What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outside Sales Representative position at Erik Lindström?
Company Description
Erik Lindström is a global, boutique custom rug company based in Los Angeles and New York, specializing in bespoke hand-knotted and hand-tufted carpets for residential and commercial clients. The company offers a curated selection of contemporary, transitional, and textural patterns that create distinctive statements in interior spaces. Designs are inspired by the natural world and man-made forms, and each rug is hand-made with a dense, lustrous pile and rich colors designed to remain vibrant over time. Rugs can be selected from in-stock collections or custom-woven in nearly any pattern, shape, color, or size using premium natural materials such as wool, silk, mohair, alpaca, cactus, and performance fibers. All rugs are GoodWeave certified, ensuring they are produced by adult artisans under ethical labor practices.
Role Description
Erik Lindström is seeking a driven, relationship-oriented Outside Sales Representative to join our New York City team. Based in our Flatiron showroom, this full-time, on-site role is responsible for growing our presence throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs by cultivating meaningful relationships with the region's leading interior designers, architects, and luxury residential and hospitality professionals. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated sales professional with a passion for design, architecture, and luxury furnishings. The ideal candidate is well-connected within the A&D community, thrives in a client-facing environment, and is energized by building long-term partnerships while representing one of the industry's premier custom rug brands.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and grow relationships with interior designers, architects, developers, purchasing firms, and luxury retail partners throughout the New York metropolitan area.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the residential, hospitality, and commercial design markets.
- Conduct in-person client meetings, showroom presentations, and product demonstrations, showcasing Erik Lindström's custom and in-stock rug collections.
- Visit client offices and project sites to understand design intent, project requirements, timelines, and specifications.
- Guide clients through the design and customization process by providing expert product knowledge, creative solutions, and exceptional service.
- Prepare quotations, follow up on proposals, negotiate opportunities, and successfully close sales.
- Maintain an active sales pipeline, consistently achieve revenue goals, and provide accurate sales forecasting.
- Collaborate closely with internal design, production, and customer service teams to ensure seamless project execution and order fulfillment.
- Represent Erik Lindström at industry events, networking functions, showroom events, and trade fairs to strengthen brand awareness and generate new business.
- Stay informed on market trends, competitive products, and the evolving interior design landscape.
Qualifications
- 3 years of outside sales experience within luxury furnishings, textiles, flooring, furniture, or a related design industry.
- Existing relationships within the New York interior design and architecture community strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to develop new business while cultivating long-term client relationships.
- Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and results-driven with excellent time management skills.
- Passion for exceptional design, craftsmanship, and luxury products.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Bachelor's degree preferred, but equivalent industry experience will be considered.