Business Development Manager

Arper; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture design company seeks a Business Development Manager in New York to oversee key design firms, implement sales strategies, and manage client relationships. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor's degree, 3–5 years of experience in sales, and strong negotiation and communication skills. This hybrid role involves collaboration with the sales and marketing teams and interacting with clients in person 3–4 days a week. Competitive salary of $80-100K plus commission is offered.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in contract interiors sales or design preferred.
• Experience in the contract furnishings industry or similar multinational companies preferred.
• Established network in architecture/interior design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee leading New York design firms and key dealers.
• Carry out market research to identify sales opportunities.
• Manage project opportunities from evaluation to follow-up.
• Prepare proposals and negotiate agreements.
• Utilize Salesforce to manage all sales activity.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Project budgeting

Salesforce CRM proficiency

Microsoft Office proficiency

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Degree in Business or Architecture/Design

Tools

Salesforce

Project Management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Arper USA, Inc.is the North American subsidiary of Arper SpA (Italy) with showrooms and teams in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, a network of Independent Representatives and a manufacturing facility and customer care organization in High Point, North Carolina. We have a showroom and a team in Mexico City and dealers in most Central and Suth American markets.

We are an Italian design company with a long-standing presence in the Americas. We work with the A&D and dealer communities to win specifications in commercial interiors, in workplace, hospitality and higher education.

At Arper, we create chairs, tables, and furnishings for community, work, and home. We have grown from a furniture manufacturing business to a global design presence, increasing our business and adding new team members to the Arper family around the world.

We are motivated by relationships: between products and spaces, spaces and people, people, and their networks. Every part - from design to production to long-term impact—is carefully considered, bringing function, aesthetic, detail together in elegant resolution. We are leaders in design for sustainability practices.

Position

The role of Business Development Manager will oversee a list comprised of leading New York design firms, key dealers, and end-user accounts. Representatives of Arper are expected to promote the brand and position the company for long-term profitable growth via effective messaging, presentations, and strategic selling.

This position implements the established sales strategy for the region with a focus on achieving established goals and exceeding customer expectations. The Business Development Manager acts as a brand ambassador and leverages a strong network of Architecture and Design clients, distribution partners, and other influencers to earn new business and create world-class environments for clients across a variety of market segments.

Knowledge of the market and relationships within key accounts are essential, and so too is the ability to effectively sell complex solutions; leveraging Arper’s full portfolio and company differentiators. This role is responsible for the execution of all company programs, product launches, and other activities to achieve the defined strategies and goals.

This position is based out of Arper’s New York Showroom working on collaboration with the sales and marketing team. This role is hybrid, with an expectation of being in person in the New York City showroom or meeting with clients 3–4 days per week.

Salary Range: $80-100K base salary plus commission

Responsibilities

• Understand and articulate the Arper brand strategy and be knowledgeable about all Arper products and services to act as a resource to clients.
• Carry out market research to identify sales opportunities within defined geographic region. Plan effective approach tailored to the client’s unique needs, business drivers, and desired outcomes.
• Support distribution channel partners to maximize opportunities for Arper.
• Identify key decision makers and meet with potential clients to promote Arper solutions and services.
• Manage project opportunities through all phases from initial evaluation and quotation to post-installation follow-up and support.
• Prepare customer proposals with the support of the Arper's Bidding department and negotiate agreements under the supervision of the National Sales Director
• Manage warranty claims and complaints in a timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail and a customer-centric approach.
• Represent Arper at key business meetings, tradeshows and other related events and conferences.
• Utilize Salesforce (CRM) to manage all sales activity, ensuring that information is up to date and accurate. Provide reporting to National Sales Director as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Degree in Business or Architecture/Design preferred.
• 3–5-year experience in contract interiors sales or design preferred
• Strong business acumen, selling skills, project budgeting, and negotiation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Salesforce CRM, and Project Management software tools
• Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills - writes, speaks, and presents information accurately, concisely, and compelling across communication settings and to a variety of audiences.
• Experience as a business developer/sales manager in the contract furnishings industry or similar, multinational companies preferred.
• Established network of contacts across architecture/Interior design, real estate, construction, and project management preferred.
• Results-oriented strategic thinker with quality and depth of decision-making