Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: HOM FURNITURE

Location: Little Canada, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Category: Sales & Customer Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-08T02:10:32

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for driving revenue and customer satisfaction through expert design consultation and sales within the home furnishings sector.

• Focuses on building strong customer relationships, understanding client needs, and translating them into effective home furnishing solutions.

• Requires a blend of sales acumen, interior design principles, and project management skills to ensure seamless customer journeys from initial consultation to final delivery.

• Operates within a dynamic retail environment, emphasizing exceptional customer experiences both in-store and through in-home design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and compensation structure ($20-24/hour guaranteed against commissions, with potential for $75k-$100k+ annually for top performers) strongly indicate a sales-driven role with a significant operations component in managing the sales process and customer lifecycle. The "Operations" category reflects this dual nature.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home and in-store design consultations to understand customer style preferences, functional needs, and budget constraints.

• Develop customized floor plans and design solutions, utilizing manual or computerized design tools, to perfectly match customer requirements.

• Drive sales by effectively presenting product knowledge, highlighting quality craftsmanship, and articulating design solutions that meet customer expectations.

• Manage the entire customer lifecycle, from initial contact and design conceptualization through order processing, meticulous follow-up, and ensuring timely delivery.

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, acting as an inquisitive solution seeker and trusted advisor for their home furnishing needs.

• Maintain assigned showroom areas, including updating price cards and performing light cleaning duties to ensure a visually appealing and organized sales environment.

• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., delivery, logistics) to ensure a smooth and efficient post-sale customer experience.

• Stay updated on product lines, design trends, and HOM Furniture's unique customer-focused sales approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "Project Management" competency and "meticulous accuracy and follow up when processing each order and delivery." This highlights the operational rigor expected in managing multiple client projects concurrently, ensuring all details are handled correctly from sale to fulfillment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• A 2-year or 4-year college degree is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of exceptional customer service experience is required.

• Preference for candidates with "big ticket" top writer commission sales experience (e.g., home furnishings, automotive, recreational vehicles, appliances). Required Skills:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Proven ability to deliver world-class customer experiences and build rapport.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated success in commission-based sales environments, particularly with high-value items.

• Interior Design Fundamentals: Understanding of design elements such as color, patterns, and spatial planning.

• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication for client interactions and order processing.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to act as an inquisitive solution seeker to meet customer needs.

• Goal Orientation: Driven and motivated to achieve sales targets and customer satisfaction metrics. Preferred Skills:

• Computerized Design Software Proficiency: Experience with design software for floor planning and visualization.

• Project Management: Competency in managing multiple projects, orders, and client timelines.

• Product Knowledge Acquisition: Ability to quickly learn and articulate detailed product information.

• Relationship Building: Skill in developing long-term customer relationships based on trust.

• Retail Sales Experience: Specific experience in home furnishings or similar retail sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "big ticket" commission sales and the potential earning range ($75k-$100k+) suggests that candidates with a proven track record in high-value sales will be highly competitive. This role requires not just consultative selling but also the operational discipline to manage the complexities of furniture sales, including order accuracy and delivery coordination.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate examples of successful customer consultations, showcasing how you translated client needs into design solutions.

• Include case studies of "big ticket" sales, highlighting the sales process, challenges overcome, and final deal closure.

• Showcase any experience with creating floor plans or utilizing design software to visualize customer spaces.

• Provide examples of how you've managed customer relationships post-sale to ensure satisfaction and repeat business. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to managing the end-to-end customer journey, from initial contact to order fulfillment and delivery.

• Detail your methods for ensuring order accuracy and meticulous follow-up to prevent errors and delays.

• Describe how you track customer interactions, sales progress, and project status.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio may not be explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their sales process, customer management strategies, and any design-related projects they've undertaken. The "unrivaled training" provided by HOM Furniture implies a structured sales and design methodology that applicants should be eager to learn and adapt to.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Pay: $20-$24 per hour guaranteed against commissions.

• Training Period: $50,000 annual salary.

• Commissioned Earning Potential (Post-Training): Top producers can expect to earn $75,000 - $100,000+ annually.

• Immediate bonus opportunities are available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is designed to incentivize high performance. The guaranteed hourly rate provides a safety net, while the commission and bonus structure rewards significant sales success. This is typical for roles where individual sales performance directly impacts revenue. The $75k-$100k+ range is based on the provided "Top producers ongoing earning potential."

Benefits:

• For Part-Time and Full-Time Employees (minimum 20 hours/week):

  • 401(k) Employee Contribution Plan with Employer Match.
  • Generous employee discount on HOM Furniture products.
  • Discounts on computers and cell phone plans.
  • Career advancement opportunities.
  • Paid training programs.
  • Paid time off.

• For Full-Time or Modified Full-Time Employees (32 hours/week +):

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Insurance Plans.

  • Employer-paid Life Insurance.

  • Paid Bereavement time off. Working Hours:

• Full-Time employees are expected to work a 40-hour schedule.

• Modified Full-Time employees work 32-36 hours a week.

• Part-Time employees work up to 28 hours a week.

• Flexible scheduling options are available, including weekend and evening flexibility, with set schedules that balance personal and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company offers a tiered benefits structure, with more comprehensive health and life insurance for full-time employees. The emphasis on flexible and set scheduling options is a significant perk, acknowledging the need for work-life balance in retail environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings Retail. HOM Furniture is a locally owned, privately held company with a strong community focus.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data is not available, but the company has multiple locations and offers comprehensive benefits, suggesting a medium to large-sized retail organization.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company has established itself as a significant player in its market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant role likely operates within a store-based sales team, reporting to a Sales Manager or Store Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with other sales consultants, design specialists, and potentially showroom managers.

• Cross-functional interaction with logistics, delivery, and customer service departments is essential for managing the post-sale process. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Sales: The core methodology revolves around providing exceptional customer experiences, acting as a trusted advisor, and focusing on solutions.

• Data-Driven Decisions (Implicit): While not explicitly stated, sales targets, commission structures, and the mention of technology suggest that performance metrics are tracked and utilized.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on "unrivaled training" and "meticulous accuracy" indicates a commitment to refining sales and operational processes for efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Sustainability Focus: HOM Furniture actively promotes "Green initiatives," including solar power and energy-efficient showrooms, indicating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Company Website: homfurniture.com (derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: HOM Furniture appears to prioritize employee development, community involvement, and environmental sustainability, alongside a strong customer-focused sales approach. This blend of values can be a significant factor for operations professionals seeking a purpose-driven work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-to-mid-level position within a sales and customer experience operations framework. It requires foundational customer service and sales skills, with opportunities to develop specialized design and project management competencies.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or Store Manager, with potential for cross-functional interaction with operations support teams (e.g., order processing, logistics).

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and influences customer loyalty and brand reputation through exceptional service and design expertise. Efficiently managing the sales process and ensuring accurate order fulfillment are key operational contributions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advance to senior design consultant roles, specializing in specific product categories or high-net-worth client management.

• Sales Leadership: Progress into Sales Management or Store Management positions, overseeing sales teams and operational performance.

• Design Expertise: Develop advanced interior design skills, potentially leading to roles in showroom merchandising or corporate design.

• Operations Support: Transition into roles focused on sales operations, order management, or customer success, leveraging their understanding of the sales cycle and customer needs.

• Continuous Learning: HOM Furniture's commitment to "paid training programs and career pathing" provides structured opportunities for skill development and advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded individuals, this role offers a direct path to understanding the customer acquisition and revenue generation side of the business. The provided training and career pathing suggest a company invested in employee development, which is a strong indicator for long-term career growth within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom and in-home sales environment. The primary workspace is a customer-facing showroom, complemented by scheduled in-home client visits.

Office Location(s): 3201 Country Drive, Little Canada, MN 55117. The company likely has multiple showroom locations.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A dynamic, customer-focused setting requiring excellent presentation skills and the ability to engage with diverse clientele.

• In-Home Consultations: Requires professional conduct, adaptability to different home environments, and the ability to conduct needs assessments onsite.

• Technology Integration: Will utilize HOM Furniture's proprietary technology to streamline the shopping experience, process orders, and manage customer data.

• Collaborative Team: Opportunities to work alongside fellow sales professionals, share best practices, and learn from experienced colleagues and management.

Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling options are available, including full-time (40 hours), modified full-time (32-36 hours), and part-time (up to 28 hours). Set schedules are provided, balancing business needs with employee preferences, including weekend and evening availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of showroom interaction and in-home client visits offers a varied work environment. The emphasis on "flexible scheduling options" and "set schedules" indicates a structured approach to managing work hours while accommodating employee needs, which is beneficial for maintaining productivity and work-life balance in a sales role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume to assess relevant customer service and sales experience.

• Phone/Video Interview: Discussion of your background, motivation for applying, and initial assessment of your communication and sales aptitude.

• In-Person Interview: This stage will likely involve meeting with the Sales Manager or Store Manager. Expect behavioral questions assessing your customer service philosophy, sales approach, and problem-solving skills. You may be asked to walk through a hypothetical sales scenario.

• Skills Assessment/Role Play: Potentially a scenario where you demonstrate your customer engagement and design consultation skills.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or HR to discuss compensation, benefits, and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any sales experience, be prepared to share specific metrics (e.g., sales volume, conversion rates, customer satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Customer-Centricity: Prepare examples that highlight how you go above and beyond for customers.

• Demonstrate Design Thinking: If you have design experience, be ready to discuss your process for understanding client needs and translating them into aesthetic and functional solutions.

• Highlight Sales Process: Be able to articulate your approach to consultative selling, from needs assessment to closing the deal and post-sale follow-up.

• Emphasize Adaptability: Given the in-home consultation aspect, highlight your ability to adapt to different environments and client personalities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to answer questions like: "How would you handle a customer who is unsure about their design choices?" or "Describe a time you had to overcome a customer objection."

• Product Knowledge: While training is provided, demonstrating an interest in home furnishings and design trends will be beneficial.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HOM Furniture's product lines, brand values (e.g., community, sustainability), and market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be required, candidates should prepare a "personal portfolio" in the form of well-articulated examples and case studies from their past experiences that demonstrate the required skills. The emphasis on "exceptional customer service" and "sales" means interviewers will be looking for evidence of both.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: HOM Furniture likely uses a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or a proprietary system) for managing customer interactions, tracking sales pipelines, and customer data.

• Design Software: Competency in manual room planning and potentially computerized design tools is required. Specific software may include SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or proprietary HOM Furniture design applications.

• Order Management System: For processing sales orders, tracking inventory, and managing delivery logistics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Access to reports showing individual and team sales performance, commission tracking, and customer conversion rates.

• Customer Data Platforms: Utilizing customer data to understand preferences and tailor recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Automation Tools: Potentially used for lead nurturing, follow-up reminders, and managing customer communication workflows.

• Communication Platforms: Standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace) for email, scheduling, and document creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a CRM system and comfort with design software are key technical requirements. The company's emphasis on technology to "streamline our work and simplify our customer's shopping experience" suggests a modern, integrated tech stack that successful candidates will need to adapt to quickly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Delivering "world-class customer experiences" is paramount. This means prioritizing customer needs, building trust, and ensuring satisfaction.

• Goal Orientation: A strong drive to achieve and exceed sales targets, contributing directly to the company's revenue objectives.

• Collaboration & Support: The culture encourages team members to "help each other succeed," fostering a supportive environment where knowledge is shared.

• Community & Sustainability: HOM Furniture values its role in the community, participating in charity events and promoting "Green initiatives," indicating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

• Continuous Improvement: The provision of "fully paid for training programs and career pathing" signifies a value placed on employee growth and skill development.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented Sales: While individual sales performance is key, there's an emphasis on collective success and mutual support within the sales team.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Effective collaboration with operations, logistics, and customer service is crucial for delivering on promises to the customer.

• Client-Centric Approach: All interactions, whether internal or external, are geared towards providing the best possible solution and experience for the customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a significant differentiator, balancing a high-performance sales environment with strong ethical values, community engagement, and employee development. This is particularly attractive to operations professionals who value a mission-driven workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively integrating the consultative sales process with detailed design work requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Ensuring client satisfaction when dealing with custom orders, delivery timelines, and diverse aesthetic preferences.

• High-Performance Sales Environment: Consistently meeting sales targets in a commission-based structure can be demanding.

• Adapting to Technology: Quickly mastering new design software and CRM tools to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

• In-Home Consultation Logistics: Navigating client homes, managing schedules, and ensuring professional presentation during off-site visits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Training: HOM Furniture provides "unrivaled training" covering product knowledge, sales techniques, design principles, and technology utilization.

• Career Pathing: Structured opportunities for advancement into senior sales roles, management, or specialized operations functions.

• Skill Enhancement: Development in areas such as consultative selling, interior design, project management, and customer relationship management.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep knowledge of the home furnishings market, design trends, and customer preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are directly tied to opportunities for skill development. The company's investment in training and career pathing suggests a supportive environment for overcoming these challenges and fostering professional growth within the operations and sales spheres.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Process: "Walk me through your process for engaging a new customer and guiding them through the selection of home furnishings." (Focus on needs assessment, product presentation, overcoming objections, and closing.)

• Design Consultation: "Describe a challenging design project you handled. What were the client's needs, how did you approach the design, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, creativity, and client satisfaction.)

• Customer Service Excellence: "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to ensure a customer's satisfaction. What was the situation, and what was the result?" (Demonstrate commitment to customer experience.)

• Handling Objections: "How would you respond if a customer tells you our prices are too high compared to competitors?" (Focus on value proposition, product quality, and service.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about HOM Furniture specifically, and why this Design Consultant role?" (Research their values, sustainability efforts, and community involvement.)

• "How do you stay motivated in a commission-based sales environment?" (Discuss goal setting, drive, and passion for customer success.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you collaborate with team members?" (Align with their culture of support and shared success.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: Prepare to discuss the tangible results of your work (e.g., increased sales, improved customer satisfaction scores, successful project completions).

• Tell a Story: Frame your experiences as case studies, detailing the challenge, your actions, and the positive outcome.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the steps you take in sales consultations, design development, and order management.

• Showcase Versatility: Be ready to discuss examples that demonstrate both strong sales closing skills and thoughtful design consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of sales drive, customer empathy, design sensibility, and operational diligence. Be ready to speak to specific examples that showcase these qualities, as the company values both customer experience and sales performance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight achievements in customer service, sales (especially commission-based), and any design-related experience. Use keywords from the job description, such as "customer experience," "sales," "design consultation," and "project management." Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal submission, mentally prepare specific examples and case studies from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to consult, sell, design, and manage customer projects. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research HOM Furniture's website, mission, values, product lines, and any recent news or community involvement. Understand their commitment to sustainability and customer-centricity.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common sales and customer service interview questions, focusing on providing STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers. Be prepared to discuss your motivation for a role that blends sales and design.

⚠️ 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.