About this Showroom Manager, Flagship role at Waterworks
The Role
This leadership role will own all aspects of the flagship showroom’s financial performance; with the expectation to exceed revenue goals for sales and profitability. The General Manager must strategically and tactically build and execute a business plan to meet and achieve showrooms goals through strong team leadership and effective partnership.
The GM will lead, develop and coach the sales team to drive for results while ensuring operational process are efficient and streamlined and work closely with local Business Development Leader to build strong client relationships within the design community using an innovative approach that incorporates virtual tools and services as well as in person sales calls. As the leader of this flagship showroom, the GM is expected to expand the flagship presence through hosting internal and external meetings such as leadership, company, vendor, and client meetings.
The right candidate will be proactive and organized in their leadership; high-energy, versatile, and a strong communicator with the ability to strategically set the direction for the showroom within the new normal of industry.
Responsibilities
Team Management:
- Sales Leader for the showroom, coaching and developing the sales team throughout the sales cycle
- Responsible for hiring and training sales personnel as well as building promotable bench from support roles
- Partners with Sales Consultants on developing and maintaining their key client relationships
- Trains team in selling and marketing the Waterworks way
- Coach team to stay current on Waterworks product range and competitors’ offerings, and report findings to cross functional partners
- Hold designated showroom associates accountable for sales goals, project management and offering outstanding service and follow through for our clients
- Empower associates to resolve client issues and implement solutions; step in with servant leadership mindset when needed
- Role model and promote the Waterworks Values
- P&L responsibility
- Responsible for review and submission of all required reporting (pipeline management; CRM, showroom sales; weekly recaps). Ensures team accountabilities are achieved
- Execute organizational strategies to firmly position Waterworks as the industry leader for luxury bath and kitchen
- Maintain a culture of accountability and empowerment within the showroom
- Responsible for showroom operations; establishing and maintaining processes to uphold the Waterworks brand image. Oversees the work of an internal Operations Specialist
- Drive use of technology as a sales tool including CRM and digital sales tools
- Investigate and implement innovative ways to proactively market Waterworks products
- Create a showroom environment that consistently delivers a luxury experience to our clients
- Responsible for maintaining key relationships in the community including ICAA, industry networking groups, design center management
- Attend and host industry events; lunch and learns, continuing ed courses, sales events, etc.
- Partner with Client Support team and leadership to resolve client escalations
- Strategically manage showroom accounts assigned to Sales Consultants. Use/review CRM and other reporting metrics to ensure appropriate outreach
- Responsible for execution of account strategies including individual account plans and balancing account lists for the team that results in meeting marketing/business goals for the showroom
- Effectively and confidently pitch the Waterworks’ line of products both in person and virtually using technology, along with BD Leader and Sales Consultants
- Using innovative ideas and leveraging virtual and other tools; develop and maintain relationships within the architect and design community as well as enhance relationships with current top clients to increase sales
- Actively set expectations and support the sales team in identifying and securing new clients within the geography of the showroom
- Guide, develop, and measure individual associate’s accounts and sales activity using regular one on one meetings to ensure marketing activities match account potential
Showroom Management:
Account/Client Management:
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- 5+ years inside/outside sales experience in a showroom, luxury retail or architectural design firm
- 5+ years’ experience in a sales management role within high end luxury brand environment
- Fearless and innovative approach to selling with a client-centric mentality
- Ability to take charge, drive for results and make sound decisions quickly
- Ability to negotiate and close deals
- Digitally savvy – willing and able to successfully connect with clients virtually
- Strong working knowledge of online meeting tools (MS Teams, zoom, etc.)
- Proven team builder with the ability to coach and develop a sales team
- Self-motivated leader with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Well connected within the luxury design trade around the showroom
- Exceptional time management skills with ability to multi-task
- Resilient with the ability to pro-actively overcome challenges
- Ability to inspire trust, integrity and professionalism
- Innovative and strategic thinker who promotes process improvements
- Ability to interpret and utilize data to drive decisions and sales results
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications: working knowledge of CRM systems
- Plumbing/tile/construction background/exposure a plus
- Requires travel within market to visit client offices and jobsites