DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Concord, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on leveraging interior design expertise to drive furniture sales and cultivate lasting customer relationships within a retail showroom environment.

• It involves a consultative sales approach, focusing on understanding customer needs and translating them into personalized design solutions.

• The position requires a strong aptitude for visual merchandising, color theory, and an understanding of current design trends to effectively present and sell Bassett Furniture products.

• Success in this role is measured by the ability to meet and exceed sales targets through exceptional client engagement and personalized design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and listed requirements strongly indicate a Sales Operations and Customer Engagement focus within a retail design context, rather than a traditional operations support role. The emphasis is on driving revenue through design expertise and sales acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients to understand their aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget constraints.

• Develop and present comprehensive design proposals, including furniture selections, color palettes, fabric choices, and room layouts, utilizing Bassett Furniture's product catalog.

• Utilize "relationship selling" techniques to build and nurture a loyal client base, encouraging repeat business and referrals.

• Actively engage with walk-in customers, virtual appointment attendees, and live chat inquiries to identify sales opportunities and provide design guidance.

• Drive sales performance by meeting and exceeding established sales goals through effective consultative selling and upselling strategies.

• Maintain a high level of product knowledge, encompassing furniture construction, materials, design features, and current market trends.

• Coordinate and execute in-home or in-store "makeovers" to showcase design solutions and close sales.

• Manage client interactions and sales processes efficiently, ensuring a seamless customer experience from initial consultation to final purchase.

• Collaborate with showroom teams and management to optimize sales floor presentation and contribute to overall store success.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor offerings, and design best practices to continuously enhance service and sales capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the blend of design expertise and sales execution crucial for this role. The emphasis on "relationship selling," "consultative selling," and "driving sales" is key for operations professionals targeting revenue-generating roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Formal training or certification in interior design is a significant asset.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven success in a sales-oriented role, preferably within the home furnishings, interior design, or luxury retail sectors. Demonstrated ability to manage a sales pipeline and achieve revenue targets.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color theory, texture coordination, and current design trends.

• Consultative Sales Acumen: Ability to effectively listen to customer needs, ask probing questions, and translate them into tailored product and design recommendations.

• Relationship Building: Proven skill in establishing rapport, building trust, and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

• Color & Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors, fabrics, and materials to create aesthetically pleasing spaces.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and the ability to engage diverse clientele professionally.

• Computer Proficiency: Competency in using design software (if applicable), CRM systems, virtual meeting platforms, and standard office applications.

• Sales Goal Orientation: A strong drive to meet and exceed sales quotas, with a track record of achieving performance metrics.

• Self-Motivation & Proactiveness: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and proactively seek out and develop client opportunities.

• Professionalism & Polished Image: A professional demeanor and appearance suitable for a client-facing role in a retail environment.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic retail setting with varying customer traffic and demands.

Preferred Skills:

• Interior Design Certification: Formal certification or accreditation in interior design.

• Retail Sales Experience: Specific experience in furniture or home décor retail.

• Virtual Selling Proficiency: Experience conducting sales and design consultations via video conferencing and live chat platforms.

• CRM System Familiarity: Experience with customer relationship management tools for tracking leads and client interactions.

• Home Furnishing Product Knowledge: In-depth understanding of furniture construction, materials, and styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are mapped to both design aptitude and sales execution. Emphasis is placed on "consultative selling," "relationship building," and "sales goal orientation" to align with revenue operations principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed client projects illustrating your design process from initial consultation to final outcome, highlighting how you addressed client needs and achieved desired aesthetics. Include before-and-after visuals where possible.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantifiable achievements in previous sales roles, such as exceeding sales targets by a certain percentage, average sale value, or client retention rates.

• Client Testimonials: Letters of recommendation or testimonials from satisfied clients that speak to your design expertise, customer service, and sales effectiveness.

• Product Presentation Examples: Visuals or descriptions of how you have presented furniture collections or design concepts to clients, demonstrating your ability to articulate value and style.

Process Documentation:

• Consultation Workflow: A clear outline of your typical client consultation process, from initial contact through needs assessment, design proposal, and closing the sale.

• Sales Cycle Management: Documentation of how you manage your sales pipeline, track leads, follow up with prospects, and nurture customer relationships over time.

• Design Solution Development: Examples of how you approach problem-solving in design, such as accommodating challenging room dimensions, integrating existing client pieces, or meeting specific functional requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a sales-focused design role, the portfolio should emphasize tangible results (sales figures, client satisfaction) alongside design work. This section guides candidates on how to present their capabilities in a way that demonstrates both creative talent and revenue-generating potential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual income for an experienced Bassett Design Consultant ranges from $70,000 to $105,000. Top performers can earn upwards of $135,000 per year. This compensation is primarily commission-based, with potential for additional bonuses.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive initial training program covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Medical benefits package to support employee well-being.

• Disability Insurance: Protection against loss of income due to disability.

• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for beneficiaries.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued leave for vacation, sick days, and personal time.

• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Bassett Furniture products for personal use.

• State-of-the-Art Showroom: Work in a modern, well-equipped retail environment.

• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Potential to advance within the company based on performance and career aspirations.

Working Hours: The role typically requires 40 hours per week, with a strong emphasis on flexibility to work weekends and holidays, as these are critical selling periods in retail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is derived directly from the provided text. The benefits are listed to reflect offerings relevant to a full-time retail sales professional, including commission structure and employee perks. The working hours are specified with the critical caveat of weekend and holiday availability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings Retail. Bassett Furniture operates within a competitive market, known for its heritage in quality custom furniture and a blend of style, comfort, and value. The company emphasizes innovation in furniture retailing.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company with a significant retail footprint across the United States. This size suggests a structured corporate environment with dedicated support functions but also a strong emphasis on individual store performance.

Founded: Since 1902. This long history signifies a deep-rooted brand reputation, extensive product expertise, and a stable market presence, offering a sense of security and tradition to employees.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Sales Team: Design Consultants typically work within a local showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. The team composition will vary by store size but generally includes fellow design consultants and support staff.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily client-facing, Design Consultants collaborate with showroom management for sales strategy, inventory, and client issue resolution. They may also interact with corporate marketing and design teams for product information and trend updates.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Sales performance and client management are key metrics for reporting, with direct reporting to store leadership.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: The core methodology is centered on understanding individual client needs and preferences to provide personalized design solutions and furniture recommendations.

• Relationship-Based Sales: Emphasis on building long-term customer relationships through trust, expertise, and exceptional service, leading to repeat business and referrals.

• Data-Driven Sales & Design: While not explicitly stated as "data-driven" in a traditional operations sense, success relies on tracking sales performance, understanding customer demographics, and utilizing design tools to inform recommendations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about the company's history, industry position, and core values is integrated to provide context for potential employees. The "Methodology" section is interpreted through the lens of sales and design practices, rather than pure operations metrics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within a retail sales and design structure. It requires established sales skills and a developing expertise in interior design, with a focus on client engagement and revenue generation. The "Design Consultant" title signifies a specialized, client-facing sales role that requires more than basic retail sales abilities, involving creative problem-solving and personalized service.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees sales performance, team coordination, and client issue resolution within the local retail environment.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is directly on revenue generation through furniture sales. By effectively consulting with clients and closing deals, Design Consultants contribute significantly to the profitability and sales targets of their respective showrooms and the company as a whole. Their ability to build customer loyalty also impacts long-term revenue streams and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: With proven sales performance and advanced design expertise, individuals can progress to senior roles, potentially taking on more complex projects or mentoring junior consultants.

• Sales Management: Successful sales professionals may have opportunities to move into Showroom Manager or Assistant Manager positions, overseeing sales teams and store operations.

• Specialized Design Roles: Opportunities may arise for specialization in specific product lines, design services, or even corporate roles related to visual merchandising or product development, depending on individual aptitude and company needs.

• Interior Design Certification & Training: Bassett provides interior design certification training, offering a pathway for employees to formalize and deepen their design skills, enhancing their career prospects within the company and the broader design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section reframes the career path within a retail sales context, emphasizing progression based on sales performance and design skill development, rather than traditional operations management tracks. The "Operations Impact" focuses on revenue generation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom. This is a customer-facing space designed to showcase furniture and interior design concepts, featuring distinct sections for different styles and product categories. The environment is expected to be visually appealing, well-organized, and customer-centric.

Office Location(s): Concord, North Carolina. This specific location implies a community-focused retail setting. The role may also involve travel to customers' residences or businesses for in-home consultations and makeovers, requiring a reliable vehicle.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom Floor: While individual client consultations are often private, the showroom floor itself is a shared workspace. Design Consultants will interact with colleagues, management, and customers throughout the day.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to the company's product catalog, design software (if applicable), virtual appointment tools, and potentially a dedicated design consultation area within the showroom.

• Customer Interaction Hub: The showroom serves as the primary hub for customer engagement, requiring a welcoming and professional atmosphere at all times.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, with a willingness to work weekends and holidays. Standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, but the schedule will be dictated by showroom operating hours and customer appointment needs. This may involve varied shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as a retail showroom, emphasizing customer interaction and visual presentation. The need for flexibility, including weekends and holidays, is highlighted as critical for success in this on-site role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess relevant sales experience, design passion, and alignment with company values.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Showroom Manager or a senior sales team member. Expect questions about your sales philosophy, design approach, experience with challenging clients, and how you handle pressure. Be prepared to discuss your career goals and passion for interior design.

• Design Consultation Simulation: You may be asked to conduct a mock design consultation with the interviewer, demonstrating your ability to engage a "client," understand their needs, and propose solutions using company products.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your design portfolio. Focus on showcasing your best work, explaining your process, and highlighting the quantifiable results (e.g., sales achieved, client satisfaction).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or HR representative, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final compensation discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your design style and sales capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's initial needs, your design process, the challenges you overcame, and the final outcome. Emphasize how your design solutions met their lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, include metrics. This could be the total sale value of the project, the percentage of sales target achieved for that client, or client testimonials.

• Showcase Visuals: Use high-quality images, sketches, or mood boards to illustrate your design concepts. Before-and-after photos are particularly impactful.

• Highlight Collaboration: If you worked with other designers or trades, mention how you collaborated effectively.

• Tailor to Bassett: Demonstrate an understanding of Bassett's product lines and brand aesthetic. Show how your design approach aligns with their offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario Practice: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle common sales objections (e.g., price, delivery times, design uncertainty).

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a room with specific constraints (e.g., small space, unusual layout, specific functional requirements).

• Customer Service Scenarios: Practice responses to hypothetical customer service issues, focusing on problem resolution and maintaining customer satisfaction.

• Product Knowledge Integration: Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate specific Bassett furniture pieces into your design recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their design and sales skills, and what to expect during the interview process for a client-facing sales role. The emphasis on "quantifiable results" and "sales" is crucial for operations alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency in using a Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) for lead tracking, customer management, sales pipeline visualization, and client communication logging.

• Design Software/Visualization Tools: Familiarity with design software for creating room layouts, 3D renderings, or mood boards (e.g., SketchUp, Chief Architect, AutoCAD, or specialized interior design platforms).

• Virtual Meeting Platforms: Experience with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for conducting virtual consultations and client presentations.

• POS/Order Management System: Ability to process sales transactions, manage orders, and track order status within the company's Point of Sale or order management system.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to access and interpret sales data presented in dashboards, tracking personal performance against targets.

• CRM Reporting: Generating basic reports on lead conversion rates, sales cycle length, and customer engagement metrics from the CRM.

CRM & Automation:

• Email & Calendar Management: Efficient use of email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar tools for scheduling appointments, client communication, and follow-ups.

• Product Catalog & Inventory Systems: Access and utilization of digital product catalogs and potentially real-time inventory lookup tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred from the nature of the role, focusing on tools essential for client management, design visualization, and sales operations within a retail environment. CRM and sales-related tools are prioritized.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A paramount value, emphasizing putting the customer's needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all design and sales interactions. This translates to actively listening, providing tailored solutions, and ensuring a positive overall experience.

• Passion for Design & Quality: A deep appreciation for aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of well-designed spaces. This value drives the pursuit of excellence in both design recommendations and product selection.

• Sales Excellence & Drive: A commitment to achieving and exceeding sales goals through persistent effort, consultative selling, and a proactive approach to client engagement. This reflects a performance-driven culture.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings, maintaining a polished image, and demonstrating reliability and accountability in client interactions and team collaboration.

• Teamwork & Support: A willingness to collaborate with colleagues, share knowledge, and support the overall success of the showroom team, recognizing that collective effort contributes to individual and company achievements.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused Collaboration: Primarily working with clients on an individual basis, but with a collaborative approach to sharing insights and best practices with fellow design consultants and management.

• Process Improvement Feedback: Openness to providing and receiving feedback on sales processes, design methodologies, and customer service techniques to collectively enhance showroom performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing design trends, product knowledge, and successful sales strategies among team members to foster continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are extrapolated from the job description's emphasis on customer relationships, design passion, sales drive, and professionalism. These are framed to resonate with operations professionals who value efficiency, customer satisfaction, and performance metrics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Quotas: Consistently achieving ambitious sales targets in a competitive retail environment requires strong sales skills, effective lead generation, and excellent client conversion rates.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design aspirations with the practicalities of client budgets and product availability to deliver satisfactory outcomes for both the client and the business.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design approaches and communication styles to cater to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and levels of design understanding.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of interior design trends, new product lines, and evolving customer preferences to remain relevant and competitive.

• Navigating Commission-Based Income: Adapting to variable income based on sales performance, requiring financial planning and consistent sales effort.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification Program: Bassett offers a structured program to earn interior design certification, providing formal training and a recognized credential.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new furniture collections, materials, construction techniques, and customization options.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management strategies.

• Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis: Learning to identify and interpret emerging design trends and market demands to inform sales strategies and product recommendations.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Receiving guidance from experienced sales managers and senior design consultants to accelerate professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the demands of a high-performance, commission-based sales role in a design-focused industry. Growth opportunities are directly linked to the company's provided training and the inherent learning curve of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy & Process: "Describe your approach to a client consultation. How do you uncover their needs, and what steps do you take to develop a design solution?" (Prepare to walk through your process with examples and highlight how you integrate product knowledge.)

• Sales & Customer Service: "Tell me about a time you successfully closed a difficult sale or handled a challenging customer request. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving skills, customer-centric approach, and ability to achieve results.)

• Market & Trend Awareness: "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your sales approach?" (Showcase your passion for design and your ability to translate trends into customer-friendly recommendations.)

• Company Alignment: "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture specifically, and how do your skills and values align with our brand?" (Research Bassett's history, product lines, and customer base. Connect your experience to their mission.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and willingness to support colleagues.)

• Performance & Motivation: "How do you stay motivated in a commission-based sales environment, and what strategies do you use to consistently meet your targets?" (Highlight your self-discipline, drive, and resilience.)

• Learning & Development: "What are your career aspirations, and how do you see this role contributing to your professional growth?" (Show your ambition and commitment to continuous learning, referencing Bassett's training programs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: Present each case study with a clear narrative: problem, solution, and result. Keep your explanations focused and impactful.

• Visual Impact: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-resolution images and clean layouts.

• Quantifiable Results: Clearly state sales figures, client satisfaction metrics, or other achievements related to each project.

• Interactive Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices, sales tactics, and how you would adapt your approach for different clients.

• Showcase Versatility: If possible, include projects that demonstrate a range of styles or solutions to showcase your adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on demonstrating both design expertise and sales acumen, with an emphasis on quantifiable results and client-centric approaches, aligning with the role's function in revenue generation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements in sales, customer relationship management, and any interior design experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "design consultation," "relationship selling," "sales goals," and "color/texture coordination."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design and sales projects. Prepare a brief narrative for each that emphasizes client needs, your design process, and quantifiable sales outcomes or customer satisfaction. Ensure visuals are high-quality.

• Prepare for a Mock Consultation: Practice how you would engage a client, assess their needs, and present design solutions using hypothetical Bassett Furniture products.

• Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, brand history, design aesthetic, and target customer. Understand how your skills and passion align with their company values and offerings.

⚠️ 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.

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