Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Floor & Decor Location: Toms River, NJ, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales Operations / Design Consulting Date Posted: 2026-05-08 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serves as the primary point of contact for customers seeking design assistance for flooring projects, including tile, wood, and stone.
• Manages the end-to-end customer design journey, from initial engagement on the sales floor to project completion and installation coordination.
• Collaborates closely with store leadership and associates to drive sales, enhance customer experience, and promote the store's design services brand.
• Utilizes design principles and product knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for residential and commercial clients.
• Leverages internal systems like Salesforce and proprietary schedulers to manage appointments, track leads, and maintain client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," this role heavily integrates sales and customer engagement functions within a retail operations environment. The focus is on driving product sales through expert design advice and project management, aligning it with a Sales Operations or GTM support function within the retail context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Greet and engage customers on the sales floor, proactively identifying design needs and offering expert advice on flooring selections (tile, wood, stone, accessories).
• Schedule and conduct in-depth design appointments, developing a strong client base through networking, referrals, and in-store lead generation.
• Provide comprehensive design consultation for homeowners, interior designers, and builders, ensuring solutions meet functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.
• Design and present complete, visually appealing, and practical design solutions tailored to individual customer projects.
• Manage multiple customer projects concurrently, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistent, clear communication throughout all project phases.
• Partner effectively with store leadership and cross-functional teams to oversee projects from initial inquiry through to successful installation, actively contributing to sales goals.
• Champion company initiatives and goals by modeling best practices and providing ongoing coaching to store employees.
• Proficiently utilize design applications, including Salesforce, the Online Design Appointment Scheduler, and MyProject, for client management and project tracking.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support store operations and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales execution, and operational project management within a retail setting. The emphasis on "managing multiple, simultaneous customer projects" and "collaborating with store leadership" points to a need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills, characteristic of roles supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of retail or customer service experience.
• Internal candidates require a minimum of 6 months of experience with Floor & Decor.

Required Skills:

• Customer Engagement & Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and guide them towards product solutions.
• Interior Design Fundamentals: Basic understanding of design principles, color theory, and product aesthetics relevant to flooring materials.
• Project Management Basics: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and ensure timely follow-up for customer projects.
• Proficiency in Basic Mathematics: Essential for quoting, calculating quantities, and understanding project costs.
• Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for communication and record-keeping.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
• Self-Motivation & Adaptability: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.

Preferred Skills:

• CRM Software Proficiency: Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems for lead management, client tracking, and sales forecasting.
• Design Software Familiarity: Experience with design visualization tools or proprietary scheduling software.
• Clienteling Experience: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term customer relationships.
• Retail Operations Knowledge: Understanding of retail sales processes, inventory management, and customer service best practices in a product-focused environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize foundational skills in customer service, sales, and basic design, suitable for an entry-level role. The inclusion of "Salesforce" and "basic computer knowledge" points towards the operational tools and systems that successful candidates will need to leverage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Project Showcase: Examples of past design projects, illustrating the design process from initial consultation to final solution, including mood boards, material selections, and space visualizations.
• Sales & Project Management Metrics: Documented instances of successfully managed customer projects, highlighting metrics such as project scope, client satisfaction, and contribution to sales targets.
• System Utilization Examples: (If applicable) Demonstrations of how CRM or scheduling tools were used to manage client interactions, track project progress, and improve efficiency.
• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Examples of how design challenges were overcome, demonstrating creative problem-solving and effective client communication.

Process Documentation:

• Client Consultation Workflow: Documented steps for conducting customer consultations, from initial greeting and needs assessment to presenting design proposals and closing sales.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Outlined processes for managing projects from inquiry to installation, including scheduling, order processing, and post-installation follow-up.
• Sales & Reporting Procedures: Understanding of how to track sales performance, manage customer data, and contribute to store reporting requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required but demonstrating an understanding of these processes and having examples of work (even from academic projects or personal initiatives) that showcase these skills will be highly advantageous. Focus on the process of design consultation and sales management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.02 - $20.90 per hour

Benefits:

• Performance-Based Incentives: Bonus opportunities and potential for career advancement at all levels.
• Financial Wellness Programs:
  • 401k with company match to support long-term savings.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for ownership opportunities.
  • Referral Bonus Program for recommending qualified candidates.
• Comprehensive Insurance:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Other insurance plans (subject to eligibility criteria).
• Work-Life Balance Support:
  • Paid vacation time for eligible associates.
  • Paid sick time for eligible associates.
  • Paid holidays, plus a personal holiday for additional flexibility.
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off, available from Day 1, encouraging community involvement.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position.
• Store operating hours include:
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Pickup hours for customers may differ slightly.
• Specific shift schedules will be determined by store management, requiring flexibility to cover various store operating times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided per hour, typical for retail positions. The benefits package is robust, offering financial planning tools, health coverage, and significant work-life balance provisions, which are attractive to all employees, including those in operations-adjacent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Improvement, Building Materials, Flooring) Company Size: Large (Floor & Decor operates numerous stores across the United States). Founded: Floor & Decor was founded in 2000, establishing itself as a major player in the hard surface flooring market.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the in-store retail team, reporting to store leadership (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Design Services Manager if applicable).
• Operates within a matrixed environment where collaboration with sales associates, installation coordinators, and other store personnel is crucial.
• The Design Consultant acts as a specialized point of contact for customer design needs, integrating with the broader sales and customer service functions.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on understanding and fulfilling customer design needs through personalized service and expert advice.
• Sales-Driven Operations: Focus on driving revenue through effective product consultation, upselling, and project management.
• Collaborative Environment: Encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing among store associates to achieve collective sales and customer satisfaction goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to leveraging feedback and data to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Floor & Decor's culture is likely fast-paced, customer-focused, and sales-oriented, typical of a large retail operation. The emphasis on "entry point into design" suggests a culture that supports professional development within the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Junior Consultant This role serves as a foundational position within the design and sales services segment of Floor & Decor's retail operations. It's designed for individuals starting their careers in design or customer-facing sales roles, providing exposure to product knowledge, customer relationship management, and sales processes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to the Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, with direct guidance from any designated Design Services Lead or senior sales associate. The structure emphasizes direct management oversight and team integration within the store.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts store revenue by converting customer design inquiries into sales. They contribute to customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing expert advice and seamless project management, which can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Effective project management also ensures efficient use of store resources and minimizes installation issues.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: Progression to roles with increased responsibility, larger project scopes, and potentially mentoring junior staff.
• Sales Leadership: Advancement into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager positions, managing broader store operations and teams.
• Specialized Roles: Potential to move into corporate roles within merchandising, training, or operations support, leveraging their in-depth product and customer experience.
• Continued Education: Opportunities to deepen product knowledge and design expertise through company training and potential industry certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large retail organization. The "operations impact" is tangible, directly tied to sales performance and customer retention, making it a valuable stepping stone for those interested in retail management or specialized sales roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Store Environment This position is based within a Floor & Decor retail store, which combines a showroom/design center area with a warehouse-like environment for product storage and customer pickup.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is the Floor & Decor store in Toms River, NJ.
• Limited travel may be required by car, potentially for training or to support other nearby locations if needed.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom/Design Area: A customer-facing space where design consultations occur. This area is typically well-lit, organized, and equipped with product samples, design tools, and workstations.
• Warehouse Environment: Exposure to a warehouse setting with moderate to potentially noisy conditions due to moving vehicles and material handling.
• Customer Interaction Hub: The role involves significant time spent on the sales floor, interacting directly with customers, and potentially at a desk for appointments and administrative tasks.
• Team Collaboration: Frequent interaction with fellow sales associates, store managers, and warehousing staff.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and potentially holidays, to align with store operating hours.
• This is a full-time position, typically involving around 40 hours per week, but may vary based on business needs and scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending customer-facing sales with the operational realities of a retail warehouse. Adaptability to a moderately noisy and physically active environment is key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.
2. Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in the role and company, and assess foundational customer service and design aptitudes.
3. In-Store Interview: This may involve meeting with the Store Manager or a senior sales leader. You might be asked to:
   • Walk the sales floor and discuss your design approach.
   • Engage in a mock customer consultation scenario.
   • Answer behavioral questions about handling customer issues, managing multiple tasks, and working in a team.
   • Discuss your understanding of sales and customer service principles.
4. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with a regional manager or senior store leadership, leading to a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: For an entry-level role, emphasize your understanding of the design consultation process, customer engagement steps, and project management approach.
• Highlight Relevant Projects: If you have design projects (even academic or personal), showcase your ability to understand client needs, select materials, and present solutions. Digital portfolios or a well-organized PDF are acceptable.
• Quantify Achievements: If you have prior retail or customer service experience, highlight any achievements related to customer satisfaction, sales targets, or efficiency improvements.
• Tailor to Floor & Decor: Research Floor & Decor's product lines and aesthetic. Frame your experience and examples to align with their offerings and customer base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Be prepared for a simulated customer interaction where you'll need to assess needs, recommend products, and present a solution. Practice asking open-ended questions and actively listening.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common retail challenges, such as a dissatisfied customer, a complex design request, or a scheduling conflict.
• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the types of flooring offered by Floor & Decor (tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, stone) and their basic characteristics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be a strict requirement for this entry-level role, demonstrating an understanding of the design process, customer engagement, and project management through examples or discussion will be critical. The interview process will likely test practical skills and cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Salesforce: Used for customer relationship management, lead tracking, sales forecasting, and managing client interactions. Proficiency or willingness to learn is essential.
• Proprietary Online Design Appointment Scheduler: A system for booking and managing customer design consultations.
• MyProject: Likely an internal project management or client management tool specific to Floor & Decor's design services.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS System: For processing sales transactions, returns, and managing inventory at the point of sale.
• Internal Sales Reporting Tools: May be used by management to track individual and store performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Primarily Outlook for email communication, Word for documentation, and potentially Excel for basic data tracking or calculations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce is a significant advantage. The role relies on these tools to manage customer interactions and project workflows efficiently, bridging the gap between sales and operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through expert advice and personalized service.
• Sales Excellence: Driving revenue and achieving sales targets through effective consultation and product knowledge.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across different store departments to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Managing time and resources effectively to handle multiple projects and customer demands.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated on product offerings, design trends, and company processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Consultant works closely with sales associates, warehouse staff, and management to facilitate smooth project execution from consultation to product pickup/installation.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with customers and internal teams regarding project status, timelines, and any potential issues.
• Shared Goal Orientation: All team members contribute to the overall success of the store by focusing on customer satisfaction and sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Floor & Decor likely fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and a strong emphasis on achieving sales goals within a customer-centric framework. The values align with a retail operations environment where individual performance contributes significantly to the collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Customer Needs: Balancing the varied design preferences, budgets, and project requirements of a wide range of customers.
• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Thriving amidst peak hours, walk-in traffic, and the need for constant customer engagement.
• Product Knowledge Acquisition: Continuously learning about a broad inventory of flooring materials, their applications, and installation considerations.
• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively merging consultative design advice with the objective of driving product sales.
• Coordination with Installation: Ensuring seamless handover and communication with installation partners or customer's own installers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Extensive training on Floor & Decor's diverse product lines, including materials, features, benefits, and installation best practices.
• Design Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to hone design consultation skills and learn about current industry trends.
• Sales & CRM Training: Development in using Salesforce and other sales tools to manage client relationships and drive sales effectively.
• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for advancement within the retail store structure, from Design Consultant to leadership roles.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced store managers and senior sales professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop core skills in sales, customer service, and design within a structured retail environment. The challenges are typical of a high-volume retail setting, and the growth opportunities are well-defined within the company's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer solve a design problem. What was your approach?" (Focus on understanding needs, proposing solutions, and achieving satisfaction.)
• "How would you handle a situation where a customer is undecided between several flooring options?" (Demonstrate your consultation process, ability to highlight pros/cons, and guide decision-making.)
• "Imagine a customer wants a specific high-end look but has a limited budget. How would you advise them?" (Showcase your ability to find alternatives and manage expectations.)
• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple customer projects simultaneously?" (Highlight organizational skills, time management, and communication strategies.)
• "What interests you about Floor & Decor and this specific role?" (Research the company, its products, and express genuine enthusiasm for design and customer service.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Floor & Decor's product offerings?" (Show you've researched their primary categories like tile, wood, laminate, etc.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends?" (Demonstrate a passion for design and continuous learning.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment." (Align your answer with Floor & Decor's likely values of collaboration and customer focus.)
• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism?" (Show receptiveness to learning and improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: If presenting a portfolio, keep it focused on 2-3 strong examples that best showcase your skills relevant to this role.
• Process Over Perfection: For this role, emphasize the process you followed in design consultations and project management rather than just the final aesthetic.
• Storytelling: Frame your examples as stories: What was the client's challenge? What was your approach? What was the outcome?
• Enthusiasm for Products: Clearly articulate your understanding and excitement for flooring materials offered by Floor & Decor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your customer service skills, basic design sensibility, ability to manage tasks, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience using concrete examples and demonstrate a proactive, customer-centric attitude.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Floor & Decor careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, retail sales, and any design-related experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted X customers per day," "Contributed to Y% increase in design service bookings").
• Portfolio Preparation (Optional but Recommended): If you have design projects, gather examples that demonstrate your ability to understand client needs, select materials, and present solutions. A digital format (PDF or online link) is ideal.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice mock consultations. Research common flooring types and design trends.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Floor & Decor's mission, values, product range, and target customer base. Understand their commitment to design services and customer experience.

⚠️ 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.