Job Description

Sales Development Associate

Launch Your Career. Build Your Capabilities. Grow Across the U.S.

Join HNI, a leader in the commercial furnishings industry with a diverse portfolio of brands and build your future in field sales. Our Sales Development Program provides leading industry tools, training, and hands-on experience to help you launch your career.

Your journey begins in Muscatine, Iowa, home to HNI headquarters. Through an immersive program lasting approximately 12–18 months, you’ll develop your sales skills, expand your network, and demonstrate your ability to deliver results. You’ll learn from some of the best in the industry and develop the skills and confidence to pursue field sales opportunities across the country.

Our Sales Development Program takes you from learning the business to owning results. You’ll work alongside field sales professionals, contribute to business growth, and build the product knowledge, customer relationships, and sales capabilities to prepare for your next opportunity. As positions become available, associates who demonstrate readiness can transition into field sales roles. Your experience may also open paths into account management, dealer development, learning and development, product marketing, and other areas.

Target Start Date: We are seeking candidates available to begin the Sales Development Program in January 2027.

What You’ll Do:

As a Sales Development Associate, you’ll partner with dedicated field sales professionals to deliver concierge-level support that helps the team win.

You’ll gain experience across several areas:

• Support field sales professionals: Collaborate with an assigned territory to support customers and drive business growth.
• Identify new business opportunities: Research companies, uncover opportunities, and connect qualified prospects with the sales team.
• Develop customer solutions: Recommend products, build quotes, and help customers find solutions that meet their needs.
• Support dealer partners: Provide guidance on products, programs, and processes.
• Gain in-market experience: Participate in travel opportunities supporting sales events and territory initiatives.

What You Bring:

• Communication and presence: You communicate clearly, present ideas confidently, manage your time effectively, and build credibility.
• Competitive drive: You’re motivated by goals, achievement, and measurable results.
• Adaptability and resilience: You learn quickly, embrace feedback, and stay focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Mobility and ambition: You’re ready to begin in Muscatine, Iowa and open to relocating for future field sales opportunities nationwide.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree, with studies in finance, business administration, analytics, economics, or marketing required, 3.5 GPA is desired. Strong candidates will have at least one year of relevant experience through internship or coursework, as well as previous experience with sales competition events or completion of a sales certification.

What We Offer:

• $5,000 Sign-On Bonus to help you launch your career with HNI.
• Hands-On Learning & Development through real-world sales experiences, professional training, coaching, and mentorship from experienced sales leaders.
• Travel Opportunities to support field sales professionals, attend customer meetings, participate in sales events, and gain exposure to markets across the country.
• Career Growth Pathways with the opportunity to advance into field sales roles nationwide as openings become available and readiness is demonstrated.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and wellness resources.

We are not accepting any candidates that require company sponsorship to legally work in the United States.