Regional DirectorLocation: St. Paul, MN | Hybrid / Field-FirstOur client is a commercial interior furnishings leader, a manufacturer representative and distributor for 100+ contract furniture brands, with KI as their flagship partner (the #1 market-share holder in education furniture in the US). Operating for 45+ years with headquarters in Milwaukee and a growing regional presence in the Twin Cities, they deliver end-to-end solutions: design, specification, procurement, project management, and installation.This is a company built on relationships.
Average sales tenure exceeds 20 years, clients stay for decades, and their compensation model rewards long-term portfolio building. They are in their third year of growth in this region, with a significant new product line launching in 2027 that leadership believes will be the most meaningful furniture innovation in 25 years.The RoleThis is a field-first, relationship-driven sales role focused primarily on the K-12 education market (80% of the book), with additional coverage across higher education, state and local government, corporate, and healthcare. You will operate as a full-cycle representative: driving end-user demand, supporting the A&D (architecture and design) community through specification and project collaboration, and managing long-term client relationships from initial engagement through delivery and beyond.What You'll DoOwn the full sales cycle from business development and prospecting to close and post-sale relationship management on project-based and recurring opportunitiesBuild deep, trusted relationships with K-12 school districts, university facilities teams, state and local agencies, corporate end users, and healthcare organizationsCollaborate with and support the A&D community, educate architects and designers on product lines, leverage CET design software to support specifications, and serve as a resource throughout the project lifecycleDeliver polished, consultative presentations and proposals that differentiate on value, service, and expertise, not price aloneWork alongside internal designers, project coordinators, marketing, and installation teams to deliver seamless client experiences from concept to completionTrack pipeline, forecasting, and activity in CRM with discipline and accuracyStay active in the local education and business community, associations, trade events, and school district engagement, to build visibility and influenceEmbrace AI tools as they are integrated into the sales process; curiosity and openness to technology is valued hereWhat You'll Bring3-7+ years of B2B consultative, project-driven sales, ideally in contract furniture, architectural products, flooring, AV/tech integration, construction materials, or a similarly complex tangible-product sales environmentProven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles involving end users, influencers (A&D, GC), and procurement processesGenuine interest in or passion for K-12 education environments, whether through direct industry experience, prior work in education, or a strong desire to focus thereExecutive-caliber communication and presentation skills, comfortable engaging architects, designers, and facilities directors alikeSelf-directed and accountable; you thrive with autonomy, ask the right questions, and do not need daily oversight to stay productiveCRM proficiency and general tech comfort; openness to learning design visualization tools like CET is a plusExisting network in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul market is a plus, not a requirement; candidates from adjacent industries, including former educators pivoting to sales, are encouraged to applyWork ModelField-first, hybrid role: 3-4 days per week in market visiting clients, prospects, A&D partners, and school districts across the Twin Cities metroRemaining time remote for CRM, proposals, follow-up, and internal collaborationHome base is the St.
Paul experience center, a modern, amenity-rich workspace located inside a vibrant mixed-use building featuring an on-site brewery, cafe, and collaborative common areas; a space designed to energize both the team and the clients they hostPeriodic travel for manufacturer trainings, regional meetings, and key industry eventsNote: This is not a fully remote roleCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive monthly draw + uncapped commission (accelerators for over-achievement)Health, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement planCar allowancePaid time offLong-term career growth in a company known for stability, culture, and employee loyalty