Outside Sales Associate

MillerKnoll, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll, Inc. in New York is seeking a Contract Sales Representative to lead contract, hospitality, and large‑scale commercial design projects.

You will partner with design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents to guide product selection, manage the sales process, and deliver seamless experiences from concept through order completion. The role requires deep knowledge of contract furnishings, timelines, and purchasing requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of sales experience in contract, hospitality, or commercial interior design projects.
• Strong understanding of contract project workflows, purchasing requirements, and specification processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-driven.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; CRM experience preferred.
• Familiarity with industry systems (e.g., ERP/ordering platforms) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contract Client Relationship Development: Build, nurture, and expand strong relationships with contract and hospitality design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents.
• Project-Based Sales Execution: Manage contract projects through the full sales lifecycle, including project registration, quoting, specification support, order processing, and follow-up.
• Presentations & Market Engagement: Maintain a full, strategic calendar of client appointments, including showroom presentations and in-office visits.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Contract Support, Customer Service, and internal operations teams to ensure smooth order execution.
• Territory & Business Management: Meet or exceed individual, territory, and company contract sales goals.
• Product Knowledge & Expertise: Develop and maintain expert knowledge of all product categories, including construction, performance standards, customization, and maintenance.

Skills

Sales experience

Contract interiors

Relationship building

Communication skills

Organization

CRM experience

ERP systems

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

ERP ordering platforms

Job description

Why join us?

For nearly four decades, Holly Hunt has been the defining voice in modern luxury interiors. We offer exquisite furnishings, an unparalleled showroom experience, and unwavering service to the residential and commercial design trade. During that time, we've stayed true to our passions, values, and deep beliefs-that well-designed spaces enrich one's life experience, that quality of materials and craftsmanship can never be compromised, and that supporting our clients with the tools and resources to create beautiful environments is the ultimate reward.

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

Contract Sales Representative

Reports to: Showroom General Manager

Position Overview

The Contract Sales Representative is the primary sales lead for contract, hospitality, and large‑scale commercial design projects. This role partners closely with design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents to guide product selection, manage sales processes, and deliver a seamless experience from concept through order completion.

The position requires deep knowledge of contract‑grade furnishings, specifications, timelines, and purchasing requirements. Success in this role comes from building trusted, long‑term relationships with the contract design community, insightfully supporting complex projects, and positioning the brand as an expert, reliable, and easy partner to do business with.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract Client Relationship Development
  • Build, nurture, and expand strong relationships with contract and hospitality design firms, specifiers, and purchasing agents.
  • Identify and pursue new contract client opportunities within the assigned territory.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor throughout the life of large‑scale projects, from early design phases through installation.
• Project‑Based Sales Execution
  • Manage contract projects through the full sales lifecycle, including project registration, quoting, specification support, order processing, and follow‑up.
  • Oversee the preparation of detailed, accurate quotes aligned with contract pricing, timelines, and project requirements.
  • Clearly communicate product specifications, customization options, lead times, and compliance standards.
  • Support and oversee the conversion of quotes to orders, including securing required documentation, deposits, and approvals.
• Presentations & Market Engagement
  • Maintain a full, strategic calendar of client appointments, including showroom presentations and in‑office visits.
  • Tailor curated presentations to address project scope, budget, and design intent.
  • Represent the brand at industry events, trade shows, and vendor meetings as appropriate.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Contract Support, Customer Service, and internal operations teams to ensure smooth order execution.
  • Provide consistent project updates and proactive communication to internal and external partners.
• Territory & Business Management
  • Meet or exceed individual, territory, and company contract sales goals.
  • Maintain accurate records, sales call reports, and project tracking.
  • Participate in regular business reviews with Showroom General Manager to assess pipeline, strategy, and opportunities.
• Product Knowledge & Expertise
  • Develop and maintain expert knowledge of all product categories, including construction, performance standards, customization, and maintenance.
  • Stay current on new product launches, vendor updates, and market trends relevant to contract interiors.
  • Support client libraries with up‑to‑date samples, memos, and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience required
• 5+ years of sales experience focused on contract, hospitality, or commercial interior design projects
• Strong understanding of contract project workflows, purchasing requirements, and specification processes
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and self‑driven
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; CRM experience preferred
• Familiarity with industry systems (e.g., ERP/ordering platforms) a plus

Why This Role Matters

This role directly supports the company's growth in the contract and commercial market by ensuring designers and purchasing partners receive best‑in‑class service, expertise, and project execution. The Contract Sales Representative plays a critical role in translating design intent into successful outcomes-reinforcing trust, driving repeat business, and elevating the brand within the contract design communit