Trade + Contract Account Manager

TITLE: Trade + Contract Account Manager - Dallas

REPORTS TO: Store Manager

ABOUT US: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for an Account Manager to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose

Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

- Good design is good. Good design should be reflected in everything we do.

- Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.

- Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.

- Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.

- Be humble. We take nothing for granted.

- Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.

- Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

ABOUT THE ROLE: To connect all customers to the Blu Dot Brand through attentive and expert service. Focus on managing and developing relationships with contract, trade, and architectural professional audience. Attend to all transactional and service needs of these customers within the store-base environment. Support the efforts of Market Development Managers through excellent communication, collaboration, operational know-how and problem solving. Act as the trade and contract liaison in store market for Minneapolis-based trade and contract team. Provide floor coverage and sales support to end-user and residential customers as required to meet the needs of the business.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Creative and clever problem-solving with solutions-oriented approach to daily tasks
• Personable and courteous customer-centric service
• Time-management and ability to prioritize competing demands
• Adept and willing collaborator able to work independently and take direction appropriately
• Analytical, detail-driven investigator capable of contextualizing the big picture
• Process-improvement-focused and able to pick up and integrate new technologies with ease

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Establish relationships with the contract, trade, and procurement channel to extol the virtues of Blu Dot's design and capabilities. This channel includes (but is not limited to) the following professional audience: architectural firms, interior design firms, hospitality companies, procurement agencies, contract furniture dealers, real estate development companies, educational institutions, entertainment/restaurant groups, co-working spaces, and contract end-users such as corporations and tech firms.
• Partner with Market Development Managers to present and facilitate in person meetings, lunch and learns, product presentations in our store and in the field.
• Articulate a product knowledge mastery of our assortments, designs, and capabilities.
• Provide a consultative sales experience for our customers and guide them to proper application of our designs to meet their needs.
• Stay on top of industry trends.
• Assist in facilitating a physical interaction with our designs by providing examples of our work as feasible and getting customers into our store spaces.
• Arrange meetings and events in stores spaces for existing and prospective customers.
• Establish and communicate what tools/collateral is needed to most effectively reach the contract/trade audience.
• Maintain an accurate customer database.
• Communicate consistently and professionally to customers. Maintain brand standards in all communication and presentations.

Order Management:

• Process all incoming Blu Dot trade and Dealer orders (and requested Quotes) and issue order confirmations to customer within 24 hours of receipt. Communicate completion and share documentation with Market Development Managers as required
• Manage and enter all incoming returns and service order requests within 24 hours of receipt
• Coordinate order shipping with customers; obtain contact info and correct billing addresses and provide expedited quotes upon request
• Set up customer accounts via applicable business software and in accordance to company best practices
• Understand states' requirements for sales tax exemption and process and maintain all exempt documentation including regular auditing of expired/invalid documents

Customer Service:

Customer service represents all the core values of Blu Dot. From humility to going the extra mile, we value the direct communication our customers have in shaping our design process. Be earnest, be honest, be actively engaged in making new connections and supporting those who support Blu Dot.

• Represent and expand the customer's connection to the Blu Dot brand through a personable and professional demeanor
• Provide outstanding customer service by handling all merchandise returns and customer issues in a positive and expeditions manner
• Communicate an in-depth working knowledge of product construction and care to customers and aid them in selecting the best products for their desired functionality
• Suggest additional items for purchase based on assessment of customers' needs
• Utilize problem solving skills to swiftly determine the best solution to service issues while remaining mindful of company policies
• Communicate in stock status and lead times to customers as requested
• Provide catalogs, samples, and marketing materials to customers upon request - utilizing our third-party swatch fulfillment site
• Continually maintain order and efficiency of your Showrooms' email box via Help Scout
• Communicate customer feedback to direct supervisor