Outside Trade Sales Representative - Chicago (in field)

The Outside Trade Sales Representative is responsible for managing a designated territory, cultivating strong relationships with designers, architects, and builders, and driving sales growth through proactive lead generation and direct sales strategies.

Join Outova – Shaping the Future of Outdoor Living

Outova, headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth (Texas), is seeking a contracted Outside Trade Sales Representative to join the team. This contract role is specific to the Chicago, IL Territory.

Position Overview:

The Outside Trade Sales Representative is responsible for managing a designated territory, cultivating strong relationships with designers, architects, and builders, and driving sales growth through proactive lead generation and direct sales strategies. The ideal candidate has proven outside sales experience in the outdoor or luxury furniture industry, exceptional negotiation skills, and a passion for exceeding sales targets while delivering outstanding customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key trade accounts, including designers, architects, builders, and landscapers.
• Present and promote comprehensive outdoor living solutions such as high-end furniture, grills, outdoor kitchens, firepits, and turf.
• Conduct on-site visits and consultations to assess client needs and deliver tailored backyard solutions.
• Represent Outova at trade shows, networking events, and training seminars to expand visibility and professional connections.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of product lines, features, and competitive advantages to effectively communicate value.
• Take ownership of client and prospect relationships, ensuring consistent follow-up and personalized service.
• Identify and pursue sales opportunities while actively managing the sales pipeline.
• Develop and implement strategies to drive regional growth and secure new business.

Qualifications:

• Experience in design, furniture, or luxury brand sales.
• Proven track record in outside sales to the Trade within the furniture industry.
• Strong territory management and business development skills.
• Excellent negotiation abilities with consistent success in closing deals.
• Proficiency in lead generation, including cold calling, networking, and prospecting.
• Ability to provide market insights and customer feedback to support product development.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written) with a focus on relationship-building.
• Highly self-motivated, results-driven, and adaptable to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Must reside in Chicago, IL or surrounding area.

Physical Activities:

Daily activity includes but is not limited to:

• Must be able to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods.
• Frequent use of a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, and bending during meetings, events, and warehouse/factory visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs. (e.g., marketing materials, product samples, trade show displays).
• Ability to travel domestically for trade shows, client visits, and industry events.
• Work may involve extended hours during peak project timelines or events.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Incentives: Performance-based commission plan
• 1099 Role
• Work Environment: In Field Role

Outova and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. The company strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.