Senior Creative Specialist

Empire & Co. is a leader in delivering innovative workplace solutions nationwide. With over 80 years of industry experience and more than 565 full-time employees, we partner with leading architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to create high-performing, cost-effective environments that solve business challenges and activate brands.

As the leading Steelcase dealer in the United States, we support a network of more than 500 manufacturers and deliver solutions that transform the way people work.

Empire & Co. is seeking a Senior Creative Specialist to join our Creative Studio team. This hybrid role, based in our NYC office, is responsible for managing strategic client accounts, developing innovative furniture and ancillary solutions, leading client presentations, and strengthening manufacturer partnerships.

The Senior Creative Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to clients, architects, and internal stakeholders while supporting project success through creative problem-solving, value engineering, and consultative sales strategies. This role will play a key part in identifying growth opportunities, enhancing the client experience, and driving business results.

• Own assigned client accounts, managing expectations and ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
• Provide prompt and professional responses to client inquiries and project needs.
• Attend onsite meetings and presentations with clients, architects, and designers, including occasional travel within the NYC market.
• Resolve escalated client issues and ensure timely conflict resolution.
• Promote Empire & Co.'s breadth of products, services, and workplace solutions.

• Develop alternate specifications and value-engineering strategies for awarded projects.
• Create proposal packages including product recommendations, pricing, lead times, warranties, and supporting documentation.
• Lead client and A&D presentations, communicating design intent and solution benefits effectively.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging manufacturers, and innovative workplace solutions.
• Attend relevant industry events and tradeshows to identify new products and opportunities.

• Identify opportunities to expand project scope through ancillary products and additional services.
• Strengthen manufacturer relationships and negotiate vendor discounts to support profitability and client value.
• Develop a strong point of view regarding product applications, trends, and market opportunities.
• Support strategic account growth initiatives and business development efforts.

• Act as a liaison throughout the sales and project execution process, coordinating activities between Sales, Project Management, Coordinators, and Design teams.
• Monitor project status and support successful project execution.
• Mentor junior team members and provide guidance on best practices and professional development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve processes, efficiencies, and overall client experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Salary Range: $90,000 – $105,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• 7+ years of combined experience within a commercial furniture dealership, design firm, architecture firm, or related industry.
• Deep knowledge of commercial furniture products, specification processes, and workplace solutions.
• Experience with Steelcase products preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with AutoCAD, CET, Hedberg, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction drawings.
• Proficiency utilizing AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gamma, Monaverse, Nano Banana, ChatGPT, and similar technologies) to create compelling proposals, enhance creativity, and improve operational efficiency.