Account Manager / Designer

## Description

**About Empire & Co. / Overview**

Empire & Co. is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 80 years of experience and more than 565 full-time employees nationwide. As the leading Steelcase dealer in the United States, we support a network of over 500 manufacturers. We partner with top architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver innovative, cost-effective workplace solutions that solve business challenges and activate brands.

Empire & Co. is seeking an **Account Manager / Designer** to join our growing team supporting the **Mineola, NY / Long Island market**. This role is ideal for someone based on **Long Island** who enjoys a blend of client relationship management, workplace design, and strategic account oversight. The position will primarily support clients across Long Island, with occasional travel into our **NYC office** for meetings, collaboration, and team engagement as needed.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients by managing accounts, developing workplace and furniture solutions, and delivering a high-quality customer experience from concept through execution. You will partner closely with internal teams to create thoughtful, functional environments while helping drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and expand Empire & Co.’s presence within the market.

• **Location:** Mineola, NY / Long Island (with occasional travel to NYC as needed)
• **Schedule:** Primarily supporting Long Island clients with periodic visits to the NYC office

• ---
• **Key Responsibilities**
• **Client & Account Management**

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and strategic account management
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the project and sales lifecycle
• Keep clients informed on new product offerings, market trends, and workplace solutions
• Anticipate client needs and provide thoughtful, solution-oriented recommendations
• Develop forecasts and support strategic account planning
• Conduct client meetings, site visits, and field verification as needed
• Effectively communicate the Empire & Co. story, capabilities, and value proposition
• Identify opportunities for ancillary products and additional services
• Negotiate with vendors where applicable to support pricing and profitability

**Design & Product Application**

• Create drawings and specifications in CET including topicals, furniture plans, and renderings
• Develop furniture specifications, layouts, finish selections, and digital presentation materials
• Prepare installation drawings and supporting documentation
• Conduct field measurements and inventory existing furniture when applicable
• Revise drawings and specifications as needed throughout project execution
• Assist in maintaining design department standards and project documentation
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure solutions align with client goals and budgets

**Sales Process & Project Coordination**

• Coordinate with Sales Coordinators, Account Coordinators, Project Managers, and Design teams to ensure smooth project execution
• Monitor project progress and maintain accurate internal reporting and documentation
• Support value engineering efforts and budget alignment discussions with clients
• Maintain project files and tracking systems as needed
• Adhere to deadlines and support deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously
• Mentor and support junior team members as applicable

## Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Salary Range: $100,000 – $115,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in commercial furniture, dealership sales, account management, design, or related industry experience preferred
• Experience working within a commercial furniture dealership environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of contract furniture lines and specification processes
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code (NEC), and applicable industry standards
• Experience with Steelcase products preferred
• Experience using Hedberg for quoting is a plus
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and construction documents
• Comfortable visiting job sites to take field dimensions and conduct furniture inventory assessments
• Excellent creative thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation skills and comfort interacting with customers, designers, architects, contractors, and manufacturer representatives
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Ability to travel throughout Long Island and periodically into NYC as business needs require