Senior Creative Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Own assigned client accounts, managing expectations and ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
• Provide prompt and professional responses to client inquiries and project needs.
• Attend onsite meetings and presentations with clients, architects, and designers, including occasional travel within the NYC market.
• Resolve escalated client issues and ensure timely conflict resolution.
• Promote Empire & Co.'s breadth of products, services, and workplace solutions.
• Develop alternate specifications and value-engineering strategies for awarded projects.
• Create proposal packages including product recommendations, pricing, lead times, warranties, and supporting documentation.
• Lead client and A&D presentations, communicating design intent and solution benefits effectively.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging manufacturers, and innovative workplace solutions.
• Attend relevant industry events and tradeshows to identify new products and opportunities.
• Support strategic account growth initiatives and business development efforts.
• Identify opportunities to expand project scope through ancillary products and additional services.
• Strengthen manufacturer relationships and negotiate vendor discounts to support profitability and client value.
• Develop a strong point of view regarding product applications, trends, and market opportunities.
• Aid in project execution by acting as a liaison throughout the sales and project process.
• Mentor junior team members and provide guidance on best practices and professional development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve processes, efficiencies, and overall client experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of combined experience within a commercial furniture dealership, design firm, architecture firm, or related industry.
• Deep knowledge of commercial furniture products, specification processes, and workplace solutions.
• Experience with Steelcase products preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with AutoCAD, CET, Hedberg, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction drawings.
• Proficiency utilizing AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gamma, Monaverse, Nano Banana, ChatGPT, and similar technologies) to create compelling proposals, enhance creativity, and improve operational efficiency.