Sales Specialist (Commercial Furniture)

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions. Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.

KI is seeking a Sales Specialist to join our Northern California sales team. Ideal candidates will reside within or near San Mateo, Alameda, or Contra Costa County and work out of their home office while traveling throughout the territory.

In this role, you will call on decision-makers and end users while partnering with architects, designers, dealers, contractors, and other influencers to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships, and grow market share throughout the territory. 

Key Responsibilities

• Call on decision-makers and end users to promote KI products and solutions.
• Work closely with influential architects and designers to increase KI awareness and specification opportunities in targeted building and renovation projects.
• Develop relationships with dealer partners, educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and commercial clients.
• Create presentations and sales proposals tailored to client and market needs.
• Facilitate product presentations and "lunch and learn" sessions with clients and partners.
• Engage clients by recommending new and existing KI products and solutions.
• Manage and track opportunities using CRM tools and sales technology platforms.
• Maintain an understanding of competitive products and market trends to effectively position KI's solutions.
• Travel regularly throughout San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to support customers and project opportunities.

Who You Are

• Possess a competitive spirit and a passion for building relationships.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; however, relevant experience is prioritized over academics.
• Previous sales or design experience in the commercial furniture industry or a related field preferred.
• Existing relationships with architects, designers, dealers, facility leaders, educational institutions, and end users within the territory are highly desirable.
• Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM platform.
• Organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently from a home office.
• Able to transport product samples and conduct in-person presentations throughout the territory.

What KI Offers You

Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – be a part-owner of the company!

Health & Wellness: Competitive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

Future Planning: 401(k) Plan with Company Match.

Time Off: Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays.

Car Allowance: Travel throughout the territory in your own vehicle and take advantage of our Motus car allowance program.

Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement programs.

Discounts: Special pricing on company products.

Education: Support for degree programs and professional certifications.

Full Benefits: Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.