Trade Specialist, Full-Time, Avalon - West Elm

Job Description We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply. About The Team Our mission is to enhance the quality of our customers’ lives at home. We put the customer at the center of everything we do, every day. Our corporate values that guide our actions and decisions are our People First culture, customers, quality, shareholders, integrity, and corporate responsibility.

Overview Of The Store Trade Specialist Role You will be responsible for exceeding the trade sales plan in the local trade area and creating a thriving customer community. Activities include networking with area trade associations, neighborhood associations, sales prospecting and providing a level of service that builds relationships. You will act as a trade liaison with all retail trade customers, as well as a regional brand advocate within the community. You will help support the goals and strategies set by Retail Management to grow our business.

Responsibilities

• Strong presence on the sales floor, act as first point of contact and primary resource for design clients either as walk in or appointment based traffic
• Responsible for new client acquisition and lead generation through outreach, emails, follow up, etc.
• Promote West Elm products and services to prospective and existing clients through a combination of opportunities focusing on in store service and telephone contacts
• Partner with area Leadership and store General Manager to execute store sales plan to meet/exceed retail goals
• Develop, manage and grow the customer base in a defined client segment and geographic region of the retail store
• Identify area home, neighborhood, preservation and other associations with whom to reach out and build a connection
• Develop and execute events that drive traffic and position West Elm as a resource
• Promote West Elm products and services to prospective and existing clients through a combination of opportunities that include in-store service, telephone contacts, site visits, in-store events, and trade shows
• Builds strong connections with Call Center and WSI Contract teams, to leverage resources and build overall businesses.
• Supports retail store in customer service and operations as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Criteria

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong product and procedural knowledge specific to remodeling and building trades, with emphasis on period residential and commercial materials, design, and construction
• Prior experience in Microsoft Dynamix AX, Sales Force Management, and POS systems a plus
• Strong aptitude for customer service and sales, with a high energy "can do" approach
• Proven ability to achieve results both independently and through others
• 2-3 years outside sales experience with a strong emphasis in customer service and delivery of set goal plan

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift and mobilize medium to large items, up to 75 lbs., while utilizing appropriate equipment and safety techniques
• Full time associates are expected to have open availability to meet the needs of the business.
• Part-Time Flex associates must be available to work a minimum of two regularly scheduled shifts on the weekend** (Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday) and two during the week (Monday to Thursday). For an associate to be scheduled 20 hours or more weekly, greater availability (beyond the minimum required above) that meets the needs of the business will be required. **Weekend availability cannot fall on the same day; an associate must be available on two separate days (Friday and Saturday, Friday and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday).

Benefits Just For You Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:

• A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
• Paid vacations and holidays (full-time)
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits (full-time)

Your Journey in Continued Learning

• Individual development plans and career pathing conversations
• Annual performance appraisals
• Cross-brand and cross-functional career opportunities
• Online learning opportunities through brand specific resources and WSI University
• Leadership development opportunities

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. About Us Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.