DIRECTOR OF SALES + OPERATIONS

For nearly a decade, South Loop Loft has been a go-to resource for interior designers nationwide, offering an award-winning collection of European vintage furnishings, an immersive showroom experience, and exceptional service to the design trade. At South Loop Loft, you’ll join a vibrant, passionate team dedicated to collaboration and excellence. Our supportive culture fosters professional growth, making us a unique place to work.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to lead our team and drive business growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in management, sales, and luxury products, along with exceptional organizational, HR, financial literacy, and communication skills. You will oversee showroom performance, profit and loss, and support efforts in quality, brand awareness, and company culture. Your main focus will be on executing strategies and managing all operational teams to drive increased profit.

This role involves developing and implementing effective sales strategies and overseeing sales, marketing, inventory management, finances, and customer service. The successful candidate will be a proactive leader capable of fostering a positive work culture driving sales growth, analyzing financial metrics, and building strong relationships within the local design community. If you have a passion for interior design and luxury home furnishings, and experience in managing a growing team, we invite you to apply.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: THE BIG PICTURE

1. Lead a team of 6 with a focus on results, fostering a positive and proactive environment through teaching and coaching.
2. Improve current Sales Strategy and develop Outreach Strategy to increase annual revenue.
3. Maintain a best-in-class client experience by developing and creating an environment of exceptional customer service.
4. Oversee execution of quote and order management by the sales and sales support teams.
5. Utilize reporting strategically for a big-picture understanding of overall business and areas for growth and improvement.
6. Resolve escalated client-service cases.
7. Implement process and service improvement plans.
8. Oversee recruitment, training, and ongoing mentoring of new employees.
9. Act as a brand representative on the sales floor, in the office, and at events to develop and grow relationships with the local design community.
10. Maintain the signature South Loop Loft best-in-class visual image. Oversee merchandising and overall presentation of space, working with the Inventory Team + Ownership.
11. Manage facilities, including working with outside vendors for repairs, updates, etc.
12. Collaborate with the South Loop Loft accounting teams to facilitate seamless accounting processes, forecasts, and budgets.
13. Oversee inventory management for the showroom, working with the Inventory Coordinator to streamline processes and ensure accurate record-keeping.
14. Liaise with the marketing team to develop client and brand-focused outreach and events.
15. Plan and execute 4-7 annual events.
16. Handle administrative + operational responsibilities related to the business operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
2. 5+ years of management experience required, must have experience managing in sales.
3. 3+ years of team management experience with former leadership roles.
4. Strong knowledge of high-end luxury marketplaces and client buying experience.
5. Outstanding organizational and communication skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and attention to detail.
6. Able to create and meet deadlines.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to communicate with all levels in an organization.

This is a full-time, salaried position with a suite of benefits including: employer matched 401k, BCBS health + dental insurance, a competitive amount of PTO time, Holidays, Summer Fridays, Dog friendly office, Europe Travel, Access to Professional Development tools and other perks reserved for team members. Salary is commensurate with candidate qualifications and experience and other market factors. This position is available to Start Immediately. This position requires working at our Chicago showroom.

South Loop Loft is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants can send resumes to: