HNI is hiring: Architecture & Design Business Development Manager - Washingt

As an Architecture & Design Business Development Manager at HNI Corporation, you’ll be tasked with fostering productive relationships within the architect and design community, increasing the success rate of business development initiatives, and enhancing our brand's mindshare. Your role will involve significant engagement with architecture and design firms, contributing to sales through effective needs analysis and competitive intelligence, leading client presentations, and managing targeted outreach to key firms within your region.

To succeed as an Architecture & Design Business Development Manager at HNI Corporation, candidates should hold a bachelor's degree or have equivalent experience, along with 3 to 5 years in a consultative sales environment. Proficiency in building relationships within the real estate community and familiarity with the furniture or interiors industry are preferred. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects are essential to excel in this role.

At HNI Corporation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational elements of our operations. As an Architecture & Design Business Development Manager, you will be part of an environment that values different experiences and ideas, which helps us solve problems creatively and serve our clients better. Our ongoing commitment to DEI means you will contribute to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration and diverse perspectives.

A new Architecture & Design Business Development Manager at HNI Corporation can expect robust career growth opportunities. With a focus on professional development, HNI encourages engagement in industry-related activities and mentorship programs, allowing you to grow your network and skill set. Your success in driving business growth and forming strategic client partnerships may lead to advancement within our organization, paving the way for larger leadership roles.

HNI Corporation offers an enticing range of benefits for its Architecture & Design Business Development Managers starting from day one. This includes a comprehensive benefits package and the new voluntary benefit, Daily Pay, which enhances financial flexibility. Additional benefits are tailored to ensure the well-being of our employees, allowing you to focus on both your professional and personal life.

When answering this question, be prepared to share specific examples of your previous roles in business development, highlighting how you identified and pursued key opportunities within the architecture and design sector. Discuss strategies you've employed to build relationships and close business deals, and emphasize any achievements that underscore your effectiveness in this area.

To respond effectively, explain your strategy for identifying and prioritizing key firms based on market presence, potential business impact, and alignment with HNI's goals. Mention how you assess the needs of each firm and tailor your outreach efforts accordingly while utilizing tools like Salesforce for tracking progress.

Share your ideas on how to boost brand visibility, including participating in industry events, leveraging social media platforms, and collaborating with design influencers. Discuss key marketing activities you've led in the past and how they resulted in enhanced brand presence and recognition.

Highlight your approach to objection handling by discussing the importance of active listening and understanding the specific concerns of architects. Explain how you would address these objections with data, real-life case studies, or product demonstrations to showcase the strengths and benefits of HNI's offerings.

Detail an example of a project where collaboration was key. Describe your role, how you engaged with architects or designers, the challenges faced, and the outcomes. Highlight any innovative solutions you proposed or how your input directly contributed to the project’s success.

Discuss your knowledge of current trends like open workspaces, biophilic design, or integration of technology in furnishings. Mention specific examples of how you’ve seen these trends influence client decisions in the past, thus demonstrating your relevance in the industry.

Mention the resources you use to stay informed about industry trends, such as attending conferences, networking with peers, reading industry publications, and participating in online forums. Emphasize your proactive approach to continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve.

Clarify how consultative selling helps build trust and tailor solutions to meet client needs. Provide an example or anecdote illustrating how taking a consultative approach led to a successful sale, emphasizing your commitment to understanding clients' challenges and providing value.

Illustrate how critical teamwork is in business development, highlighting your experience collaborating with sales teams, marketing, and product development. Discuss how you leverage team strengths to achieve common goals and enhance client relationships.

Explain your methodology for setting realistic yet challenging sales targets. Discuss how you track progress, remain adaptable to changing circumstances, and employ strategic adjustments to ensure outcomes are met while continuously evaluating performance metrics for growth.