DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Manchester, MO, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-08T04:00:00

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by leveraging comprehensive interior design expertise and relationship selling techniques within a retail showroom environment.

• Cultivate and manage a loyal client base through personalized design consultations, home makeovers, and exceptional customer service.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets by effectively translating customer needs, tastes, and lifestyles into compelling furniture and design solutions.

• Collaborate with customers to explore design possibilities, offering expert guidance on furniture construction, design trends, color coordination, and texture selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Consultant, blending sales and interior design responsibilities. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role focused on system optimization or process automation, it heavily relies on operational sales execution, clienteling, and driving revenue through a consultative sales approach. The focus is on individual sales performance and customer relationship management within a retail context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, assessing their needs, preferences, and budget to recommend suitable furniture and decor solutions.

• Develop and present comprehensive design proposals, including mood boards, space planning, and product selections, to effectively communicate design vision and secure sales.

• Execute "relationship selling" strategies to build lasting customer loyalty, encouraging repeat business and referrals through exceptional service and follow-up.

• Proactively manage and grow a personal client book through networking, outreach, and leveraging existing customer relationships for ongoing sales opportunities.

• Stay abreast of current interior design trends, furniture construction techniques, and product offerings to provide expert advice and maintain a competitive edge.

• Perform in-home or on-site design consultations and "makeovers" to provide a personalized and comprehensive customer experience.

• Utilize company-provided design tools, software, and resources to create compelling visual representations of design concepts and product selections.

• Collaborate with showroom management and sales teams to ensure a cohesive and positive customer journey from initial contact to final delivery.

• Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance product knowledge, sales skills, and design expertise, contributing to continuous professional development.

• Maintain a polished and professional image, reflecting the Bassett Furniture brand and its commitment to quality and style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize clienteling, consultative sales, and direct revenue generation, aligning with a high-performance sales role that requires strong design acumen. The "makeover" aspect suggests a hands-on, client-focused approach beyond typical showroom sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred, though not strictly required if commensurate with extensive design experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of proven success in a sales-driven role, preferably within the furniture, interior design, or luxury retail sectors. Demonstrated experience in building and managing a client base is essential.

Required Skills:

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

• Relationship Selling: Proven ability to build rapport, establish trust, and foster long-term customer relationships.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals in a commission-based environment.

• Color and Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors, fabrics, and materials to create cohesive design schemes.

• Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and interact professionally with diverse clientele.

• Clienteling: Proficiency in managing customer interactions, follow-ups, and nurturing leads to drive repeat business.

• Computer Proficiency: Basic to intermediate skills in using computers for client management, product lookup, and communication (email, virtual tools).

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive and results-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

• Positive Outlook & Friendly Demeanor: A welcoming and approachable personality that enhances the customer experience.

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

• Professional Presentation: A polished image and professional demeanor suitable for client interactions and representing the Bassett brand.

• Problem-Solving: Capacity to translate customer wants into practical and aesthetically pleasing design choices.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Understanding of furniture materials, build quality, and manufacturing processes.

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

• CRM Software Utilization: Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client data and sales activities.

• Spatial Reasoning: Ability to visualize and plan room layouts effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship selling," "clienteling," and "passion for design" indicates a need for individuals who can build rapport and trust, not just process transactions. The requirement for driving to client residences for makeovers points to a mobile and client-focused sales approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Case Studies: Showcase examples of successful sales engagements, detailing the client's needs, your proposed solutions, and the achieved sales outcomes. Quantify results where possible (e.g., average sale value, conversion rates).

• Design Project Examples: Visual documentation of interior design projects (e.g., before-and-after photos, design boards, 3D renderings) that demonstrate your ability to translate client requirements into tangible design solutions.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Highlight how you've nurtured customer relationships, managed client follow-ups, and fostered repeat business or referrals. This could include testimonials or descriptions of your clienteling process.

• Process Improvement Suggestions (Optional but Recommended): If you've identified opportunities to enhance sales or design processes in previous roles, include brief descriptions of your suggestions and their potential impact.

Process Documentation:

• Consultative Sales Process: Clearly outline your approach to engaging clients, understanding their needs, presenting solutions, and closing sales, emphasizing the consultative and design-centric aspects.

• Clienteling Methodology: Detail your strategies for building and maintaining client relationships, including communication cadences, follow-up procedures, and methods for generating repeat business.

• Design Proposal Workflow: Describe how you typically develop and present design proposals, from initial concept to final client presentation, including any tools or software used.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't expected, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their sales process, design methodology, and client management strategies. The focus is on showcasing how they drive revenue and deliver exceptional customer experiences through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The potential income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 annually. Top performers can earn up to $135,000 per year. This is a commission-based compensation plan with opportunities for bonuses.

Benefits:

• Paid training to ensure proficiency in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage for employee well-being.

• Disability and Life Insurance for financial security and peace of mind.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.

• Tuition assistance to support continued education and professional 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 career growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays, as is typical in a retail sales environment. Exact weekly hours will vary based on showroom needs and customer traffic, but are generally expected to align with standard retail operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the stated potential earnings for experienced consultants and top performers. The compensation structure is commission-based, making individual performance a key driver of income. Benefits are comprehensive, covering health, retirement, and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has been a recognized brand in the American furniture market for over a century, known for quality custom furniture, style, comfort, and value. They focus on innovating furniture retailing while maintaining a strong heritage.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company with a significant retail footprint across the United States. While the exact number of employees in the Manchester, MO location isn't specified, the parent company operates numerous showrooms and manufacturing facilities, indicating a medium to large enterprise structure. This size suggests structured training programs, established operational processes, and potential for career advancement.

Founded: 1902. With over 120 years of history, Bassett Furniture has a deep-rooted legacy in craftsmanship and customer trust. This long history implies a stable and experienced company culture, focused on enduring customer relationships and product quality.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Team: Design Consultants typically work within a showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. The team is focused on driving individual and collective sales performance.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily sales-focused, Design Consultants will collaborate with other internal departments, such as customer service, delivery logistics, and potentially marketing, to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Client-Centric Approach: The team culture is built around exceptional customer service, design expertise, and a passion for helping clients create their ideal living spaces.

Methodology:

• Relationship-Based Sales: Focus on building rapport, understanding client needs deeply, and providing personalized design solutions rather than transactional selling.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing customer preferences, lifestyle, and budget to inform design choices and product recommendations.

• Continuous Learning: Emphasis on ongoing training in product knowledge, design trends, and sales techniques to maintain expertise and drive performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on custom furniture suggest a culture that values quality, craftsmanship, and long-term customer relationships. The retail environment implies a dynamic, customer-facing team structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level sales and design professional stage. It requires established sales skills and a developed understanding of interior design principles. It's a client-facing role focused on direct revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager who oversees the performance of the sales team. This structure provides direct guidance, coaching, and performance management.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is direct revenue generation for the showroom and company. By successfully translating customer needs into sales and fostering repeat business, Design Consultants contribute significantly to the financial success of Bassett Furniture. Their ability to build strong customer relationships also enhances brand loyalty and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: With demonstrated success, individuals may advance to roles with greater responsibility, potentially mentoring junior staff or managing more complex design projects.

• Showroom Management: Progression to Showroom Manager or Assistant Manager roles is a potential career path, involving leadership, operational oversight, and team management.

• Specialized Design Roles: Opportunities may exist in areas like commercial design, custom order management, or visual merchandising, depending on individual interests and company needs.

• Continued Education: Bassett offers interior design certification training, providing a structured path for skill development and formal recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are primarily within sales leadership and specialized design roles within the retail framework. The emphasis is on excelling in client-facing sales and design, with pathways to management or advanced design expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace will be a professionally designed furniture showroom, featuring various product displays, design stations, and potentially private consultation areas.

Office Location(s): Manchester, Missouri. The specific showroom location will offer a professional, customer-focused setting designed to showcase Bassett Furniture's product lines and design capabilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: While individual sales are paramount, the showroom environment fosters interaction with colleagues, sharing insights on customer trends and design challenges.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to design software, product catalogs, fabric samples, and other tools necessary for client consultations and presentations.

• Customer Interaction Hub: The showroom serves as the primary point of contact for customers, requiring a welcoming, organized, and inspiring atmosphere.

• Dynamic Pace: The environment can be fast-paced, particularly during peak retail hours or promotional periods, requiring agility and efficient time management.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility to work weekends and holidays, which are often peak selling times in retail. Specific daily hours will align with showroom operating schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a customer-facing retail showroom, demanding a blend of professional presentation, sales drive, and a passion for interior design in a dynamic setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss your background, sales experience, design passion, and general fit for Bassett Furniture.

• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: This stage likely involves meeting with the Showroom Manager and potentially other team members. You will discuss your sales approach, design philosophy, and how you handle client consultations. Be prepared to walk through potential design scenarios.

• Skills Assessment/Presentation: You may be asked to present a design concept or discuss a past project, demonstrating your design sensibility and communication skills. This could involve a mock consultation.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a higher-level manager to confirm fit and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-5 of your strongest design projects that showcase a range of styles and your ability to meet diverse client needs. Prioritize projects with clear before-and-after results.

• Quantify Sales Success: For sales-focused aspects, include metrics like sales volume, average transaction value, or client retention rates.

• Highlight the Process: For each project, briefly explain the client's initial needs, your design process, the challenges you overcame, and the final outcome. Focus on your consultative approach.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. This could be a digital presentation (PDF, website) or a physical book.

• Tailor to Bassett: If possible, highlight projects or styles that align with Bassett Furniture's aesthetic and product offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Practice conducting a design consultation, starting with discovery questions and progressing to solution presentation. Be ready to articulate your design rationale.

• Sales Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common sales objections or challenging client requests.

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's product lines, customization options, and core value propositions.

• Company Research: Understand Bassett's history, brand values, and market position. Be ready to explain why you want to work for them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on assessing both sales capability and design aptitude. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and translate those into successful sales and appealing design solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Bassett likely uses a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to manage client information, track sales activities, and monitor pipeline progress. Proficiency in CRM usage is beneficial.

• Design Software/Tools: The company may provide proprietary design software, CAD tools, or visualizers for creating room layouts, 3D renderings, and product configurations. Familiarity with design visualization tools is advantageous.

• Product Information Management (PIM) System: Access to detailed product specifications, pricing, and customization options will be crucial.

• Virtual Appointment Platforms: Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or specialized virtual showroom platforms for conducting remote consultations and client interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Access to reports and dashboards within the CRM or POS system to track individual and showroom sales performance against targets.

• Client Data Analysis: Ability to review client purchase history and preferences to identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Automation: While direct process automation might be limited for consultants, understanding how CRM features automate follow-ups and client notifications is helpful.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific proprietary tools aren't detailed, a strong understanding of CRM systems, design visualization software, and virtual collaboration platforms will be essential for success in this role. The emphasis is on using technology to enhance the sales and design consultation process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and fulfilling customer needs, ensuring satisfaction and building lasting relationships.

• Design Excellence: A passion for creating beautiful, functional, and personalized living spaces that reflect the customer's unique style.

• Sales Drive: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets through proactive engagement and consultative selling.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive and productive showroom environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new design techniques, sales strategies, and product knowledge to enhance professional capabilities.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions and maintaining a polished, professional demeanor.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused Teamwork: Collaboration centers on ensuring the best possible customer experience, from initial consultation to post-sale support.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share insights on design trends, successful sales approaches, and customer feedback to benefit the entire showroom.

• Supportive Environment: While competitive, the culture likely fosters mutual support, with team members assisting each other to achieve collective showroom goals and individual success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both individual sales achievement and collaborative efforts to enhance the overall customer experience and brand reputation. A passion for design and customer satisfaction are core tenets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The inherent challenge of a commission-only structure is income fluctuation, requiring strong sales consistency and effective clienteling.

• Client Acquisition & Retention: Continuously attracting new clients and retaining existing ones in a competitive market requires proactive marketing and exceptional service.

• Balancing Design Vision with Client Needs: Effectively guiding clients to make choices that align with their practical needs and budget while also fulfilling their aesthetic desires.

• Pace Management: Thriving in a dynamic retail environment with varying customer traffic and the need to manage multiple client interactions simultaneously.

• Travel Requirements: The necessity of visiting client residences for makeovers can add logistical complexity and time management demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers comprehensive training that can lead to interior design certification, a significant professional development opportunity.

• Advanced Sales Training: Ongoing coaching and development in consultative selling, negotiation, and clienteling techniques.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new furniture lines, materials, customization options, and design trends.

• Showroom Management Pathways: For high performers, opportunities to transition into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges typical of high-performing sales positions, balanced by robust training and clear pathways for professional growth within the design and retail sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's design needs and translating them into tangible furniture selections. Walk me through a recent example." (Focus on consultative process, active listening, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, especially in a commission-based sales environment?" (Highlight clienteling strategies, follow-up techniques, and focus on customer satisfaction.)

• "Imagine a client is hesitant about a particular design choice you've recommended due to budget or perceived complexity. How would you address their concerns while staying true to your design expertise?" (Demonstrate negotiation, persuasion, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture specifically, and what attracts you to our brand?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and market position. Connect your passion for design and sales to their offerings.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to the team culture in our Manchester showroom?" (Emphasize teamwork, positive attitude, and a collaborative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories, detailing the client's challenge, your solution, and the successful outcome.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., "Increased average sale value by X%," "Secured Y repeat customers in Z months").

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate how you achieve results, not just what you achieved. Detail your design consultation and sales process.

• Enthusiasm & Expertise: Convey your genuine passion for design and confidence in your sales abilities. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of sales acumen, design sensibility, customer service skills, and a proactive, relationship-driven approach. Be ready to showcase past successes with concrete examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in interior design, sales, clienteling, and customer relationship management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "design consultation," "relationship selling," "sales goals," and "clientele."

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio showcasing your design projects and sales achievements. Ensure it is visually appealing, well-organized, and quantifies your successes where possible. Be ready to present it digitally or in person.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by practicing your responses, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing your design philosophy and sales strategies.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, brand values, and current market position. Understand their commitment to custom furniture and their legacy. This will help you articulate your interest and align your responses with their culture.

⚠️ 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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