Account Manager / Designer

About Empire & Co. / Overview

Empire & Co. is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 80 years of experience and more than 565 full-time employees nationwide. As the leading Steelcase dealer in the United States, we support a network of over 500 manufacturers. We partner with top architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver innovative, cost-effective workplace solutions that solve business challenges and activate brands.

Empire & Co. is seeking an Account Manager / Designer to join our growing team supporting the Mineola, NY / Long Island market. This role is ideal for someone based on Long Island who enjoys a blend of client relationship management, workplace design, and strategic account oversight. The position will primarily support clients across Long Island, with occasional travel into our NYC office for meetings, collaboration, and team engagement as needed.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients by managing accounts, developing workplace and furniture solutions, and delivering a high-quality customer experience from concept through execution. You will partner closely with internal teams to create thoughtful, functional environments while helping drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and expand Empire & Co.'s presence within the market.

• Location: Mineola, NY / Long Island (with occasional travel to NYC as needed)
• Schedule: Primarily supporting Long Island clients with periodic visits to the NYC office

Key Responsibilities

Client & Account Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and strategic account management
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the project and sales lifecycle
• Keep clients informed on new product offerings, market trends, and workplace solutions
• Anticipate client needs and provide thoughtful, solution-oriented recommendations
• Develop forecasts and support strategic account planning
• Conduct client meetings, site visits, and field verification as needed
• Effectively communicate the Empire & Co. story, capabilities, and value proposition
• Identify opportunities for ancillary products and additional services
• Negotiate with vendors where applicable to support pricing and profitability

Design & Product Application

• Create drawings and specifications in CET including topicals, furniture plans, and renderings
• Develop furniture specifications, layouts, finish selections, and digital presentation materials
• Prepare installation drawings and supporting documentation
• Conduct field measurements and inventory existing furniture when applicable
• Revise drawings and specifications as needed throughout project execution
• Assist in maintaining design department standards and project documentation
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure solutions align with client goals and budgets

Sales Process & Project Coordination

• Coordinate with Sales Coordinators, Account Coordinators, Project Managers, and Design teams to ensure smooth project execution
• Monitor project progress and maintain accurate internal reporting and documentation
• Support value engineering efforts and budget alignment discussions with clients
• Maintain project files and tracking systems as needed
• Adhere to deadlines and support deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously
• Mentor and support junior team members as applicable

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in commercial furniture, dealership sales, account management, design, or related industry experience preferred
• Experience working within a commercial furniture dealership environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of contract furniture lines and specification processes
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code (NEC), and applicable industry standards
• Experience with Steelcase products preferred
• Experience using Hedberg for quoting is a plus
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and construction documents
• Comfortable visiting job sites to take field dimensions and conduct furniture inventory assessments
• Excellent creative thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation skills and comfort interacting with customers, designers, architects, contractors, and manufacturer representatives
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Ability to travel throughout Long Island and periodically into NYC as business needs require