Industry Specialist

Why join us?

Maharam is the leading creator of textiles for interiors. Recognized for its rigorous and holistic commitment, Maharam embraces a range of disciplines, from product, graphic, and digital design to art and architecture. Known for its aesthetic and industrial innovation, Maharam’s work is guided by five main principles: utility, technology, tradition, luxury, and environmental impact. 
Our purpose is to design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Maharam means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Maharam to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

Job Title: Industry Specialist

Department: Sales

Territory: Scandinavia

Job Summary:

This role is multi-faceted, focusing on developing business with A&D clients and managing Industry Alliance sales, with the long-term goal of achieving €15M in sales by developing, implementing, and managing Industry Alliances in Scandinavia. The individual must have a visionary and strategic outlook on the future of the Industry in Europe, identifying how Maharam's unique design language can grow into a global presence. They must grow existing and establish new textile alliance programs with significant Scandinavian furniture manufacturers and strategically drive year-on-year growth within the Industry segment. This role is crucial in accelerating brand awareness and growing long-term sales of Knoll Textiles, Edelman, and Maharam in Scandinavia. The Industry Specialist will help craft the strategic sales approach under the leadership of the European Sales Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct quarterly analysis of Industry Alliance sales and customer service practices, presenting findings to the European Sales Manager.

• Develop strategies and make recommendations on tailored plans for each Industry partner, including pricing and sample tools, with oversight from the European Sales Manager.

• Work closely with the European Sales Manager to evaluate cost fluctuations and negotiate changes with Industry partners.

• Serve as an internal consultant to European sales teams and train them regarding Industry Alliances in Scandinavia.

• Train and present to sales teams of Alliance Furniture Partners

• Organize and attend Networking events with key Industry Alliances

• Participate in and possibly lead Alliance conference calls with colleagues in North America and APAC.

• Selling and promoting to the A&D community.

• Coordinate with Merchandising to ensure inventory plans support Industry Partnership needs.

• Anticipate Industry needs and capitalize on strategic opportunities beyond graded-in programs.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Industry’s business systems and digital design tools, leveraging them for the enterprise's benefit.

• Foster relationships within each Industry Alliance across various departments: Purchasing, Marketing, Customer Service, Upholstery, etc.

• Engage clients outside the office through dinners, events, and industry functions.

• Present new Maharam products to clients specifying interior finishes.

• Manage specific product/project involvement with specifiers, end-users, and customers.

• Provide product information, develop pricing strategies, and navigate delivery aspects, product suitability, and lead times.

• Maintain resource libraries for clients and ensure they are strategically merchandised.

• Partner with inside sales support and sales coordinators.

• Maintain client databases and project systems updated.

• Apply critical and strategic thinking skills.

• Understand and teach Maharam’s sales protocols and processes.

• Comfortably work remotely.

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Possess working knowledge of MS Office, including Outlook and Word.

• Engage with clients and staff effectively.

Magnitude and Relationship Reporting:

This position reports directly to the Sales Manager, Europe, and may receive additional assignments and direction from the Senior Director of Sales, Europe, and VP of Sales.

Contacts Inside and Outside the Organization:

This position involves interaction with specifying clients, purchasing customers, and end-users; internal departments such as resource management, sample department, QA, credit, and key client services; sales management; and local sales reps and coordinators as needed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with people in one-on-one and group settings.

• Comfort in entertaining clients outside the office.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Confident problem resolution skills for price, delivery, QA, or installation issues.

• Organizational skills with the ability to multitask and handle a high level of product, project, client, and process information.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Familiarity with Maharam protocols and processes.

• Proficiency in MS Office, including Outlook and Word, and the ability to learn Maharam-specific computer functions.

• Responsiveness and an understanding of when urgency is required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Minimum of 4 years of sales experience working with Scandinavian A&D and Industry segments and related clients.

• Proficiency in English and Danish.

Who We Hire?
Simply put, we hire everyone. Maharam is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at [email protected].