DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Retail / Design Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead clienteling efforts to cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships, leveraging a deep understanding of interior design principles and furniture construction.

• Drive sales performance by executing comprehensive interior design consultations and personalized makeovers, translating customer needs into compelling product and design solutions.

• Act as a brand ambassador, embodying Bassett Furniture's commitment to quality, style, and customer satisfaction through a polished image and professional demeanor.

• Utilize a consultative sales approach, engaging customers to discern their unique tastes, lifestyles, and budgetary requirements, thereby maximizing selling opportunities and delivering exceptional client experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Sales Consultant within a retail environment, emphasizing a blend of interior design expertise and sales acumen. The core function revolves around building client relationships and driving revenue through personalized design services. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a need for candidates who have some foundational sales and design experience, but not necessarily extensive leadership or strategic operations background.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations, assessing client needs, lifestyle, and investment range to propose tailored furniture and decor solutions.

• Develop and present comprehensive design proposals, including mood boards, space plans, and product selections, utilizing Bassett Furniture's extensive product catalog and design resources.

• Execute creative and effective furniture makeovers for clients, both virtually and at their residences, ensuring a seamless and inspiring customer journey.

• Manage the sales cycle from initial consultation through to closing, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business and referrals.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of current design trends, color palettes, and fabric textures, continuously updating product knowledge and design expertise.

• Utilize CRM tools and clienteling strategies to track customer interactions, preferences, and sales opportunities, building a robust personal client base.

• Collaborate with showroom management and design teams to optimize showroom displays and merchandising, enhancing the overall customer experience.

• Achieve and exceed individual sales goals and performance metrics through proactive client engagement and effective sales techniques.

• Drive traffic into the showroom through personal outreach, networking, and participation in store events.

• Stay abreast of furniture construction, materials, and warranty information to provide customers with accurate and confident product recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a client-facing sales role with a strong emphasis on interior design. The "makeovers" aspect suggests a practical, hands-on application of design skills. The mention of "virtual appointments and live chats" points to the need for proficiency in modern communication and sales technologies. "Relationship selling" is a key differentiator, implying a focus on long-term customer value rather than transactional sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly advantageous. Completion of Bassett's Interior Design certification training is a key component of the role.

Experience: A proven track record of success in a commissioned sales environment, ideally within retail, luxury goods, or a design-related industry, is required. Candidates should possess a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant sales experience, demonstrating an ability to meet or exceed sales targets.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and a keen eye for color, texture, and style.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.

• Proven ability to build rapport and establish long-term customer relationships (clienteling).

• Strong sales acumen with a demonstrated ability to close sales and achieve revenue goals.

• Proficiency in discerning and coordinating colors and textures for aesthetic appeal.

• Computer proficiency, including experience with CRM systems, virtual meeting platforms, and standard office software.

• Self-motivation and a proactive approach to client engagement and business development.

• Ability to translate customer wants and needs into practical design choices.

• A friendly, outgoing, and positive personality conducive to a client-facing role.

• Polished and professional image and demeanor.

• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required by retail operations. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D rendering or design visualization software.

• Knowledge of furniture construction, materials, and upholstery.

• Previous experience in a luxury retail or high-end design environment.

• Demonstrated ability to drive to customer residences for consultations and makeovers.

• Experience conducting virtual appointments and live chats for sales and consultations.

• Familiarity with Bassett Furniture's product line and design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative talent (passion for design, color coordination) and sales execution (sales goals, commissioned sales environment). The requirement for a "polished image" and "career-minded professionalism" suggests a need for candidates who can represent a premium brand effectively. The ability to work weekends and holidays is a standard expectation in retail sales roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse interior design projects, demonstrating a range of styles and client needs.

• Include visual examples of completed client makeovers or room designs, highlighting before-and-after transformations.

• Present case studies that detail the client's initial requirements, the design process, product selections, and the final outcome.

• Quantify sales achievements and contributions where possible, such as average sale value, client retention rates, or exceeded sales targets.

• Demonstrate proficiency in space planning and furniture layout through visual aids or diagrams. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their personal sales process, from lead generation and initial consultation to closing and post-sale follow-up.

• Be prepared to explain how they would integrate Bassett's complimentary design service into their client engagement strategy.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage virtual tools and live chats as part of the design and sales process.

• Outline methods for tracking customer preferences and managing client relationships effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a "portfolio" typically refers to a collection of design work and sales achievements rather than formal process documentation or system implementation projects common in operations roles. The emphasis is on showcasing creative talent, design execution, and sales success. The "process documentation" aspect will likely focus on their approach to client engagement and sales within a retail design context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The potential income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 annually, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000 per year. This range is commission-based, with additional bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid training to support professional development and product knowledge acquisition.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Disability and life insurance policies for added financial security.

• 401(k) plan for retirement savings.

• Tuition assistance programs to support ongoing education and skill development.

• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom environment.

• Clear opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays, typical for a retail sales environment. Exact daily hours will vary based on showroom operational needs and client appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a commission-based structure with a target earning range, reflecting a performance-driven compensation model common in sales roles. The provided average and top-earner figures offer a clear benchmark for potential earnings. The benefits package is comprehensive, including health, retirement, and professional development support, which are attractive to career-minded individuals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture and Home Furnishings Retail, with a strong heritage in custom craftsmanship and design innovation. Bassett Furniture has been a recognized brand for over a century, known for quality custom furniture and a blend of style, comfort, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint across the United States. While exact employee numbers for this specific retail location aren't provided, the company operates numerous showrooms and manufacturing facilities, indicating a medium to large-sized organization. This size offers both stability and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Bassett Furniture was founded in 1902, giving it over 120 years of history and a deep-rooted reputation in the furniture industry. This long heritage is balanced with a forward-looking approach to innovating furniture retailing.

Team Structure:

• The design team within a Bassett showroom typically consists of Design Consultants, a Showroom Manager, and potentially Design Associates or Assistants.

• Reporting Structure: Design Consultants usually report directly to the Showroom Manager, who oversees sales performance, customer satisfaction, and showroom operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Design Consultants will collaborate closely with other showroom staff, including sales associates, delivery coordinators, and potentially design aides, to ensure a seamless customer experience from sale to delivery. Collaboration with corporate design and marketing teams for trend insights and promotional materials may also occur. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not a traditional "operations" role, Design Consultants are expected to analyze sales data and client feedback to identify trends, understand customer preferences, and refine their sales strategies.

• Workflow Planning: The role involves managing personal workflows, scheduling consultations, and prioritizing client needs to optimize time and sales opportunities.

• Automation & Efficiency: Proficiency with virtual appointment tools and CRM systems is crucial for efficient client management and communication.

Company Website: https://www.bassettfurniture.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as a blend of heritage and innovation, emphasizing craftsmanship, quality, and customer-centricity. The "design team" structure suggests a collaborative retail environment where individual contribution is valued, but teamwork is essential for overall showroom success. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "custom furniture" points to a culture that prioritizes personalized customer experiences and product quality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level sales and design position. It's focused on individual contribution and client engagement, rather than managing operational processes or teams. The "Design Consultant" title signifies a professional level of expertise in both sales and interior design, with a focus on driving revenue through personalized client experiences.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager, who provides guidance, sets sales targets, and oversees daily operations. This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role, the Design Consultant's impact is critical to the company's revenue generation and brand reputation. Their ability to build customer loyalty, drive sales, and embody the brand's design ethos directly contributes to the financial success and market position of Bassett Furniture. Their expertise in translating customer needs into sales of custom furniture is a key driver of profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advance to Senior Design Consultant roles, taking on more complex projects or mentoring junior staff.

• Management Track: Progress into Showroom Management positions, overseeing store operations, sales teams, and P&L responsibility.

• Design Expertise: Become an expert in specific furniture lines or design styles, potentially leading workshops or contributing to product development insights.

• Corporate Roles: With extensive experience and demonstrated success, opportunities may arise in corporate roles related to sales training, merchandising, or product management.

• Interior Design Certification: The company offers Interior Design certification training, providing a formal pathway to enhance professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Consultant is primarily within sales and retail management. While not a traditional "operations" role, the skills developed in clienteling, sales strategy, and understanding customer needs are transferable. The company's emphasis on training and development suggests a commitment to fostering internal talent for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in a state-of-the-art retail showroom, designed to showcase Bassett Furniture's extensive product lines and design capabilities. The environment is customer-facing and sales-oriented, requiring a professional and inviting atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The specific showroom is located in Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey. This location is expected to serve a diverse clientele from the surrounding metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom provides a visually stimulating environment with a wide array of furniture, fabrics, and design materials.

• Design Consultants will have access to dedicated design spaces, sample libraries, and potentially private consultation areas.

• The environment is collaborative, with opportunities to interact with colleagues, share design ideas, and learn from experienced team members.

• Access to technology for virtual consultations, CRM management, and product visualization is integrated into the workspace.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility to work weekends and holidays, which are critical selling periods in the retail furniture industry. Daily hours will align with showroom operating hours and personal appointment schedules, reflecting a dynamic retail work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a customer-centric retail showroom, emphasizing visual appeal, product display, and a collaborative sales atmosphere. The "state-of-the-art" description suggests modern facilities and a commitment to providing an excellent customer experience. The need to visit customer residences also implies a degree of independent work outside the showroom.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, likely followed by a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• First Interview: Typically with the Showroom Manager, focusing on your sales experience, passion for design, understanding of Bassett's brand, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your sales process and clienteling approach.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your design portfolio, showcasing 3-5 key projects. Focus on your design process, problem-solving, and the outcomes achieved for clients. Quantify your sales successes where possible.

• Skills Assessment/Role Play: May include scenarios or role-playing exercises to evaluate your ability to engage customers, handle objections, and present design solutions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior leadership, focusing on career aspirations, long-term commitment, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility in design styles, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet diverse client needs and budgets.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's initial challenge or vision, your design approach, key decisions made, and the successful outcome. Use compelling visuals.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics such as increased client satisfaction, average sale value for projects, or successful upselling/cross-selling.

• Highlight Sales Integration: Explain how your design expertise directly led to sales conversions and fostered client loyalty. Emphasize your "relationship selling" approach.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Practice your presentation to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical client consultation for a specific room (e.g., living room, bedroom) given a particular budget and style preference.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Bassett's product range and how you would leverage it to meet client needs.

• Practice explaining your sales process and how you build long-term customer relationships.

• Research Bassett Furniture's brand, history, and current design offerings to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily emphasize sales skills, design aesthetic, and interpersonal abilities. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating practical design application and client success. Candidates should prepare to articulate their sales methodology and how they build lasting customer relationships, aligning with Bassett's "relationship selling" ethos.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a specialized retail CRM) for managing customer data, tracking interactions, and monitoring sales pipelines.

• Design Visualization Software: Tools for creating mood boards, space plans, and potentially 3D renderings (e.g., SketchUp, Floorplanner, or in-house design software).

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in virtual meeting tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for conducting virtual appointments and live chats.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions and managing sales orders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Access to reports detailing individual sales figures, conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer acquisition metrics.

• CRM Analytics: Utilization of CRM reporting features to analyze client segments, sales trends, and effectiveness of clienteling strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer profiles within the CRM.

• Automated Communication: Potentially utilizing CRM features for automated follow-up emails or client nurture campaigns.

• Inventory Management Systems: Familiarity with systems that track product availability and order status.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not an operations role in the traditional sense, proficiency with CRM systems for clienteling and sales tracking is essential. Familiarity with design visualization tools and virtual communication platforms is also a key requirement for modern retail sales and design consultation. Understanding how to leverage these tools for client engagement and sales conversion is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value driving all interactions, focusing on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and service.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Bassett's long-standing reputation for high-quality, custom-made furniture.

• Innovation: Embracing new design trends and retail technologies to stay ahead in the furniture market.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with showroom colleagues to achieve shared goals and provide a seamless customer experience.

• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design and helping clients create beautiful, functional living spaces.

• Integrity: Conducting business honestly and ethically, building trust with customers and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused Collaboration: Working together to ensure the entire customer journey, from consultation to delivery, is smooth and satisfying. This includes coordinating with delivery teams and addressing any post-sale inquiries.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing design ideas, product knowledge, and successful sales strategies with fellow Design Consultants and the Showroom Manager.

• Supportive Environment: Contributing to a positive and encouraging showroom atmosphere where team members support each other's success.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in customer satisfaction, design excellence, and quality craftsmanship. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "passion for design" indicates a culture that values personal connection and creative expression. Teamwork is crucial for the operational success of the showroom, ensuring a cohesive customer experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Achieving Sales Targets: Consistently meeting or exceeding commission-based sales goals in a competitive retail market requires strong sales skills, effective clienteling, and a deep understanding of customer needs.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the objective of closing sales can be challenging, requiring a nuanced approach to client engagement.

• Staying Current: Keeping up with evolving design trends, new product introductions, and advancements in design technology demands continuous learning.

• Managing Client Expectations: Navigating diverse client tastes, budgets, and timelines while ensuring satisfaction and successful project completion.

• Working Weekends/Holidays: Adapting to a retail schedule that requires availability during peak selling periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers comprehensive training to certify associates in interior design, enhancing their professional credibility and skill set.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about Bassett's vast product lines, customization options, and furniture construction.

• Sales Skills Enhancement: Training in advanced sales techniques, clienteling strategies, and consultative selling.

• Showroom Management Training: Opportunities to develop leadership skills for potential advancement into management roles.

• Industry Trends: Staying informed about broader interior design and furniture retail industry trends through company resources and external exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around sales performance and client management. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within sales progression and retail management, supported by the company's robust training programs. The emphasis on continuous learning is key to success in this dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a new client's design needs and preferences. How do you balance their desires with practical considerations and your design expertise?" (Focus on active listening, needs assessment, and consultative selling.)

• "Walk me through a successful interior design project you managed from consultation to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them to achieve a successful outcome and drive sales?" (Prepare a 1-2 minute case study highlighting your process and results.)

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your client recommendations while still aligning with Bassett's brand and product offerings?" (Demonstrate industry awareness and brand alignment.)

• "Bassett emphasizes 'relationship selling.' What does this mean to you, and how do you build and maintain long-term client relationships in a retail setting?" (Focus on clienteling, follow-up, and customer loyalty.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture, and what specifically attracts you to this Design Consultant role?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and product lines.)

• "How do you handle working in a commissioned sales environment, and what are your strategies for consistently meeting sales goals?" (Show confidence in your sales abilities and motivation.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and collaborative showroom culture." (Highlight teamwork and supportive behaviors.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images and clear, concise descriptions for each project. Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or style.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, include metrics such as sales figures, client satisfaction ratings, or successful upsells.

• Highlight Process: Explain your design methodology, from initial client brief to final installation, emphasizing problem-solving and decision-making.

• Connect to Bassett: Clearly articulate how your skills and approach align with Bassett's brand, products, and customer service philosophy.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your sales approach, and how you manage challenging client situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of design talent, sales acumen, and customer service orientation. Be ready to articulate your sales process, demonstrate your design sensibility with concrete examples, and express genuine enthusiasm for Bassett Furniture and its products. The portfolio is a critical component, so ensure it is well-prepared and presented confidently.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing 3-5 diverse design projects. Ensure it highlights your design process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable sales achievements. Prepare to present this portfolio confidently.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant sales experience, design skills, clienteling successes, and any experience in the furniture or retail industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales and design interview questions. Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your sales methodology with a focus on "relationship selling."

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's history, brand values, product lines, and current design trends to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their business.

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