands, and decision-makers within existing client organizations.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic account growth plans.
• Help position Gilbert early in project planning to improve win rates.

Project Development

• Receive and evaluate Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Design (RFDs), and Requests for Estimate (RFEs).
• Coordinate internally with estimating, engineering, design, and operations.
• Help define project scope and clarify customer expectations.
• Review construction drawings and specifications.
• Identify potential risks, constructability concerns, and value engineering opportunities before projects are awarded.
• Lead preconstruction discussions with customers and design professionals.

Internal Collaboration

• Partner closely with Estimating, Engineering, Design, Project Management, Purchasing, and Production.
• Ensure proposals accurately reflect customer expectations.
• Support seamless handoff to Project Management after award.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings for major accounts.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in account management, business development, project management, estimating, architectural millwork, commercial interiors, construction, or related industries.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong consultative selling skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Critical thinker with exceptional problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable interacting with architects, designers, general contractors, procurement teams, and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience preferred.