Why join us?
Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.
Sales Manager/National Account Manager DACH
Region - Germany (region South-West “Baden-Württemberg”)
Job summary
Territory : South West Germany– “Baden-Württemberg”
To meet and exceed the financial and activity goals as set individually by MillerKnoll
This position will be divided in 2 parts:
1)Dealer focused activity, lead generation, challenger selling and frequent visits to dealers, the job is to develop interest and create buying potential for MillerKnoll products. This is both in partnership with the dealer and independently. To involve and co-ordinate MillerKnoll and dealer resources against sales opportunities. To have ownership and be accountable for the opportunity until point of order.
2) National Account Manager for the DACH Area
- Managing existing customers as a dedicated point of contact
- Building and maintaining long-term customer relationships
- Understanding customer needs and business objectives
- Conducting regular customer meetings
- setting up national/global contracts – work together with the other national accounts in Europe
Provide accurate forecasting information in a timely manner and other useful market information.
Specific responsibilities
- Achieve the financial sales goal by building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with designated Dealer/s through the provision of day-to-day problem-solving solutions and the provision of opportunities
- Project Management – to handle bigger projects
- Own ongoing day-to-day relationship and be the prime commercial contact of choice with designated dealer at all levels
- Focus on identifying and creating sales opportunities for MillerKnoll and dealers in the territory which includes owning the process for Product Application / Specials / Mock Ups / SPAFS on the projects.
- Work with the MillerKnoll business development efforts by also identifying new opportunities for National Account Managers, Global Account Managers, Major Project Groups, A&D and Channel Development and work with them on projects as required
- Provide Technical / Specification support to dealer in conjunction with Portfolio leads when required.
- Promote MillerKnoll products and services at all times and act in the best interests of MillerKnoll in order to meet and exceed the individual volume target.
- Achieve the key activity goals, particularly the number of monthly dealer and client meetings.
- Ensure the highest quality of presentation whether verbal or written (RFI / RFP / Tender) – Whether MillerKnoll or dealer – Best in class
- Acquire product and program knowledge to ensure full personal capability to verbalise MillerKnoll’s differentiators and those of our products/programs against competitors.
- Gain an understanding of the furniture market and the relevant activity to build relationships with key influencers in a territory.
- Provide accurate and timely reports to the Regional Manager and ensure Salesforce is accurate, updated and utilised to its full potential on all opportunities.
- Responsibility for Forecast via SFDC.
Job holder requirements/Role expectations
Expected Competences
- Well-established network within the Southern German contract, architecture, and dealer landscape, ideally with strong connections in Baden-Württemberg
- Highly relationship-oriented with the ability to act as a trusted, long-term partner to dealers, specifiers, and end-customers
- Strong service and solution mindset, capable of supporting partners and adding value throughout the entire project lifecycle
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels
- Highly structured and organized, able to manage multiple projects, partners, and priorities simultaneously
- Proactive, commercially driven, and collaborative, with a hands-on approach to developing the Southern German region together with internal colleagues and external partners
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of selling skills
- Must be able to communicate succinctly and fluently and in a compelling manner in both verbal and in written forms
- Must demonstrate high levels of drive and energy and be able to work autonomously
- Must enjoy and work well in a team when relevant
- Must be flexible to work long hours when required and prepared to make regular early starts, this position requires the individual to travel up to 50% of their time
- Must be numerate in the preparation of quotations and forecast information
Characteristics
- Methodical, hardworking, ambitious and energetic
- Ability to handle objections and minimise confrontation
- Articulate and diplomatic
- Honest and with high levels of integrity
Education and Experience Requirements
- “Kaufmännische Ausbildung”/Degree in Business Administration/Engineering with several years of experience or higher educational level appreciated
- Proven track record in generating new business for a minimum period of 5 years (or associated field).
- Driving licence (6 points maximum.); German driving licence (“Führerschein Klasse B”)
Experience required
- Proven track record in B2B sales within contract furniture, interiors, hospitality, or other design-led industries, ideally with experience working through dealer and specification-driven sales models
- Solid understanding of project sales processes, from early concept and specification through to execution
- Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken
Company requirements
Health & Safety; ensure that safe working practices are followed. Attend safety briefings, as requested. Take responsibility for your own and your co-workers safety in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999
Compliance; ensure compliance with business systems, processes, certification schemes, regulations and legislation relevant to the scope of your role. Support internal quality controls and audits to demonstrate compliance.
Who We Hire?
Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.
MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com.