Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: 3 Day Blinds (Sales)

Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM Enablement (with a focus on client-facing sales processes)

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (primarily in-home sales with local travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on client-facing sales execution, focusing on understanding customer needs within their homes to design and sell custom window treatments.

• It involves managing a sales territory, building client relationships, and driving revenue through direct sales and referral generation.

• The position requires a blend of sales acumen, interpersonal skills, and the ability to independently manage a schedule and client interactions.

• Success is driven by performance and uncapped commission potential, supported by comprehensive company-provided training and appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is fundamentally a sales position, its emphasis on in-home client consultations, managing a territory, and the need for structured appointment scheduling and follow-up gives it strong ties to Sales Operations and GTM enablement. The consultant acts as a key touchpoint in the customer journey, directly impacting revenue and requiring operational rigor in managing their daily activities and client pipeline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home consultations with clients to assess their needs, preferences, and existing décor for custom window treatments.

• Recommend and present a diverse range of blinds, shades, draperies, and shutters, tailoring solutions to client style, budget, and functional requirements.

• Effectively guide clients through the entire buying process, from initial consultation to closing the sale within a single visit.

• Independently manage a daily schedule of appointments, ensuring punctuality and efficient territory coverage.

• Develop and nurture client relationships to generate repeat business and valuable referrals within the local market.

• Collaborate with installation teams to ensure a seamless customer experience from sale to final product delivery and fitting.

• Maintain accurate client records and sales activity logs within the designated CRM system.

• Continuously seek opportunities for professional development in design trends, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a direct sales role with significant client interaction. The "manage your own schedule, appointments, and follow-ups" points strongly suggest a need for self-operational skills, akin to a field sales operations function where individual productivity and time management are critical for revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is required; a background in sales, hospitality, customer service, or retail is highly valued.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in client-facing roles, sales, hospitality, customer service, or retail environments. Prior design experience is not required.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a natural ability to build rapport and trust with clients.

• Strong sales aptitude and a proven ability to persuade and close deals.

• Excellent active listening skills to accurately assess client needs and preferences.

• Proficiency in time management and organizational skills to effectively manage appointments and follow-ups.

• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a field-based role.

• Reliable personal transportation for local travel to client appointments.

• Flexibility to work a schedule that includes at least one weekend day.

• A proactive and coachable attitude, eager to learn and implement new strategies. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client interactions and sales pipelines.

• Basic understanding of interior design principles or a demonstrable passion for home décor.

• Experience in lead generation or building a professional network.

• Ability to present product samples and design concepts clearly and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "0-2 years" experience level and the emphasis on training, the required skills focus on transferable soft skills essential for client interaction and sales. The preferred skills point towards candidates who may have some foundational understanding of CRM or design, which would give them a slight edge in adapting to the role and its operational demands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate examples of how you've assessed client needs and translated them into tailored solutions, showcasing problem-solving through design.

• Provide case studies or examples of successful sales engagements, highlighting your ability to guide clients through a decision-making process and close.

• Showcase organizational methods or systems used to manage multiple client appointments and follow-up tasks efficiently.

• Illustrate how you've leveraged client feedback or referrals to drive repeat business or generate new leads. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate your personal process for conducting an in-home consultation, from initial greeting to final sale.

• Demonstrate how you would document client preferences, measurements, and purchase decisions in a structured manner.

• Outline your strategy for following up with clients post-consultation and post-installation to ensure satisfaction and gather feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level sales role focused on in-home consultations, a traditional "portfolio" might not be expected. However, the application process likely involves demonstrating how a candidate approaches the sales process. The requirements here focus on articulating and providing examples of their sales methodology, client management, and ability to organize their work, which is crucial for operational success in a field sales role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The average earnings are estimated between $70,000 - $100,000+ annually, with potential for top performers to exceed this range. This is based on uncapped commission structures.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived directly from the provided text stating "average earnings $70K–$100K+, with top performers exceeding that." This range reflects typical compensation for successful in-home sales consultants with uncapped commission models in the US market.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.

• 401(k) with Company Match: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions to help employees build long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued leave for vacation, personal days, or sick time, allowing for work-life balance.

• Mileage Reimbursement: Compensation for travel expenses incurred while visiting client appointments within your designated territory.

• Paid Training: Four weeks of comprehensive training provided to equip new consultants with product knowledge, sales techniques, and operational procedures before engaging with clients.

• Laptop and Smartphone: Company-provided essential technology for managing appointments, client communications, and sales activities.

• Product Samples: Access to a comprehensive set of product samples to effectively showcase offerings to clients.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, with flexibility required to work at least one weekend day. The role involves managing a personal schedule of appointments, which may vary weekly based on client availability and territory needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is commission-based, which is a critical detail for operations professionals evaluating compensation structures. The provided benefits are standard for full-time roles and include specific support for field sales (mileage, training, tools). The working hours emphasize the hybrid nature and the need for individual schedule management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings / Retail / Manufacturing (specifically custom window treatments). As part of the Hunter Douglas family, the company operates within a well-established and reputable sector of the home décor market.

Company Size: Large (implied by national retailer status and being part of Hunter Douglas), likely hundreds to thousands of employees across sales, manufacturing, and support functions.

Founded: Over 40 years ago, indicating a stable, experienced company with established processes and market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant role operates largely independently within a defined local territory, reporting to a Sales Manager or similar leadership role.

• They are part of a broader sales organization that collaborates with marketing, customer service, and installation departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key for ensuring a smooth customer journey, from initial lead generation (often company-provided) to final installation success. Methodology:

• The company employs a consultative sales approach, focusing on understanding individual client needs and providing tailored solutions.

• Data-driven insights are likely used to identify target markets and optimize lead generation efforts, though the consultant's primary focus is on in-home execution.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for individual consultants to manage their territories and schedules effectively.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering an exceptional customer experience from the first interaction through to post-installation.

Company Website: https://www.3dayblinds.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is presented as team-oriented ("One Team") yet emphasizes individual autonomy and performance for Design Consultants. The heritage of the company suggests established operational frameworks, while their affiliation with Hunter Douglas points to a commitment to quality and innovation in their product offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to mid-level client-facing sales role. It represents a foundational position within a sales career path, focusing on direct revenue generation and customer engagement.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director. This manager provides coaching, performance feedback, and support for territory management and sales strategy.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants are directly responsible for generating revenue. Their ability to accurately assess needs, present solutions, and close sales directly impacts the company's top-line performance and market share. They are the frontline of the GTM strategy, translating marketing leads into tangible sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Advancement into roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Sales Team Lead, or Sales Manager, overseeing a team of consultants.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product lines, design styles, or client segments, potentially leading to specialized consulting roles.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transitioning into related GTM roles such as Sales Enablement, Sales Operations Support, or even Marketing roles that leverage customer insights and sales experience.

• Business Development: Opportunities to develop and manage larger client accounts or explore partnership opportunities within their territory.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within sales and potentially into operations-adjacent GTM roles. The emphasis on uncapped commission and company-provided appointments makes it attractive for ambitious individuals. The company's commitment to promoting from within suggests a structured career development framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a field-based role. The "office" is the client's home and the consultant's local territory. There may be a regional office or hub for occasional meetings, training, or administrative support.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Durham, NC, requiring local travel within a defined sales territory surrounding this area.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is dynamic and client-centric, requiring adaptability and professionalism in diverse home settings.

• Consultants are equipped with essential tools like a laptop, smartphone, and product samples, facilitating their mobile operations.

• Opportunities for team interaction may occur during initial training, regional meetings, or through ongoing communication with sales management and support teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the requirement to work at least one weekend day. The daily schedule is managed by the consultant, balancing company-provided appointments with self-generated leads and follow-up activities. This requires discipline and effective personal workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key characteristic. It blends independent field work with structured support from the company. For operations professionals, understanding the operational demands of a field-based sales role—managing logistics, time, and client expectations—is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and alignment with role requirements. This may include a brief phone screen.

• In-Depth Interview(s): Typically involves one or more interviews with a hiring manager or sales leader. Expect questions about your sales experience, customer service approach, motivation, and problem-solving skills.

• Scenario-Based Assessment: You may be asked to role-play a client consultation or present a hypothetical sales scenario to demonstrate your approach to needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.

• Field Ride-Along (Potential): In some cases, a successful candidate might shadow an experienced consultant or have a manager accompany them on a client visit to assess real-world application of skills.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Since this is a sales role, emphasize your sales process. How do you prepare for an appointment? How do you engage a client? How do you handle objections? How do you follow up?

• Quantify Achievements: If you have prior sales experience, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your success (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by 15%," "Generated $X in revenue," "Achieved a Y% closing rate").

• Showcase Client Focus: Highlight instances where you went above and beyond for a client or successfully resolved a challenging customer situation.

• Explain Your "Why": Be ready to articulate why you are drawn to sales, specifically in-home design consulting, and what motivates you.

• Prepare for Role-Play: Practice presenting a product or solution, listening to needs, and overcoming objections.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Knowledge: While training is provided, familiarize yourself with common window treatment types (blinds, shades, shutters, draperies) and their basic functionalities.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Develop a concise, compelling pitch that highlights the benefits of custom window treatments and 3 Day Blinds' unique value proposition.

• Objection Handling: Anticipate common objections (e.g., price, timing, complexity) and prepare thoughtful responses.

• Territory Management: Think about how you would prioritize and manage your time if given a specific geographical area to cover.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily assess practical sales skills and client interaction abilities. A candidate's ability to articulate their sales process and demonstrate how they handle client needs will be paramount. Preparing to showcase past successes with quantifiable results and practicing role-playing scenarios will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: A Customer Relationship Management system (specifics not mentioned, but likely Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) for managing client leads, appointments, sales activities, and customer data. Proficiency in data entry and CRM utilization is key for operational tracking.

• Communication Tools: Company-provided smartphone and laptop for calls, emails, scheduling, and accessing sales resources.

• Product Catalog/App: Digital or physical resources containing detailed product information, specifications, and design options.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While consultants may not directly use advanced analytics tools, they will likely interact with reports generated from the CRM system, showing their individual sales performance, conversion rates, and pipeline status.

• Understanding basic sales metrics and how they are tracked will be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• The primary CRM system will be central to the consultant's daily operations, managing the entire sales cycle from lead assignment to closing.

• Potential for automated appointment scheduling or follow-up reminders within the CRM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on enabling a field sales consultant. While not heavy on complex analytics or automation tools from an end-user perspective, the reliance on a CRM for managing the sales process is a critical operational component that candidates must be comfortable with.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction and delivering exceptional experiences from consultation to installation. This is central to the company's success and brand reputation.

• Performance Driven: A strong emphasis on achieving sales targets and uncapped commission potential, rewarding individual drive and success.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: While independent, consultants are part of a larger "One Team" structure, requiring collaboration with support, design, and installation departments.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards of conduct and honesty in all client interactions and business dealings.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing training, feedback, and new strategies to enhance design expertise and sales effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric Collaboration: Working closely with clients to understand their needs and co-create design solutions.

• Supportive Teamwork: Engaging with sales managers and support staff for guidance, resources, and problem resolution.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Liaising effectively with installation teams to ensure smooth project execution and client satisfaction.

• Feedback Loop: Participating in team discussions and providing feedback to improve sales processes and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both individual achievement and collaborative efficiency. For operations professionals, understanding how a sales team integrates with other departments to ensure a seamless customer journey is key. The emphasis on "One Team" suggests an environment where shared goals and mutual support are encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a Field Schedule: Balancing company-provided appointments with self-generated leads and administrative tasks requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Client Variability: Adapting to diverse client personalities, needs, and home environments requires flexibility and strong interpersonal skills.

• Performance Pressure: The uncapped commission structure, while offering high earning potential, also means income is directly tied to sales performance, requiring consistent effort and results.

• Navigating Competition: Differentiating 3 Day Blinds' offerings and value proposition against competitors in the custom window treatment market.

• Maintaining Motivation: Sustaining high levels of performance and client engagement, especially when working independently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Sales Training: Four weeks of paid training covering product knowledge, sales techniques, CRM usage, and customer service best practices.

• Ongoing Coaching: Regular support and guidance from Sales Managers to refine skills and address challenges.

• Product & Design Updates: Continuous learning about new product lines, design trends, and industry advancements.

• Career Advancement Programs: Opportunities for promotion to senior roles, management, or specialized positions within the company.

• Networking: Building connections with peers, managers, and other professionals within the broader Hunter Douglas network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a field sales role with a commission-based compensation structure. The growth opportunities are well-defined, with a clear emphasis on developing both sales acumen and operational efficiency for personal and professional advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's needs in their home." (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and observation skills.)

• "How would you handle a client who is hesitant about the price of custom window treatments?" (Prepare for objection handling, focusing on value, ROI, and long-term benefits.)

• "Walk me through how you would manage your schedule for a week, assuming you have 3 company appointments per day and want to follow up on leads." (Demonstrate organizational skills, prioritization, and time blocking.)

• "Why are you interested in a career in sales, and specifically with 3 Day Blinds?" (Connect your motivations to the role, company mission, and career growth.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about 3 Day Blinds and our products?" (Research the company website, product lines, and any recent news.)

• "How do you approach building relationships with new people?" (Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with diverse personalities.)

• "Describe a time you had to work independently to achieve a goal." (Showcase your self-motivation, discipline, and problem-solving abilities.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback or coaching?" (Emphasize your coachability and willingness to learn and improve.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Instead of a formal portfolio, be prepared to articulate your sales process step-by-step. Use examples from past experiences (even non-sales roles) that demonstrate these steps.

• Quantify Success: If you have sales experience, use numbers to back up your achievements. For non-sales roles, highlight achievements that demonstrate customer service, problem-solving, or organizational skills.

• Role-Play Practice: Be ready for a role-playing exercise where you'll act as the Design Consultant. Practice your opening, needs assessment, product presentation, and closing.

• Enthusiasm & Professionalism: Convey genuine enthusiasm for design, sales, and helping clients. Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess practical sales skills, client interaction capabilities, and the candidate's ability to operate effectively in a field-based, commission-driven environment. Preparation should focus on demonstrating these core competencies through clear articulation of process and quantifiable achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided greenhouse.io link.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any customer-facing experience, sales achievements (even if informal), organizational skills, and your ability to work independently. Tailor keywords to match the job description (e.g., "client consultation," "sales," "customer service," "relationship building").

• Prepare Your "Process Narrative": Be ready to verbally walk through your ideal process for a client consultation, from initial contact to closing the sale. Think about how you would assess needs, present solutions, handle objections, and secure the business.

• Research the Company: Thoroughly review the 3 Day Blinds website, paying attention to their product offerings, company values, and customer testimonials. Understand their unique selling propositions.

• Practice Role-Playing: Rehearse how you would present yourself as a Design Consultant, a key product, and how you would handle a typical client scenario. This will be crucial if a role-play is part of the interview.

• Gather Quantifiable Achievements: If you have prior sales or customer service experience, identify specific instances where you exceeded expectations, improved a process, or achieved a measurable result. Be ready to share these.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.