Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Reform

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Employee (Full-Time)

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, guiding them through the initial phases of kitchen and storage design projects.

• Drive customer engagement by introducing them to the Reform brand and illustrating the possibilities within their design aspirations.

• Integrate design expertise with sales acumen to ensure a seamless and inspiring customer journey from first contact to project initiation.

• Proactively manage incoming leads and maintain accurate customer data within the CRM system to support sales pipeline velocity.

• Contribute directly to achieving sales targets by delivering exceptional customer experiences that foster trust and project commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid sales and design function, emphasizing the "consultant" aspect which implies a consultative sales approach focused on understanding customer needs deeply. The operations aspect is evident in the CRM management and lead handling, crucial for a smooth GTM process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Consultation:

  • Warmly welcome and engage customers in the showroom, via online channels, and over the phone to understand their project needs and aspirations.
  • Guide customers through the exploration of design ideas for their kitchen and storage projects, offering expert advice and creative solutions.
  • Facilitate project exploration during weekdays and Saturdays, ensuring consistent customer support.

• Design & Proposal Development:

  • Create initial conceptual layouts and detailed design proposals that align with customer requirements and Reform's design philosophy.
  • Develop accurate budget estimates for proposed designs, ensuring transparency and clarity for the customer.

• Sales Pipeline Management:

  • Effectively manage incoming leads, prioritizing follow-ups and ensuring prompt engagement to nurture potential opportunities.
  • Maintain meticulous customer information and project details within the CRM system, ensuring data integrity for sales and marketing insights.
  • Support customers through the critical early stages of their project journey, building rapport and confidence.

• Sales Contribution & Customer Experience:

  • Actively contribute to achieving overall sales goals by converting consultations into successful project commitments.
  • Champion a customer-centric approach, prioritizing the customer experience at every touchpoint to foster loyalty and positive brand perception.

• Showroom Environment:

  • Assist in maintaining a showroom environment that is welcoming, inspiring, and reflective of Reform's brand aesthetic and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a structured process from lead generation through to initial design and sales commitment, highlighting the importance of CRM for pipeline management and customer journey tracking, which are core to revenue and sales operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A background in design, architecture, interior design, or a closely related field is essential. This foundational knowledge is critical for understanding design principles and client needs. Experience:

• Proven experience (2-5 years) in a client-facing role, preferably within design, retail sales, or a consultative capacity.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client interactions and projects simultaneously, showcasing strong organizational and time management skills. Required Skills:

• Design Acumen: Strong understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and aesthetic considerations relevant to kitchen and storage solutions.

• Consultative Sales: Ability to engage customers, understand their unique needs, and propose tailored solutions effectively.

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both German and English, enabling clear and persuasive interactions with a diverse clientele.

• CRM System Management: Proficiency in using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar) for lead tracking, customer data management, and pipeline monitoring.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage project timelines, client expectations, and deliver on initial design and proposal commitments.

• Proactive Work Ethic: A structured and proactive approach to tasks, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific kitchen design software or CAD tools.

• Familiarity with budgeting and financial estimation processes in a sales context.

• Previous experience in a showroom or retail environment, understanding customer flow and engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CRM management and lead tracking points towards a need for operational efficiency in sales processes. Fluency in German is a critical requirement for this specific market, highlighting the importance of localized GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase examples of past kitchen or storage design projects, detailing the client's initial needs, the design process, and the final outcome. Highlight how you translated customer requirements into functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Sales Process Documentation: Provide examples of how you have managed customer interactions, from initial lead qualification to proposal presentation. This could include sample client communication or a description of your consultative sales approach.

• CRM Usage Examples: Demonstrate your ability to effectively use a CRM system. This might involve anonymized examples of lead tracking, customer segmentation, or pipeline reporting, illustrating how you leverage data to drive sales.

• Project Management Artifacts: Include any documentation that illustrates your ability to manage multiple projects, such as project timelines, client communication logs, or workflow diagrams for design projects.

Process Documentation:

• Client Onboarding Workflow: Outline the typical steps you take when a new client enters the sales funnel, from initial contact to the creation of a design proposal.

• Design Iteration Process: Describe your approach to iterating on designs based on client feedback, ensuring client satisfaction and alignment with project goals.

• Sales Reporting and Analysis: Detail how you would track and report on your sales performance, including key metrics and how you use this data for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role with operational elements, a portfolio should not only showcase design skills but also demonstrate an understanding of structured sales processes, CRM utilization, and client journey management. This indicates a need for candidates who can contribute to organized GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is between €45,000 and €60,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the specialized nature of the role (combining design and sales), and the requirement for bilingual fluency. The compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits:

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Reform products, allowing employees to experience the quality and design firsthand.

• Career Growth Opportunities: Potential for advancement within Reform, with pathways to senior consultant roles or specialization in areas like project management or team leadership.

• Collaborative Team Environment: A supportive and dynamic team culture that fosters knowledge sharing and mutual growth.

• Dynamic Industry Exposure: Opportunity to work in a creative and fast-paced industry where each project presents unique challenges and learning experiences.

• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, potentially including workshops, training, and exposure to new design trends and sales methodologies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, including Saturdays as required by showroom operations. Flexibility may be offered, but the core requirement is on-site presence during business hours and scheduled weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar roles in Berlin's design and retail sectors, factoring in the bilingual requirement. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, emphasizing the value Reform places on employee growth and engagement within a creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Reform operates within the high-end kitchen and furniture design industry, focusing on creating bespoke and modular solutions that blend timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. The market is competitive, emphasizing quality, design innovation, and customer experience. For a Design Consultant, this means engaging with clients who value aesthetics, craftsmanship, and personalized service. Company Size:

• Reform is a growing company, likely operating with a lean and dynamic team structure. This size often translates to a collaborative environment where individuals can have a significant impact and take on diverse responsibilities, fostering a strong sense of ownership and direct contribution to the company's success. Founded:

• Founded with a vision to offer high-quality, design-led kitchen solutions, Reform has established itself by partnering with renowned designers and offering a unique approach to modular design. This history suggests a company built on innovation, design integrity, and a commitment to enhancing everyday living spaces. Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will be part of a showroom team, likely reporting to a Showroom Manager or Head of Sales. This team will include fellow Design Consultants and potentially support staff. Collaboration with marketing, operations, and production teams is also expected to ensure a cohesive customer experience from consultation to delivery.

• Reporting structure is typically hierarchical within a showroom setting, with clear lines of responsibility.

• Cross-functional collaboration is vital, ensuring seamless handoffs and communication between sales, design, and fulfillment departments to meet customer expectations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Customer Insights: Utilizing CRM data to understand customer preferences, track sales performance, and identify opportunities for process improvement in customer engagement.

• Design Thinking & Collaboration: Employing a process that prioritizes understanding customer needs, ideating creative solutions, and iterating designs based on feedback, often in collaboration with clients and internal design teams.

• Efficiency and Workflow Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to streamline the customer journey, from initial inquiry to final design proposal, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.

Company Website:

• https://reformcph.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Reform is characterized by a strong emphasis on design excellence, customer-centricity, and a collaborative, growth-oriented environment. This is crucial for operations roles that require close alignment with sales and customer success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This Design Consultant role sits at an intermediate level, blending customer-facing sales responsibilities with operational tasks like CRM management and lead processing. It's a crucial role in the GTM strategy, acting as the gateway for potential revenue. The role requires a balance of creative problem-solving and structured process execution. Reporting Structure:

• The Design Consultant will typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, facilitating skill development in both design consultation and sales operations. Regular feedback sessions are likely to focus on performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and adherence to sales processes. Operations Impact:

• The Design Consultant has a direct and significant impact on Reform's revenue generation by converting initial customer interest into tangible sales opportunities. Their ability to manage the early customer journey effectively influences customer acquisition cost and lifetime value. Furthermore, by ensuring accurate data capture in the CRM, they contribute to the overall health and effectiveness of the sales and marketing operations. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: Progress to handling more complex projects, mentoring junior consultants, or specializing in specific product lines or design styles.

• Sales Management: Transition into a Showroom Manager or Sales Team Lead role, overseeing a team, setting sales targets, and driving overall showroom performance.

• Operations Specialization: Develop expertise in CRM administration, sales operations, or customer success management, potentially moving into a dedicated operations role within the company.

• Product Development Liaison: Contribute insights from customer interactions to product development teams, influencing future Reform offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes the operational aspects of the role, showing how a Design Consultant can evolve into leadership or specialized operations roles, highlighting the strategic importance of this position within the GTM framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This role is based in a Reform showroom in Berlin. Showrooms are designed to be customer-centric, visually appealing, and functional spaces that showcase the brand's products and design philosophy. It's a professional yet creative environment where client interaction is paramount. Office Location(s):

• The specific showroom location in Berlin will be provided upon application. Candidates should consider commute times and accessibility when evaluating the role. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a blend of a design studio and a retail environment. Consultants will have dedicated areas for client consultations, often featuring design software, material samples, and presentation tools.

• The environment is highly collaborative, with opportunities to interact with colleagues, share design ideas, and learn from each other's client experiences.

• Access to modern design software, CRM tools, and showroom display materials will be standard. Work Schedule:

• The role requires a standard full-time commitment, typically around 40 hours per week. This includes working on Saturdays, which are crucial for showroom traffic and customer engagement. Flexibility may be available for weekday scheduling, but weekend availability is a core requirement of the position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is key for a client-facing role. The emphasis on a professional, creative, and collaborative space, coupled with specific equipment and a structured schedule (including weekends), provides a clear picture for prospective candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call or video interview to assess basic qualifications, language proficiency (German/English), and cultural fit.

• In-depth Interview: A more comprehensive discussion covering design philosophy, sales experience, CRM knowledge, and problem-solving skills. This may involve a case study or scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing design projects, sales approaches, and CRM utilization. This is a critical stage to evaluate practical skills and operational thinking.

• Showroom Visit/Assessment: A visit to the Berlin showroom to experience the environment firsthand and potentially engage in a simulated client consultation.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior management or the hiring manager to discuss the role in detail and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, from understanding client needs to developing creative solutions and presenting final proposals.

• Highlight CRM Proficiency: Include examples demonstrating how you use CRM for lead management, customer tracking, and sales forecasting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., conversion rates, pipeline growth).

• Quantify Sales Achievements: Present sales results with concrete metrics. If specific numbers are confidential, use percentages or descriptive achievements (e.g., "consistently exceeded sales targets by X%").

• Demonstrate Bilingual Capability: Be prepared to conduct parts of your interview or presentation in both German and English to prove fluency.

• Focus on Customer Journey: Structure your portfolio to illustrate how you guide clients through their project journey, emphasizing your consultative approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be ready for a hypothetical design scenario where you'll need to propose solutions for a client with specific needs and constraints.

• Sales Scenario: Prepare for questions about how you would handle objections, close a sale, or manage difficult client interactions.

• Process Optimization: Think about how you would improve the customer onboarding process or enhance CRM data quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills, particularly in design, sales, and operations (CRM). Portfolio preparation should focus on quantifiable results and clear process articulation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency in a CRM platform (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, or a similar system) is essential for managing leads, customer interactions, and sales pipelines. Understanding its functionalities for tracking, reporting, and automation is key.

• Design Software: Familiarity with design and visualization tools relevant to interior design and kitchen planning (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, or specialized kitchen design software) is highly beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Analytics: Ability to interpret sales reports generated from the CRM to understand performance, identify trends, and forecast future sales.

• Customer Data Analysis: Basic understanding of how to analyze customer data within the CRM to personalize interactions and improve service.

CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management Tools: Experience with tools or CRM modules designed for lead capture, qualification, and distribution.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in using email, video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and potentially internal chat tools (e.g., Slack) for client and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights the importance of CRM proficiency for operational efficiency in sales and customer management. Experience with design software is crucial for the core function of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value driving all interactions, ensuring that customer needs and satisfaction are at the forefront of every decision and action. This translates to personalized service and a commitment to delivering exceptional design outcomes.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high-quality aesthetics, innovative solutions, and meticulous attention to detail in all design proposals and showroom experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working together across departments to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive environment where knowledge is shared and collective success is celebrated.

• Proactivity & Ownership: Encouraging individuals to take initiative, manage their responsibilities effectively, and contribute actively to the company's growth and improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with sales teams, marketing, and potentially production or logistics to ensure a seamless customer experience from initial contact through to project completion.

• Feedback-Oriented Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued, both for personal development and for improving company processes and offerings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing insights, design ideas, and best practices with colleagues to foster a learning environment and elevate the team's overall expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are crucial for understanding how operations functions within Reform, emphasizing a customer-focused, collaborative, and quality-driven approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Targets: The primary challenge is to maintain creative integrity and provide excellent design consultation while also meeting sales objectives and managing customer expectations within budget constraints.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Each client will have unique preferences, budgets, and project scopes, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills to cater to a wide range of requirements.

• Dynamic Showroom Environment: Working in a retail setting means being adaptable to fluctuating customer traffic, handling multiple inquiries simultaneously, and maintaining a high level of service at all times.

• Keeping Abreast of Design Trends: The design industry is constantly evolving; staying current with the latest trends, materials, and technologies is essential for providing relevant and innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, styles, or kitchen planning techniques.

• Sales Methodology Workshops: Training on consultative selling, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management to enhance sales effectiveness.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: In-depth learning about Reform's product lines, materials, and customization options.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior consultants or sales leaders, gaining valuable insights into career progression and operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and outlining learning opportunities provides a realistic view of the role and its developmental potential for operations-minded professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for understanding a client's needs for a kitchen or storage project. How do you translate those needs into a design proposal?" (Focus on your methodology, client engagement, and design thinking.)

• "How do you balance creative design aspirations with realistic budget constraints for a client?" (Demonstrate your ability to manage expectations and find optimal solutions.)

• "Walk me through how you would manage a leads pipeline using a CRM system. What metrics are most important to you?" (Highlight your CRM proficiency and understanding of sales operations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Reform and our design philosophy?" (Show your research and genuine interest in the brand.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a client-facing role?" (Illustrate your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult client or a challenging project. What was the outcome and what did you learn?" (Showcase your problem-solving and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client's problem, your proposed solution (design and process), and the measurable outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the success of your designs and sales efforts (e.g., "increased client satisfaction by X%", "contributed to Y% of showroom sales").

• Showcase CRM Usage: If possible, visually demonstrate how you've used CRM to manage client data or track progress, even if using anonymized examples.

• Prepare for Bilingual Interaction: Be ready to present and answer questions in both German and English, demonstrating your fluency and confidence in both languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to assess not only design and sales skills but also the candidate's operational mindset, ability to work within structured processes, and proficiency with relevant tools like CRM.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application directly through the Reform careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experiences related to design consultation, sales, customer service, and CRM management. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your design skills, client management process, and any experience with sales operations or CRM. Ensure clear descriptions of your role, process, and outcomes.

• Prepare for Bilingual Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions in both German and English. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and sales approach fluently in both languages.

• Research Reform: Understand the company's design ethos, product offerings, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with their brand positioning and target customer to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and operations.

⚠️ 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.