Chicago Showroom Manager & Applications Designer

POSITION TITLE: Chicago Showroom Manager & Applications Designer

DEPARTMENT: Sales

JOB TYPE: Full-Time - Exempt

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager - Showrooms, CMF's & Product Applications

The Chicago Showroom Manager & Application Designer is responsible for maintaining and elevating the AIS Chicago showroom while supporting a variety of design, sales, and product development initiatives. This role serves as the primary steward of the Chicago showroom and partners closely with Product Line Management, Sales, and Design teams to support product development, showroom design, support strategic customer opportunities, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the AIS product portfolio.

This position combines showroom management, commercial interior design, customer engagement, and sales support, making it ideal for a design professional who enjoys both creative and customer-facing responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Showroom Management & Customer Experience

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Chicago showroom.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Chicago showroom, ensuring it is maintained to AIS brand standards and always customer-ready.
• Coordinate showroom tours, dealer visits, customer meetings, and special events.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to maintain showroom functionality and presentation.
• Support NeoCon preparation, installation, and execution activities.

AIS & Dealer Showroom Design Support

• Assist in the planning, design, and execution of AIS and Dealer showroom installations, renovations, and refresh projects.
• Support furniture layouts, finish selections, product applications, and showroom storytelling strategies.
• Coordinate showroom updates associated with product launches, material introductions, and brand initiatives.
• Support Chicago showroom installations and coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams during project execution.

Strategic Sales Opportunity Support

• Partner with sales teams on large, high-visibility customer opportunities requiring design support.
• Assist with workplace planning, furniture applications, finish recommendations, and presentation development.
• Help create visually compelling customer experiences that strengthen AIS's competitive position during the sales process.
• Participate in project strategy discussions and provide design insight that supports customer engagement and project success.

Product Development & PLM Support

• Represent the designer and customer perspective throughout the product development process by participating in product reviews, prototype evaluations, and launch activities.
• Gather market feedback, identify design trends, and collaborate with Product Line Management and Engineering to support future product development and successful product launches.

Qualifications

Required

• This position is based in the Chicago showroom and requires a consistent onsite presence to support customers, sales teams, and showroom operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or related field.
• Strong understanding of workplace environments and commercial furniture applications.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design software.

Preferred

• 3+ years of experience in commercial interior design, furniture design, showroom design, or related field.
• Experience within the commercial furniture industry.
• Experience supporting dealer and customer-facing environments.
• Knowledge of furniture specifications, materials, and finishes.
• Experience supporting large commercial workplace projects.

At AIS we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers. We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Employees. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.

AIS offers a collaborative, team-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make an impact. We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, annual bonus opportunities, paid time off, and ongoing professional development in a growing manufacturing organization.

EEO/AA Statement

As an EEO/AA employer, AIS will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.

AIS is a Federal Contractor and required to comply with Executive Order 14042.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

No H-1B sponsorship is offered for this position.