General Sales Manager at Zero Hiring in New Haven, CT

About the Opportunity

Our client is one of the largest licensees of a globally recognised furniture brand — the number one selling furniture brand in the world and the leading retailer of furniture and bedding in the United States. Named one of the Best Places to Work in Furniture for 2025 by Furniture Today, this is a business built on culture, recognition, and genuine investment in its people.

They are seeking an experienced General Sales Manager to lead operations at one of their Connecticut showroom locations with flexibility across sites as the business requires.

Compensation & Benefits

One of the most competitive packages in retail:

• Base salary: $65,000 – $80,000 depending on experience and store assignment
• Annual bonus potential: up to $89,700 in additional earnings based on performance
• Paid 13-week leadership training programme
• Quarterly and annual performance awards
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, holiday pay, and a paid birthday day off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage from $25/week
• Employee product discounts
• Referral bonuses up to $1,000

Culture & Team Programmes

The business invests meaningfully in its people through:

• Paid volunteer day annually with a recognised non-profit
• Confidential support for personal, family, and wellbeing challenges
• Quarterly sessions focused on finances, health, and relationships
• Financial assistance fund for unexpected life events
• Free financial wellness platform — budgeting, saving, and debt reduction

The Role

The General Sales Manager owns the full sales operation at their assigned location. You will develop and execute sales strategies, lead a high-performing team, and ensure all targets are met. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will be present on the floor, coaching in real time, and setting the standard every day.

Sales Strategy & Leadership

• Build and execute strategies to hit revenue and profitability goals
• Analyse trends, identify growth opportunities, and set clear performance targets
• Coach sales managers and team members with regular, structured feedback

People & Operations

• Manage staffing levels aligned to store traffic and turnover
• Oversee onboarding and cultural integration of new hires
• Support performance management and development across the full team
• Lead daily huddles, coaching sessions, and weekly operational meetings

Business Performance

• Deliver against store-specific sales budgets
• Track and improve close rate, average sale, protection plan attach, sleep category, financing applications, NPS, and net margin
• Maintain showroom standards — clean, organised, and guest-ready at all times

Leadership Development

• Mentor Sales Managers, Assistant Managers, and Trusted Advisors
• Participate in leadership training, vendor sessions, and development programmes
• Apply structured leadership frameworks and toolkits consistently across the team

Schedule

Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week including weekends. Regular in-person presence at the assigned Connecticut location is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in retail leadership, sales management, or a comparable role
• Strong track record driving performance through accountability, coaching, and team development
• Data-informed decision-maker with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfortable learning new systems

THE PROCESS — Exclusively Managed by zero

This search is being conducted exclusively by zero. Every candidate is guided through the process personally — you will have direct support at each stage. Our average time from application to offer is 10 days.

1. AI Telephone Interview

Your first step is a brief AI-powered telephone interview. This gives you the chance to share your background and experience on your own schedule, with no waiting around for diary coordination.

2. Client Introduction & Preparation

If we progress your application, we will introduce you to the opportunity in full: the client, the culture, the expectations, and what success looks like in this role. We will prepare you thoroughly before any client-facing step.

3. Face-to-Face Interview

We will schedule and coordinate your interview directly with the hiring manager. You will go in fully briefed and confident.

4. Offer