Furniture & Lighting Outside Sales Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Our client, Hawthorne House, is hiring for the Furniture & Lighting Outside Sales Specialist position to lead growth through the Concierge, Encore, and the To-The-Trade service programs. This is a project-based, client-facing sales role that blends design knowledge with business development and account management. The position is based in Athens, Georgia, with both in-showroom appointments, virtual and local travel for meetings and presentations.

This role is ideal for a seasoned furnishings and lighting professional with deep industry experience, strong presentation skills, and a refined understanding of the decorative arts. The right candidate will be entrepreneurial, resourceful, and relationship-driven, capable of managing complex projects from concept through installation while representing the Hawthorne House standard of excellence. There is a tremendous opportunity for growth, expansion, and upward movement within the company for a high performer.

• Develop and manage client relationships with homeowners, designers, decorators, realtors, developers, and property managers throughout the Athens, Atlanta, and extended U.S. markets.
• Generate sales through project-based programs, including Concierge, Encore, and To-The-Trade service programs.
• Conduct client consultations in the showroom, virtually, and onsite to guide selections in furnishings, decorative lighting, and art.
• Prepare and present proposals and quotes for orders related to furnishings and lighting projects.
• Manage all aspects of project sales from presentation through order tracking, vendor communication, shipping coordination, and client updates, collaborating with the assistance of the Retail Showroom Sales Coordinator.
• Coordinate with bookkeeping and operations to forecast payments, track open purchase orders, and manage term-account timing with accuracy.
• Partner with marketing and other company divisions to build outreach campaigns and sales tools and to maintain follow-up funnels with potential clients and leads.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the furnishings, lighting, and decorative lines represented by Hawthorne House while staying current with broader industry trends, materials, and innovations.
• Participate in the design community by attending trade shows, designer show houses, vendor presentations, and industry events to strengthen professional relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain organized client files, proposals, and sales tracking reports.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategies to reach monthly and annual sales goals.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships, staying informed about new introductions, lead times, and product availability.
• Meet or exceed monthly sales goals with consistent attention to client satisfaction and design integrity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Decorative Arts, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in luxury furnishings, lighting, or interior design.
• Knowledge of furnishings, decorative arts, and lighting, with an appreciation for craftsmanship and quality.
• In-depth understanding of the furnishings and lighting market and the ability to communicate with confidence and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
• Proven success in project-based sales with a strong understanding of lead times, trade pricing, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, with familiarity in project management tools such as Monday.com.
• Working knowledge of Shopify, Instagram, and Canva.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to self-direct, forecast, and manage multiple active projects simultaneously.
• Must be based in or near Athens, Georgia, with flexibility for off-site meetings and presentations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• PTO
• Paid Holidays