📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Specialist
🔹 Company: Empire Office Inc
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Temporary, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Furniture
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-08
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting internal sales teams and clients in selecting ancillary furniture, accessories, and artwork
- Organizing sample libraries and managing sample requests
- Developing PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets with product information
- Fostering partnerships with key manufacturer partners
- Managing NYC showroom upkeep
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creative problem-solving, strong organizational skills, and effective communication with both internal teams and external clients.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist with ancillary packages for projects requiring alternates due to price point or lead time requirement
✅ Support the Creative Studio team to devise furniture solutions addressing a look + feel package with no defined specifications
✅ Organize sample library and manage sample requests for clients and A+D
✅ Maintain Media Valet and Creative Library on a quarterly basis
✅ Develop PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets with product information
✅ Assist with quote requests for alternate specifications
✅ Assist internal sales teams with day-to-day requests for alternate products
✅ Develop accessories packages to elevate projects
✅ Foster partnerships with key manufacturer partners
✅ Expedite escalated requests with professionalism and a sense of urgency
✅ Assist CS and Sr. CS with Steelcase ancillary specifications, PMRs, CDAs, etc. as needed
✅ Manage NYC showroom upkeep
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of creative tasks, administrative duties, and client interaction, requiring adaptability and strong multitasking skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in business management or interior design
Experience: At least one year of design experience within a design firm, furniture retailer, or dealership
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel and PowerPoint
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to problem-solve and multitask
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and AutoCAD
ASSUMPTION: While a background in interior design or a related field is preferred, the role's core requirements can be learned, making it suitable for recent graduates or career changers.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00 hourly. This range is based on industry standards for entry-level creative roles in the New York City area.
Benefits:
- Temporary position benefits may vary; please inquire for details
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid schedule. Specific hours may vary based on project needs and team availability.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the New York City area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, specializing in furniture procurement, design-specification, delivery, installation, and more.
Company Size: Empire Office has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1946. Empire Office has over 79 years of experience in the furniture industry, offering a rich history and established network.
Company Description:
- Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 79 years of experience and more than 400 full-time employees across the country.
- The company is the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States and supports a list of more than 500 manufacturers.
- Empire Office partners with best-in-class architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver proven workspace solutions.
Company Specialties:
- Furniture Procurement
- Design-Specification
- Furniture Delivery
- Furniture Installation
- Ancillary Furniture Selection
- Accessories & Decor
- Asset Management & Storage
- Architectural Walls
- Employee WFH Furniture
- Corporate Moves
- Furniture Standards Management
Company Website: http://www.empireoffice.com
ASSUMPTION: Empire Office's extensive experience and large network make it an attractive employer for those seeking a stable and well-connected work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level. This role is ideal for recent graduates or career changers looking to gain experience in the furniture industry.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Specialist will report directly to the Creative Studio team and collaborate with internal sales teams and clients.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid schedule, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Specific office days may vary based on project needs and team availability.
Growth Opportunities:
- This role offers opportunities to learn and grow within the Creative Studio team and Empire Office as a whole.
- With experience and proven performance, there may be opportunities to take on more responsibilities or explore other roles within the company.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees to balance their personal and professional lives while still fostering collaboration and teamwork.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Empire Office's NYC headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): 654 Madison Ave, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10065
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- The office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, with easy access to public transportation.
- New York City's fast-paced environment may require employees to adapt to a dynamic and sometimes demanding work environment.
Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid schedule. Specific hours may vary based on project needs and team availability.
ASSUMPTION: The central location of Empire Office's NYC headquarters provides easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities, making it an attractive work environment for many employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Creative Studio team
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of the role and its responsibilities
- Candidates' relevant experience and skills
- Candidates' ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment
- Candidates' cultural fit with Empire Office's values and work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with the furniture industry and any relevant projects or experiences.
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and collaborate with both internal teams and external clients.
ATS Keywords: Ancillary furniture, accessories, artwork, sample management, client interaction, sales support, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing candidates' relevant experience, skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on their ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
- AutoCAD
- Sample management software (if applicable)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Training may be provided for the right candidate.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Expertise
- Integrity
- Customer Focus
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and detail-oriented
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative work environment?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid setting, balancing on-site and remote work?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with clients and internal teams?
ASSUMPTION: Empire Office values candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require employees to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines.
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining consistent communication and collaboration with both on-site and remote team members.
- The role may require employees to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
- The competitive nature of the furniture industry may present challenges in securing and maintaining client relationships.
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning, allowing employees to develop their skills and advance their careers.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other entry-level creative roles, this position offers a unique blend of creative problem-solving, administrative tasks, and client interaction.
- In the furniture industry, this role is similar to junior-level positions in creative studios or sales support teams, with a focus on ancillary furniture and accessories.
- Career-wise, this role provides an excellent starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in furniture design, sales, or project management.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other entry-level creative positions, its focus on ancillary furniture and accessories sets it apart and offers a unique opportunity for growth and learning.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive accessories package for a corporate office project
- Collaborating with the Creative Studio team to devise furniture solutions for a hospitality project with no defined specifications
- Managing sample requests and library organization for a high-profile architectural firm
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of tasks and responsibilities associated with the Associate Creative Specialist role, showcasing the opportunity for growth and learning.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does the Creative Studio team collaborate with internal sales teams and clients?
- What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the Creative Studio team and Empire Office as a whole?
- How does Empire Office support work-life balance for employees working in a hybrid environment?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can they be addressed effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's day-to-day responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and the company's commitment to employee growth and work-life balance.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your familiarity with the furniture industry and any relevant projects or experiences.
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to Empire Office's creative team.
- Prepare examples of your previous work, if applicable, to showcase your skills and experience in furniture design, sales, or project management.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and reiterate your interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
