Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: National Tiles

Location: Stapylton & Woolloongabba, Australia (Multiple Locations)

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Operations - GTM Support / Sales Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in supporting the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by acting as a client-facing design expert, directly influencing sales outcomes through exceptional customer experience.

• The Design Consultant will manage client selections and product specifications, ensuring a seamless and inspiring process that contributes to revenue generation and customer satisfaction.

• Key responsibilities include detailed administrative tasks, accurate pricing estimations, and maintaining showroom presentation standards to enhance the overall sales environment.

• This position requires a blend of creative design talent, strong organizational capabilities, and client management skills, all crucial for driving sales performance within the residential market.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities of client management, product specification, estimation, and administrative support within a sales context strongly align with a GTM Support or Sales Operations function focused on pre-sales enablement and customer experience. The emphasis on client interaction and driving outcomes for customers positions this as a critical support role for sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with residential clients to understand their design needs and guide them through the product selection process, ensuring successful outcomes and customer satisfaction.

• Utilize design flair and expertise to create compelling color concepts and product specifications tailored to individual client requirements and builder contracts.

• Interpret builder contracts and variations to accurately prepare for client appointments and ensure all specifications are met.

• Read and interpret floor plans to effectively advise clients on product suitability and layout, contributing to accurate project planning.

• Employ estimation programs to generate accurate pricing for client selections, facilitating the sales process and ensuring profitability.

• Maintain a high standard of showroom presentation, ensuring a professional and inspiring environment for clients and sales teams.

• Perform essential administrative duties, including managing job files, sending client communications, and liaising with internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities focus on client-facing sales support and operational execution within the sales cycle. This includes detailed administrative work, technical interpretation of plans, and direct client engagement to facilitate sales, which are key GTM support functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A formal qualification in Interior Design or a related design field is required.

• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience in a similar client-facing design role will be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a design consultant, interior design, or a related client-facing sales support role.

• Proven ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.

• Experience working with builder contracts and variations, with an understanding of project specifications. Required Skills:

• Interior Design & Aesthetics: Natural skill for color coordination, concept development, and creating aesthetically pleasing designs for residential spaces.

• Client Relationship Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective client liaison, consultation, and relationship building.

• Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret floor plans and builder contracts/variations accurately.

• Estimation & Pricing: Proficiency in using estimation programs to provide accurate client pricing.

• Administrative Proficiency: Strong organizational skills for managing job files, documentation, and administrative tasks.

• Showroom Management: Ability to maintain a high standard of showroom presentation.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Software Proficiency: Knowledge of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) packages for design visualization and documentation.

• Sales Acumen: Understanding of sales processes and how design consultation contributes to closing deals.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with sales teams, builders, and other internal stakeholders.

• Adaptability: Flexible approach to work and ability to perform well under pressure in a dynamic sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CAD packages, while listed as preferred, is a significant technical skill for design roles and would be highly beneficial for enhancing client presentations and project accuracy, directly impacting the sales enablement aspect of this GTM support role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of residential design projects, highlighting client needs, design solutions, product selections, and the final outcome.

• Process Flow Documentation: Examples demonstrating how you managed a client selection process from initial consultation to final specification, including any administrative steps or coordination involved.

• Estimation & Pricing Examples: Samples of pricing proposals or estimations generated for clients, demonstrating accuracy and clarity.

• Client Communication Samples: Examples of professional email correspondence or documentation shared with clients throughout the design and selection process.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow design and optimization for client selection processes, aiming for efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved processes for managing job files, client specifications, and administrative tasks.

• Show evidence of how you measure the success of your design consultations, focusing on client outcomes and contributions to sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is crucial for this role to demonstrate practical design application, client management skills, and process efficiency, directly supporting the GTM function by showcasing the ability to convert leads into satisfied customers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $33 - $35 per hour (AUD)

• This range is based on the provided hourly rate for a full-time position in Australia.

• Methodology: Direct extraction from the job description. Local Australian market data for similar roles (e.g., Interior Designer, Sales Consultant, Showroom Consultant) in Stapylton/Woolloongabba suggests this range is competitive for mid-level professionals, considering the specified hours and location.

Benefits:

• Incentives: Performance-based incentives are offered, directly linking individual success to business outcomes.

• Health & Well-being: Access to free health and well-being programs, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Career Development: Opportunities for training, leadership development courses, and leadership progression, with a strong emphasis on internal promotion ("we promote from within!").

• Employee Perks: An employee benefits app providing discounts at popular retailers.

• Staff Discounts: Generous discounts on National Tiles products for employees and their families.

• Financial: Weekly pay cycle for consistent income management.

• Personal Time: Birthday off every year, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and financial incentives, which are key attractors for operations and GTM roles focused on long-term engagement and performance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials / Retail / Design Services

Company Size: National Tiles is a significant player in the Australian tile and stone market, suggesting a medium to large enterprise size with established operational processes and a substantial client base.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, National Tiles has a history of growth and expansion, indicating a stable and evolving organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant likely operates within a sales or showroom team structure, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• This role involves close collaboration with sales representatives, builders, and potentially internal operations or logistics teams to ensure seamless client experiences.

• The team structure emphasizes a collaborative approach to client service and sales enablement, fostering a supportive environment for achieving GTM objectives. Methodology:

• The company's approach to client engagement is hands-on and design-centric, focusing on creating "amazing outcomes" for customers.

• Emphasis is placed on detailed product specification, accurate pricing, and maintaining high showroom standards, reflecting a commitment to operational excellence in sales support.

• Continuous learning and development are encouraged, suggesting a culture that values skill enhancement and process improvement.

Company Website: [National Tiles Website - e.g., nationaltiles.com.au]

📝 Enhancement Note: National Tiles operates in a competitive market where design expertise and customer service are key differentiators. The company's culture likely supports a client-centric approach, driven by professionals who can translate design vision into tangible sales.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level, requiring specialized design skills and client management experience. It serves as a critical link in the GTM process, directly impacting customer acquisition and retention.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, with potential interaction with regional sales directors or operations leads for process improvement initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's primary impact is on driving sales revenue through expert client consultation, accurate product specification, and exceptional customer experience. They contribute to lead conversion rates and customer satisfaction scores, which are vital GTM metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Opportunities exist to advance into Showroom Management or Senior Design Consultant roles, leading teams and driving showroom performance.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific design niches or product categories, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Roles: Development path into roles within sales management, product development, or marketing, leveraging design and client insights.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development programs facilitates skill enhancement in design, sales, and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "promoting from within" and "leadership development" indicates a strong internal career path. For operations professionals, this role can be a stepping stone into more strategic GTM or sales leadership positions, emphasizing the development of client-facing and process management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, primarily based within National Tiles' builder studios in Stapylton and Woolloongabba. These are likely showrooms designed to showcase product ranges and facilitate client consultations.

Office Location(s): Stapylton and Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia. These locations suggest a presence in a key commercial and industrial hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is client-facing, requiring a professional and aesthetically pleasing showroom environment.

• Access to design resources, estimation software, CAD tools, and product samples will be standard.

• Opportunities for collaboration with sales colleagues and other design consultants will be prevalent, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A structured 38-hour work week, Monday to Friday, providing a predictable schedule for planning and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of a physical presence for client interaction and showroom management, which is typical for roles that directly support sales and customer experience in a tangible product environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of applications and resumes, focusing on design qualifications, relevant experience, and key skills.

• First Interview: May involve a discussion about your design philosophy, experience with client consultations, and understanding of the residential market. This is often with an HR representative or Hiring Manager.

• Portfolio Presentation/Design Challenge: A critical step where you'll present your design portfolio, showcasing your best work and ability to articulate design choices. You may also be given a design challenge or asked to interpret plans and provide an estimate.

• Second Interview/Team Meet: An opportunity to meet with potential team members, including sales staff or managers, to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, cultural fit, and portfolio.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest residential projects that best align with National Tiles' product range and target market.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's initial brief, the challenges faced, your design process, the specific products you recommended, and the successful outcome. Use high-quality visuals.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight how your design choices contributed to client satisfaction or sales conversions.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of how you interpret floor plans, manage selections, and provide accurate estimations.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with clients, sales teams, and other stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with National Tiles' product catalog and current design trends.

• Practice interpreting basic floor plans and estimating material quantities.

• Prepare to articulate your design process and rationale for product selections under time pressure.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult client conversations or manage conflicting design preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skill but also their ability to translate that skill into tangible sales support and client satisfaction within the context of National Tiles' business.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Estimation Programs: Proficiency in using specialized estimation software for providing client pricing. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate experience with such tools.

• CAD Packages: Knowledge of CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit LT) is preferred for design visualization and plan interpretation.

• CRM System (Likely): While not explicitly mentioned, a CRM system is typically used for managing client interactions, leads, and sales pipelines. Familiarity with common CRM platforms would be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: While not directly managing them, understanding how your work contributes to sales metrics (e.g., conversion rates, average sale value) is important.

• Client Data Management: Ability to manage and update client information accurately within relevant systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Communication Tools: Proficiency in email clients (e.g., Outlook) and potentially CRM-integrated communication features.

• Job File Management: Experience with digital or physical systems for organizing and tracking client job files.

📝 Enhancement Note: Technical proficiency in estimation software and CAD is highlighted as a key requirement or strong preference. This indicates the company values tools that enhance accuracy and client visualization, directly supporting the sales process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on creating "amazing outcomes" for customers, emphasizing exceptional service and satisfaction.

• Design Excellence: Valuing creativity, flair, and a keen eye for color and concepts in all design work.

• Professionalism & Organization: Maintaining high standards in showroom presentation, administrative duties, and client file management.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, builders, and clients to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing training and development opportunities to enhance skills and career progression.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The culture encourages working together, particularly within the showroom and with the sales team, to support client needs and sales targets.

• Client-Focused: Collaboration is often driven by the client's journey, ensuring a cohesive experience from initial contact through selection.

• Feedback & Growth: An environment that supports learning and development suggests a willingness to exchange feedback and improve processes collectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to foster a supportive environment where design professionals can thrive, contribute to sales success, and grow their careers, aligning with typical GTM team values that balance individual creativity with collective business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Managing client design aspirations within budget, contract limitations, and product availability requires skillful negotiation and creative problem-solving.

• High Volume Client Management: Handling a significant number of client appointments and job files efficiently while maintaining high service standards can be demanding.

• Technical Interpretation Accuracy: Ensuring precise interpretation of floor plans and builder contracts to avoid costly errors or client dissatisfaction.

• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with evolving design trends, new product lines, and industry best practices in a dynamic retail environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Access to training on new product lines, design software, and emerging trends.

• Sales & Client Management: Development in consultative selling techniques, negotiation, and advanced client relationship management.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities to develop management and leadership skills for potential career advancement within National Tiles.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for involvement in industry events or workshops related to interior design and building materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique blend of creative challenge and operational execution. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to transition from pure design into roles with broader sales and management responsibilities within the GTM framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's ambitious design vision with practical constraints (budget, builder specifications). How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and client management.)

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and new product materials, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your client consultations?" (Assesses continuous learning and application of knowledge.)

• "Walk me through your process for interpreting a floor plan and preparing an estimate for a residential project." (Tests technical skills and process understanding.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to National Tiles, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our company values and client-focused approach?" (Evaluate research and cultural fit.)

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with sales teams or builders. How do you ensure effective communication and seamless project handover?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you measure success in a client-facing design role, beyond just aesthetics?" (Focus on impact, client satisfaction, and contribution to sales.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your design approach, then delve into specific case studies. For each case study, clearly state the client's needs, your solution, the products used, and the successful outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-resolution images and clear diagrams. If you have CAD renderings, include them.

• Process Demonstration: Be ready to explain how you managed the project, including any administrative or estimation tasks.

• Conciseness: Aim for a presentation that is informative but respects the interviewer's time. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, practical operational execution, and a strong understanding of how design consulting directly supports sales and customer satisfaction in the building materials industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the National Tiles careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in interior design, client consultation, estimation, and administrative tasks relevant to the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional design portfolio that showcases your best residential projects, demonstrating your color coordination skills, ability to interpret floor plans, and experience with estimation.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, client management strategies, and how you contribute to sales outcomes. Practice articulating your experience with estimation programs and CAD software.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with National Tiles' product offerings, target market, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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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