Account Manager - Business Development
Perennials and Sutherland, LLC is one of the most respected and iconic names in the exclusively to-the-trade, luxury home furnishings, textiles and accessories market. Our company has dedicated over four decades to working with the very best in the design world to create and market truly unique and exquisite products. Everything we do and the elite clientele we serve is dedicated to making life more beautiful. Environments for life, architectural, landscape and beyond are what we live and breathe each and every day. Ours is more than a life of producing and selling products. Our people share a passion for creativity, design and art that is central to our daily lives. It’s not just what we do but what we love.
Position Summary
The Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact and business partner Perennials and Sutherland wholesale clients. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships while delivering an exceptional level of service throughout the customer experience.
The Account Manager acts as a trusted advisor, product and process subject matter expert, and trainer for assigned accounts. The role works cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Demand & Supply Planning, Product Development, Marketing, and other internal teams to ensure client needs are understood, communicated, and successfully executed.
The successful candidate will combine strong relationship-management skills with commercial awareness, product knowledge, problem-solving ability, and a commitment to providing a highly responsive and elevated client experience.
Travel to client locations, meetings, trainings, industry events, and other business activities is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and strengthen relationships with assigned wholesale accounts, serving as the primary point of contact for day-to-day business needs.
- Build a deep understanding of each client's business, market, product needs, priorities, and growth opportunities in order to provide proactive and strategic account support.
- Serve as a trusted business partner and subject matter expert by demonstrating strong knowledge of David Sutherland products, programs, processes, capabilities, and services.
- Deliver a consistently high level of customer service by responding promptly and professionally to client inquiries, requests, concerns, and business needs.
- Proactively identify client issues, coordinate appropriate internal resources, and drive timely resolution while keeping clients informed throughout the process.
- Partner with clients to identify opportunities to grow the business, expand product knowledge and engagement, and strengthen the overall relationship.
- Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with internal partners, including Sales, Operations, Demand & Supply Planning, Product Development, Marketing, Finance, and Client Experience.
- Serve as the voice of the customer internally, communicating client needs, market feedback, opportunities, concerns, and emerging trends to appropriate stakeholders.
- Coordinate internally to ensure timely and successful execution of client orders, programs, product launches, special projects, and other account initiatives.
- Monitor account activity and performance, including sales results, forecasts, product demand, opportunities, and other relevant account metrics.
- Develop and maintain annual account forecasts and communicate anticipated demand, opportunities, risks, and significant changes to internal business partners.
- Conduct regular business reviews with key accounts to evaluate performance, discuss upcoming initiatives, identify opportunities, and establish priorities and action plans.
- Develop and deliver product presentations, training sessions, and educational programs for client sales teams and other appropriate audiences.
- Support new product introductions and launches by ensuring assigned clients understand product features, positioning, availability, and selling opportunities.
- Maintain current knowledge of the company's product portfolio, new product introductions, pricing, policies, lead times, and operational capabilities.
- Gather and communicate competitive intelligence and client feedback regarding market trends, customer preferences, product opportunities, and competitor activity.
- Maintain accurate and current account information, activity, forecasts, opportunities, and follow-up actions within applicable company systems.
- Collaborate with internal teams to continuously improve processes and enhance the client experience.
- Travel regularly to assigned accounts to strengthen relationships, conduct trainings, support business reviews, address business needs, and identify opportunities for growth.
- Represent the Company professionally at client meetings, market events, trade shows, trainings, and other industry functions as required.
- Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as needed to support client relationships and overall business objectives.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent with 5+ years of relevant experience in account management
- Must have strong written and verbal communication skills as well as analytical, organizational and presentation skills
- Must be computer proficient including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Self-starter with the ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Flexibility & responsiveness, graciousness & professionalism
Benefit Offerings Include:
- Paid Time off of 15 days per year, accrued bi-weekly
- Eight Sick Days Per Year (or state-defined plans)
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, including HDHP with HAS
- 401k Retirement Plan with Bi-Weekly Company Match
- Paid Parental Leave
- Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits of Short-term Disability, Supplemental Life/ADD, Critical Illness, Accident, Norton, Hospital Indemnity
- Employee Assistance Program
To apply: go to https://www.perennialsfabrics.com/careers/
Perennials and Sutherland participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Whether it’s the executive who offers visionary leadership, or the sales professional who won’t settle for less than perfection, a business needs great people and a collaborative environment to thrive. We maintain, develop, and inspire talented professionals and craftsmen. Our investment in people, equipment, and facilities results in a positive engaging workplace and gives our company a competitive edge in the marketplace. We believe deeply that the “right” people are our greatest asset. We offer careers for smart, creative, high energy people driven to contribute in a team environment where everyone can win. We foster potential, celebrate success, and support every colleague.
Perennials and Sutherland, LLC employees enjoy a vibrant office culture, welcoming and inclusive executive team, and fantastic work-life balance.