Sales Manager

ABOUT EMERSON AND FRIENDS

Founded in 2018 by artist Nicole Northway, Emerson and Friends emerged to fill a niche in the children’s apparel market with expertly designed, functional, safe, and trendsetting clothing. As a mother of two, Emerson and Lucy, Nicole leverages her MFA to guide product development and lead a creative team dedicated to producing imaginative and high-quality products. What began as a family business has quickly evolved into a rapidly expanding company at the forefront of the industry. Emerson and Friends has been recognized as an Inc. 5000 company, ranking at number 434 on this year’s list. Emerson and Friends also won the 2024 Grow FL Award recognizing excellence in 2nd stage FL businesses. Additional achievements include appearances on Good Morning America, features in major news outlets, and partnerships with leading retail chains.

We have just moved into our new, expanded facility in Clearwater, FL, which will includes showrooms, collaborative creative spaces, offices, and warehouse facilities. We are deeply committed to our employees and strive daily to foster a warm, welcoming environment that encourages growth and community. Our vibrant work culture is built on creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for excellence.

Job Summary:

The Sales Manager will be responsible for leading and managing the sales team to achieve company sales targets and objectives. This individual will develop strategic sales plans, build relationships with key clients, analyze market trends, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership skills, a passion for sales, and a deep understanding of market strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and grow their own portfolio of clients, ensuring consistent communication, service, and sales growth.
• Set and monitor sales targets for both individual team members and their own client accounts.
• Identify new business opportunities for both the team and personal book of clients.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients, both personally and on behalf of the team.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and proposals with both team-managed and personally managed clients.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of sales professionals to meet and exceed targets.
• Identify new business opportunities and maintain relationships with existing clients.
• Manage outside sales agencies, trade shows, and showrooms.
• Oversee on-site showroom, collaborating with marketing team to drive client traffic.
• Set and monitor sales targets for individual team members and the team as a whole.
• Analyze sales metrics and performance data to refine sales strategies.
• Collaborate with the marketing and operations teams to align sales efforts with broader company goals.
• Maintain knowledge of market trends, competitors, and customer needs.
• Conduct regular sales meetings, provide ongoing training, and support for the sales team.
• Prepare and present sales reports to senior management, detailing team and personal sales performance.
• Handle key accounts, and negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with clients.
• Participate in industry conferences, networking events, and client meetings to generate leads.
• Ensure the sales team provides exceptional customer service, and take ownership of customer satisfaction within personal accounts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred
• 5 years of experience in sales, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and growing revenues.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data and market trends.
• Proficiency with CRM software and managing pipelines
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and customer-focused.
• Experience managing personal client accounts alongside a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in apparel, gift, or fashion industry preferred
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving business environment.
• Strong network of industry contacts.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position, in office
• Travel is required for trade shows, prospecting, road sales, and client meetings

FULL TIME BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K
• Employee Discount
• 6 Paid Holidays
• 15 Days PTO (accrual based)