Market Development Specialist

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart  furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions.Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.

Are you passionate about driving growth and expanding market reach?  We are seeking a dynamic Market Development Specialist to join our Inside Sales team based out of our Corporate office in Green Bay, WI.  As a key player in our organization, you will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing marketing strategies, and fostering relationships with clients and partners within your assigned district(s).

Responsibilities:
•    Market Research and Analysis:
     o    Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and gaps.
     o    Uncover additional key information on future opportunities using various research methods (Dodge, AI, Business Journal, Field Leads, government funds, etc.). 
     o    Translate insights into actionable strategies.

•    Strategic Planning, Collaboration and Communication:
     o    Work with sales leadership to develop market penetration strategies.
     o    Build strong working relationships with Field Sales Reps and District Leaders, as well as external relationships with key influencers who can help identify leads. 
     o    Create comprehensive marketing plans to target specific industries and segments.
     o    Allocate resources effectively to achieve growth objectives.
     o    Communicate with all necessary Field Sales Reps, Inside Sales Specialists and District Leader’s regarding inbound/outbound opportunities and progress.
     o    Maintain and update Salesforce accordingly.

•    Lead Generation:
     o    Build and maintain contact lists through various channels (third-party agencies, online acquisition, tradeshows, and social media).
     o    Call, email or direct message prospective end customer contact leads found through syndicated databases and non-buy customers (lapsed customers of more than 3 years) or dormant leads found in Salesforce. 
     o    Qualify all leads based on obtaining key information from prospects including but not limited to furniture needs, project timelines, scale and scope of project, purchase decision makers, A&D, dealer or general contractor involvement, purchasing requirements and budget.
     o    Provide detailed summaries to inside sales and/or field sales teams regarding prospects interest.

Qualifications:
•    Education:
     o    Bachelor’s degree in a Business related field or equivalent work experience.
•    Skills:
     o    Strong written and verbal communication. 
     o    Active listening skills to understand customer needs.
     o    Persuasive skills to communicate product benefits, overcome objections, and drive. business growth.
    o    Strategic thinking and ability to learn relevant markets and industries.
    o    Strong research skills.
•    Experience:
     o    2+ years of market development experience required.

Compensation and Benefits:
The hiring range for the Market Development Specialist is $26-$32 per hour and will be based on candidate’s experience.  You will also have the potential to earn up to a 10% bonus each year based on key performance metrics. Additionally,  as a 100% employee-owned company, KI offers a unique opportunity for its employees to become part of the ownership group through our Employee Share Ownership program. This program, which is subject to the company’s performance and a vesting period, not only promotes an employee-owned culture but is also highly valued among KI employees. Being an employee owner at KI can provide long-term value and help build wealth, giving you a stake in the success of the company and its future. Other benefits include paid vacation, sick and holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, wellness initiatives, on-site fitness center, tuition reimbursement and more.  

Join our team and contribute to our mission of expanding our market presence in key districts.  Apply now! 

KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.