Job Description
Job DescriptionHNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others, upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.What We NeedWe are looking for a Technical Resource Specialist (Technical Selling) to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings team supporting the Allsteel and Gunlocke brands. This role is based in the NYC market and requires regular presence (2–3 days per week) in our NYC showroom as well as at local dealer offices. We are seeking someone who excels in furniture product application, technical specification, customer engagement, and solution development by guiding customers, dealers, and sales teams toward effective, compelling furniture solutions.This is a customer-facing, field-oriented role, not a traditional office-based or interior design position.What You Will DoFurniture Application & Specification Expertise
- Provide expert-level furniture specification skills to support sales opportunities.
- Translate customer workplace challenges into clear, actionable furniture solutions.
- Deliver compelling product applications across Allsteel, Gunlocke, and partner brands.
- Collaborate with Technical Applications, Tailored Products, and other internal teams to develop accurate, complete solutions — with full support from the broader Technical Selling team.
Customer Interaction & Influence
- Serve as a trusted technical advisor in customer-facing situations.
- Confidently discuss workplace issues, product logic, and application strategies.
- Help influence and guide key stakeholders by challenging assumptions and presenting well-reasoned solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with dealers, designers, sales teams, and internal groups to ensure alignment and feasibility of proposed solutions.
- Support showroom activities, customer tours, presentations, and product discussions.
- Drive best practices in product application and specification throughout the selling process.
What You Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Technology, Business, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in furniture specification, space planning, or technical product application.
- Proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, CAP, SketchUp, and 2020 Worksheet strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively with customers, dealers, and field sales teams.
- Ability to understand broad product portfolios — with robust support from the Technical Selling organization.
What You’re Good At
- Understanding commercial office environments, workplace trends, and furniture systems.
- Building strong relationships with customers, dealers, and internal partners.
- Clear, persuasive communication of technical concepts and product logic.
- Handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
- Confident decision-making and follow-through.