Design Strategist- Chicago, IL

at Kimball International, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

High Level Purpose of the Role:
Partners with the Sales & Marketing teams to develop and implement interior design and specification needed to support the strategic objectives of generating sales growth with field sales and dealers.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Support the sales team in their efforts to increase product sales.
Attend client meetings for strategic accounts either via live or Web Based. Attend mock up presentation and join showroom tours as needed
Make introductions to A&D firms
Supply A&D firms with Revit symbols as needed to complete their projects
Works with various departments within the organization to ensure completion of product typicals on schedule and with committed content.
Be comfortable with live design, to showcase capabilities and come to design solutions more efficiently. Lead co.creation sessions while using a design thinking mindset.
Assists with identifying and communicating best practices and key learnings on application, positioning, and timeline of new products to Design Strategist team.
Coach sales team, dealers, and outsource specifiers on product integration, application & technical capability to effectively specify full line of products.
Create and share typicals for MRL integration and website typical library development and improvement
Offering training support to dealers in addition to Kimball Univ, including but not limited to: product knowledge, specification clarity, CET use and adoption and Elevate.
Provide high quality renderings
Participate in events such as NeoCon and Healthcare design as requested
Be an active member on the CET Beta test team, providing testing and valuable feedback to its continued development
Skills to Perform This Role:

Work/Educational Requirements
Bachelors Degree in Interior Design
5+ years Interior Design experience
Office furniture specification experience, specifically systems & open plan/benching products
NCIDQ; LEED; EDAC (preferred but not required)
Technical Skills
Configura CET spec systems
AutoCAD 3D Max, Revit and Sketch Up Knowledge (preferred)
In-depth product knowledge of full Kimball portfolio.
Ability to determine the optimal product application & integration of products into a complete design solution.
Interior Design space planning and codes
Learns & reinforces the use of new technologies related to the entire sales process (ie. Revit)
Strength using Excel, PowerPoint, & Word
Leadership Skills
Creative problem solving skills
Asks probing questions to ensure common understanding
Self starter, pursues information to drive results
Shares spec and project execution tips with nationwide group of Product Application Specialists.
Ability to lead and/or co-lead a project
Assists in facilitating their team to meet deadlines
Provides coaching & feedback to improve results
Ability to facilitate conflict resolution
Seeks out personal development opportunities
Interpersonal Skills
Collaborative team player helping grow sales
Easily develops rapport and trust
Understands & anticipates customer concerns
High degree of emotional intelligence
Ability to be the consultative role with various audiences to understand needs.
Ability to facilitate to a common understanding for product desired: standard, modifications, or custom
Communication & Presentation Skills
Excellent verbal, written & listening skills
Presents effectively to small groups
Adjusts communication & style for target audience
Prepared with objectives & anticipates questions

Kimball International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.