A&D Sales Specialist

KI • Chicago, IL

6d

About The Position

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions.Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.
Job Overview:
We are seeking an A&D Specialist to join our Chicago sales team, focused on strengthening KI’s presence and influence within the architectural and design community. As a visible brand ambassador, you will educate, inspire, and connect through CEU presentations, design firm engagement, and hosted events—leveraging our new Fulton Market showroom opening in June as a hub for community connection. Through relationship‑driven outreach, you will help generate impactful specifications that support the continued growth of the Chicago market while building long‑term brand loyalty. The ideal candidate resides in the Greater Chicago area.
Your role as an A&D Specialist will include:

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2-4 years of professional experience selling to the A&D community and/or working within an architecture or interior design practice
• Comfortable presenting ideas, leading discussions, and influencing outcomes in a business-to-business environment

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with commercial furniture, design specifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Travel the territory proactively to engage architects and designers to uncover new project opportunities
• Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships within the A&D community to drive specifications and close high-value sales
• Educate and inspire clients by recommending innovative product solutions
• Develop tailored presentations and proposals that resonate with client needs and market dynamics
• Host engaging “lunch and Learn” sessions to showcase product innovations
• Lead accredited CEU events
• Track competitor activity and market trends to strategically position KI’s offerings and maintain a competitive edge
• Leverage social media and digital platforms to amplify brand presence, generate leads and foster community engagement
• Manage all sales activities within Salesforce (SFDC)
• Collaborate with the National A&D Market Leader and District Leader to shape territory strategies
• Deliver timely and insightful reporting
• Actively participate in community initiatives and industry associations to expand professional networks, generate new business leads, and elevate KI’s brand visibility

Benefits

• Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – be a part-owner of the company!
• Health & Wellness: Competitive Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Future Planning: 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Time Off: Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
• Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement programs
• Discounts: Special pricing on company products
• Education: Support for degree programs and certifications
• Full Benefits: Includes life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level