US Sales Manager (Luxury Linens)

Our ClientOur client for this US Sales Manager role is a European Luxury Linen brand with a US team in charge of developing the North American market. The US entity is a lean structure spread across the United States. Customer Service in Miami and a stocking warehouse in Greensboro, NC ensures quick deliveries and a high level of attention to the customer. The company sells:wholesale to bed linen and furniture shops, designers via a strong network of Sales Reps across the country.wholesale in Canada, to where the European HW can ship directly with no import duty according New CETA EU/Canada trade agreementretail via their own E-Commerce site ObjectiveThe objective and focus of the US Sales Manager is to increase sales without compromising the brand name or market pricing.Job descriptionSales ManagementManage all sales channels:Sales rep network (US and Canada) plus house accountsEvaluate the current rep network- individual reps, territories, independent vs company employedSet budgets for seasonal collections by channel/rep/account, review monthly actual sales versus budget with reps and management.Develop and distribute monthly sales reports for distribution to management and reps/sales staffPresent new collections to sales reps and directly to key clientsDevelop sales strategies and activities by market and by key accounts Business Development Increase the market penetration of basic collections especially for white and IvoryConsolidate and increase the current marketsFocus on penetrating the high end designer market in key cities/states-NYC radius, CA., FL, TX, Washington DC radius, Pacific Northwest- Oregon & Washington states, Southeast population boom states-North & South Carolina, Georgia, and Ski resorts,Introduce newly developed products to existing segmentsDevelop new hospitality, yachting and designer segmentSupport the E-Commerce channel;Evaluate the opening of a new shop in shop(s)Evaluate & penetrate other high end E-comm sites Product development and price positioning Market research and analysis (understand market needs/trends through research and reps/customer feedback, review desired versus existing product range, identify product offering gaps).to contribute to new product development in close collaboration with the mill (in Europe) for January & August new season introductionsSuggest the correct price points for the market Marketing Provide sales leads from marketing activities to repsDevelop sales strategies to convert leads to actual accountsIncrease the brand recognition (Reps and customers training)Manage seasonal promotionsSupport the creation of digital marketing campaignsPlan and participate to Trade Shows RequirementsIndustry ExpertisePassion for the textile industry and knowledge of the American marketCapacity to perceive and understand "the market", its trends/needs, and effectively communicate those findings to domestic & Italian colleaguesPrior experience in the bed linen industry preferred but not mandatory; experience in textiles or luxury fashion requiredPrior experience in sales requiredPersonal Skills Curious and entrepreneurial approach to businessSelf-discipline to work with no direct supervision and no direct staffFlexibility for performing operational, administrative, and strategic tasks.Ambition to build a long-term career within the organization by leading its drive for strong growth and enjoying the benefits of that growthEase and ability to build strong and lasting relationships with staff and clientsResourcefulness in leading a team independently and an ability to maintain effective communication and collaboration with the American and Italian managementKeen eye for aesthetics and sensitivity to beautyTransparency and loyaltyGood analytics for market and sales analysesFundamental Excel skills; fundamental Power Point skills useful but not criticalOther Requirements Willing to travel throughout North America with or without repsGood management, organizational & planning skillsAppreciated previous experience: Lilian August, Roche-Bobois, Mitchell Gold, Cassina, B&B Italia, Flair, Ligne Roset, BIFAppreciated previous titles: Sales Associate, Sales Representative, Sales Manager