Design Trade Manager at Glen Raven
Join to apply for the Design Trade Manager role at Glen Raven. This role is a key driver of Sunbrella’s growth and influence within the design trade, reporting to the Senior Director, Design Trade Sales & Marketing. It is responsible for expanding brand preference and sales through direct engagement with interior designers, design firms, and trade partners.
Overview The Design Trade Manager will own relationships in priority markets, deliver impactful presentations, and represent Sunbrella at key industry events and activations. This role will execute a tailored marketing engagement plan and trade program designed to increase specification and use of Sunbrella fabrics, finished products, and products made with Sunbrella textiles, both directly and through appropriate partners (e.g., Sunbrella fabrics on finished furniture). S / he will collaborate with both internal teams (e.g., Design, Sales, Business Unit Marketing) and external partners (e.g., agencies, manufacturers, and retailers) to coordinate—and at times lead—their efforts to make Sunbrella offerings more accessible and desirable to designers.
This role is ideal for a sales and marketing professional with a strong understanding of the design trade industry and a passion for home décor, trends and aesthetics who excels at building deep, lasting relationships with interior designers and design firms—the primary focus being within the residential market. You will be a key team member, responsible for providing exceptional service, driving sales, and representing our brand with style and expertise.
This role is ideally located at our corporate headquarters or able to work from that location regularly (~50% of the time). In addition, travel to other markets for designer interactions, insights, and events is anticipated.
Hybrid work arrangement : 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. Our corporate office is in Burlington, NC.
Responsibilities Trade program support and growth : Act as a key ambassador and manager of the Sunbrella Trade Program, increasing designer engagement and purchases / usage.
Manage vetting new designer applicants, ensure credentials are properly validated and stored.
Nurture the designers experience with the program, ensuring they understand the value and resources available.
Receive and socialize feedback to evolve program benefits, engagement strategies, UI / UX to ensure meaningful increase in trade accounts and conversions year over year.
Collaborate with brand, digital, and web team to design and maintain an engaging web / digital experience for the design trade.
Designer Relationship Management : Build and maintain strong, senior-level relationships with interior designers, design firms, and key influencers; serve as a trusted advisor to designers; deliver high-impact sales presentations and product knowledge sessions; identify prospects and execute outreach.
Market Development & Representation : Represent Sunbrella at major design industry events and brand activations; partner cross-functionally to showcase Sunbrella activities; identify partnership opportunities; execute campaigns with designers and loyalty programs to measure value and reward designer selections.
Market intelligence and results tracking : Gather market intelligence, provide actionable insights, identify high-potential markets, track results and contribute to growth strategies.
Education And Experience BA in business, marketing, interior design, or related field
At least 5 years of progressive marketing, sales, or business development, ideally in textiles, furnishings, home décor or design-related industries
Strong existing network within the design and architecture community
Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
Strong understanding of the interior design industry workflows and purchasing behaviors
Experience engaging designers through media, events, showrooms, and digital channels
Experience with brand partnerships and collaborations
Demonstrated ability using a mix of marketing touchpoints to drive growth
Experience leading / working with cross-functional teams
Key Skills Communication Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills
Polished, collaborative presence that earns trust
Ability to influence across multiple levels and with external partners
Fluent in English
Execution Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
Results-driven with follow-through
Creative thinker with the ability to build consensus and execute
Independent in identifying growth opportunities and developing plans
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Teams, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM platforms
Industry Understanding Genuine passion for design, interiors, and craftsmanship with strong visual sensibility
Why Glen Raven At Glen Raven, we embrace a diverse and inclusive mindset. Joining our team means contributing to a global network and representing trusted textile brands such as Sunbrella. We welcome diverse perspectives, solutions-driven ideas, and opportunities for growth in the company and communities. Join our team.
What you can expect from working at Glen Raven Benefits – health coverage, disability, vision, dental, telehealth or on-site clinics, wellness program, PTO and holidays
Future Financial security – pension and 401(k) matching
Perks – on-site amenities and employee events
Inclusion – diverse teams solving problems and innovating
Fair pay – competitive compensation
Equal Opportunity Employer Glen Raven provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment. If you require reasonable accommodation, contact recruiting@glenraven.com or 336-227-6211.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Design Manager • Burlington, NC, United States