Arper is a global design brand that envisions products for the ways we live.
Founded in 1989 in Monastier di Treviso, Italy, Arper has grown into an international voice in design.
We are family owned and independently run, guided by strong values and deep sensitivity to those who use our products everyday. Life is a constant conversation with the environment around us. As the boundaries of our world melt away, work and home become one, and we are compelled to act with agency, we are all presented with the same question: how do we want to live? This project of living inspires our work and our vision.
THE PROJECT OF LIVING — For Arper, the project of living is a dialogue that embraces change, whether it applies to the world as a whole or to people as they evolve, at all stages of their lives. Underlying everything we do is a sensitivity towards the communities, relationships, environments, and individuals for whom we design. We believe that spaces shape ideas. We aspire to a beautiful world. We create furnishings that support harmonious, comfortable living in its many forms, that inspire and grow with us over time. We create spaces and solutions to move forward with intelligence and ease. Together, with our clients and partners, we design the world we want to live in, with openness and humanity.
OUR VISION — A beautiful, vital world.
OUR MISSION — To create spaces and solutions that shape the project of living.
OUR VALUES — Responsibility, care, openness, imagination, courage.
The role of Business Development Representative will oversee a list comprised of leading Chicago design firms and key dealer and end-user accounts. Representatives of Arper are expected to promote the brand and position the company for long-term profitable growth via effective messaging, presentations, and strategic selling. This position implements the established sales strategy for the region with a focus on achieving established goals and exceeding customer expectations. The Business Development Representative acts as a brand ambassador and leverages a strong network of Architecture and Design clients, distribution partners and other influencers to earn new business and create world class environments for clients across a variety of market segments. Knowledge of the market and relationships within key accounts are essential, and so too is the ability to effectively sell complex solutions; leveraging Arper’s full portfolio and company differentiators. This role is responsible for the execution of all company programs, product launches and other activities to achieve the defined strategies and goals. This position is based out of Arper’s Chicago Showroom working on collaboration with the sales and marketing team.
· Understand and articulate the Arper brand strategy and be knowledgeable about all Arper products and services to act as a resource to clients
· Carry out market research to identify sales opportunities within defined geographic region. Plan effective approach tailored to the client’s unique needs, business drivers and desired outcomes
· Support distribution channel partners to maximize opportunities for Arper.
· Identify key decision makers and meet with potential clients to promote Arper solutions and services.
· Manage project opportunities through all phases from initial evaluation and quotation to post-installation follow-up and support.
· Prepare customer proposals with the support of the Arper's Bidding department and negotiate agreements under the supervision of the National Sales Director
· Manage warranty claims and complaints in a timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail and a customer-centric approach.
· Represent Arper at key business meetings, tradeshows and other related events and conferences.
· Utilize Salesforce (CRM) to manage all sales activity, ensuring that information is up to date and accurate. Provide reporting to National Sales Director as needed
· Bachelor's degree in Business or Architecture/Design preferred
· Strong business acumen, selling skills, project budgeting and negotiation
· Proficient with Microsoft Office and various CRM and Project Management software tools
· Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills - writes, speaks, and presents information accurately, concisely, and compelling across communication settings and to a variety of audiences
· Experience as a business developer/sales manager in the contract furnishings industry or similar, multinational companies preferred
· Established network of contacts across architecture/Interior design, real estate, construction and project management preferred
· Results-oriented strategic thinker with quality and depth of decision-making
Your personality:
· Be an enterprise-level problem solver having a can-do, solution-oriented mindset; focus on how to drive to the best possible outcome.
· Be relentless, resourceful, and entrepreneurial; with a commitment to continuous improvement
· Drive impact through inquiry; ask probing questions and push others to be and to their best
· Be nimble and flexible; adapt quickly to changing circumstances or new insights
· Be comfortable with risk; know that the biggest risk often comes from inaction rather than from getting it wrong
· Operate in a prioritized fashion; know what you are trying to get done and focus your resources
· Be in the details and hands on; think strategically but drive to action
In compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor's new requirement effective January 1, 2025, Arper is proud to provide transparency regarding pay and benefits to potential candidates.
For the Business Development Representative role, the pay scale ranges from $80,000.00 to $91,000.00, depending on experience and qualifications.
At Arper, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
* Free individual employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
* 3% company matching retirement plan to help secure your financial future.
* Access to our robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which includes therapy, legal counsel, financial advising, and additional support services.
Join our team and experience the benefits of working in a people-focused organization that values its employees as much as its success.
Arper USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.