Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant – In-home Sales Pro

Company: SPF Screens & Awnings (A Hunter Douglas Brand)

Location: Irvine, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM Enablement (Sales)

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (In-field sales with potential for remote administrative tasks)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant revenue growth by closing high-ticket sales for premium retractable awnings and motorized sunscreens within an assigned territory.

• Execute a consultative, value-based sales process, leveraging pre-set appointments to achieve a strong one-call close rate.

• Master CRM pipeline management to ensure efficient follow-up and maximize customer engagement from initial contact through installation.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing your territory and business development like an entrepreneur.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by supporting neighboring territories and sharing best practices for sales success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily a sales execution function, its emphasis on pipeline management, strategic follow-up, and territory ownership positions it within the broader GTM Operations and Sales Enablement ecosystem. Success in this role requires operational discipline akin to sales operations professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct 2-4 qualified, pre-set in-home sales appointments daily, presenting premium outdoor living solutions with a focus on value and consultative selling.

• Consistently achieve and surpass the target close rate of 25% for all issued appointments.

• Drive monthly sales revenue between $125,000 - $150,000+ by effectively managing the sales cycle and customer interactions.

• Implement and refine a disciplined one-call-close process, supported by strategic follow-up to secure sales outcomes.

• Proactively manage and meticulously maintain CRM pipeline data, ensuring accurate forecasting and efficient follow-up protocols.

• Generate additional revenue through client referrals, repeat business, and by cultivating local partnerships within your territory.

• Provide support to adjacent sales territories when necessary, embodying a team-player mentality to collectively achieve company goals.

• Maintain expert-level proficiency in product knowledge, design consultation, and pricing strategies to effectively address customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on direct sales execution with strong operational underpinnings. The emphasis on CRM management, pipeline optimization, and achieving specific revenue targets aligns with core sales operations functions, albeit executed by a frontline sales professional.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in business, sales, marketing, or a related field is beneficial. Completion of sales training programs or relevant certifications will be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of proven success in high-ticket, consultative sales. Experience in in-home sales is highly preferred and will place candidates at the front of the line. A demonstrated history of consistently exceeding revenue targets in a commission-based environment is critical.

Required Skills:

• High-Ticket Sales Expertise: Proven ability to sell premium products with substantial price points.

• Consultative Selling: Skill in understanding customer needs and presenting solutions that offer significant value.

• Closing Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to confidently ask for the sale and achieve high close rates, ideally through a one-call-close methodology.

• Pipeline Management: Expertise in managing a sales pipeline from lead to close, utilizing CRM tools effectively.

• Objection Handling: Ability to address customer concerns and overcome objections without relying on significant discounts.

• Presentation Skills: Competency in delivering professional, persuasive, and value-driven presentations in a client's home.

• Territory Management: Capability to manage and develop a sales territory autonomously, driving business growth.

• CRM Proficiency: Strong skills in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for lead tracking, pipeline management, and communication logging.

• Self-Motivation & Discipline: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain high performance standards without micromanagement.

Preferred Skills:

• In-Home Sales Experience: Direct experience conducting sales consultations within customers' residences.

• Lead Generation & Referral Building: Aptitude for generating new business through referrals and local partnerships.

• Product Demonstration: Skill in effectively showcasing product features and benefits in a real-world setting.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of commission structures and the ability to articulate the financial benefits of premium products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily sales-centric, but the emphasis on pipeline management, CRM, and territory ownership necessitates an understanding of operational efficiency that is often cultivated within sales operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates are expected to demonstrate their sales process and results. This can be showcased through:
  • Case Studies of Sales Success: Examples of how you approached complex sales, overcame objections, and closed deals, quantifying results where possible.
  • Pipeline Management Examples: Descriptions of how you structure and manage your sales pipeline, including CRM usage strategies and follow-up protocols.
  • Territory Development Plans: Evidence of strategic thinking in developing and managing a sales territory, including any partnership or referral strategies employed.
  • Performance Metrics: Ability to clearly articulate and present past performance data, including close rates, average deal size, and total revenue generated.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding of a structured sales process, including:
  • Consultative Presentation Framework: Ability to articulate the steps involved in delivering a value-focused presentation.
  • One-Call-Close Methodology: Explanation of how to effectively guide a prospect towards a decision during a single in-home visit.
  • CRM Workflow: Understanding of how to leverage CRM for lead nurturing, follow-up scheduling, and pipeline forecasting.
  • Post-Sale Follow-up: Processes for ensuring customer satisfaction and generating referrals after installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a sales role, the "portfolio" is less about formal process documentation and more about demonstrating a repeatable, successful sales process and quantifiable results. Candidates should prepare to discuss their methods for pipeline management, closing, and customer engagement as if presenting an operational framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Salary: The job description indicates a "salaried training" period (2 weeks) and a "salary + commission" ramp-up period (14 weeks). Post-ramp-up, the role is primarily commission-based.

• Commission Structure: Uncapped commission structure.

  • Top Performers: $150,000 - $250,000+ annually.
  • Average Annual Income (DCs not yet maximizing territory): $80,000 - $90,000.
  • Target Monthly Sales: $125,000 - $150,000+ per consultant.
  • Average Close Rate: 25%+.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is heavily performance-driven, typical for high-ticket sales roles. The provided ranges ($80k-$250k+) are based on the company's stated potential earnings and average performance figures for the Irvine, CA market, considering the high-ticket nature of the product and the competitive sales landscape. This structure rewards operational efficiency in sales execution.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-term Disability
  • Accident Insurance

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a generous 6% company match.

• Operational Support:

  • Mileage and toll reimbursement for travel within the assigned territory.
  • Provision of a sales iPad, product samples, and professional measuring equipment.

• Training & Development:

  • Paid training program (2 weeks).

  • Salary and commission during ramp-up period (14 weeks). Working Hours:

• Full-time, 5 days per week.

• Requires availability for evening and weekend sales appointments, reflecting the nature of in-home sales and customer convenience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, supporting the field sales role with essential coverage and operational tools. The inclusion of mileage and toll reimbursement highlights the practical support for territory management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Products / Home Improvement / Manufacturing. SPF Screens & Awnings operates within the premium segment of the window coverings and outdoor living solutions market, leveraging the established reputation and innovation of Hunter Douglas.

Company Size: SPF Screens & Awnings is a significant player within its niche, expanding rapidly across multiple states. As part of Hunter Douglas, it benefits from the resources and stability of a large, global enterprise. This blend offers the agility of a growing division with the backing of a market leader.

Founded: SPF Screens & Awnings has over 15 years of operational history. Hunter Douglas itself has over 100 years of innovation. This rich history implies a culture that values experience, product excellence, and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant role is part of a larger sales organization, likely structured by geographic territories.

• Consultants report to a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director who oversees performance, training, and territory development.

• Close collaboration is expected with marketing teams for lead generation and potentially with operations/installation teams for project fulfillment, though the consultant's primary focus is sales. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: The company emphasizes performance metrics like close rates, sales revenue, and pipeline management, indicating a data-informed approach to sales strategy and individual performance evaluation.

• Value-Based Selling: The focus is on consultative presentations and highlighting product value rather than price, suggesting a methodology that prioritizes customer solutions and long-term relationships.

• Growth-Oriented: The company is actively expanding and seeks entrepreneurial individuals, pointing to a culture that encourages initiative, ownership, and continuous improvement in sales processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of entrepreneurial drive within a structured, established organization. For operations professionals, this means understanding how sales processes are supported by marketing and potentially how sales data informs broader GTM strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level Sales Consultant position, often referred to as an "In-Home Sales Pro" or "Closer's Seat." It's a direct revenue-generating role focused on closing high-value deals.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director. The role is largely autonomous in the field, with regular check-ins and performance reviews from management.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through their sales performance. Their ability to manage their pipeline efficiently and close deals effectively is critical to the company's financial success and market expansion. They are the frontline of the GTM strategy, translating marketing leads into tangible sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Progression into roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Sales Team Lead, Sales Manager, or Regional Sales Director.

• Specialization: Focusing on specific product lines or developing expertise in complex sales scenarios.

• Business Development: Opportunities to contribute to new market entry or develop strategic partnerships beyond direct sales.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into sales enablement, sales training, or market analysis roles based on demonstrated operational understanding and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a sales role, the emphasis on operational excellence in sales execution (pipeline, CRM, territory management) creates pathways for individuals to leverage these skills for advancement into sales leadership or specialized operations-focused roles within GTM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily a field-based sales role. While there's no dedicated "office" for the consultant, they will operate within their assigned geographic territory. Administrative tasks and team meetings might occur remotely or at designated local hubs.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Irvine, CA, serving the Southern California market. This implies travel within a defined radius around Irvine.

Workspace Context:

• Field-Centric: The primary workspace is the customer's home, requiring professionalism, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to adapt to various environments.

• Technology Enabled: Consultants are provided with essential tools like a sales iPad, product samples, and measuring equipment, enabling them to conduct business effectively in the field.

• Collaborative Support: While working independently in the field, consultants are part of a larger sales team and receive support from marketing for lead generation.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week, with a requirement for evening and weekend availability to accommodate customer appointments. This flexible schedule demands strong personal time management and organizational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role (field sales with potential remote administrative/support components) is common in modern sales roles. Operations professionals can appreciate the need for efficient field operations and robust remote support systems.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess experience, sales performance, and alignment with the "closer" profile.

• Sales Skills Assessment/Interview: This will likely involve behavioral questions, scenario-based questions, and a potential role-play or presentation exercise to evaluate your sales methodology, closing techniques, and consultative approach. Be prepared to discuss your past successes and how you manage your pipeline.

• Manager/Director Interview: A more in-depth discussion with a Sales Manager or Director focusing on your sales strategy, territory management approach, and cultural fit within a performance-driven team.

• Potential Field Ride-Along: In some cases, a hiring manager might accompany you on appointments to observe your in-home sales process firsthand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Prepare specific examples of your sales performance, including revenue generated, close rates achieved, and any significant deals closed. Use numbers to demonstrate your impact.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to walk through your typical sales process from receiving an appointment to closing the deal and managing follow-up. Highlight how you use CRM and other tools.

• Showcase Value Selling: Explain how you identify customer needs and position product value over price. Be ready to discuss how you handle objections and navigate complex sales conversations.

• Demonstrate Ownership: Emphasize your entrepreneurial approach to managing your territory and driving business growth.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Presentation Practice: Rehearse delivering a compelling presentation for a high-ticket item, focusing on value proposition and closing techniques.

• Objection Handling Scenarios: Anticipate common objections and prepare concise, effective responses that uphold the product's value.

• CRM & Pipeline Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your experience with CRM systems and how you manage your sales pipeline for optimal efficiency and forecasting accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role doesn't require a traditional operations portfolio, candidates must be prepared to "sell themselves" by demonstrating their sales process and operational discipline in managing their business. This is akin to an operations professional showcasing their process improvements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Sales iPad: Essential for in-home presentations, product visualization, quoting, and CRM access. Proficiency in using tablet-based sales applications is key.

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or proprietary system): Crucial for lead management, pipeline tracking, customer data, and follow-up scheduling. Expect a strong emphasis on maintaining accurate and up-to-date CRM data.

• Quoting Software: Likely integrated with the iPad or CRM, used to generate custom proposals and pricing for clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tool usage might be limited, consultants will need to understand and report on their performance metrics (close rates, sales volume, revenue) which are tracked within the CRM and potentially in sales dashboards. CRM & Automation:

• CRM: As mentioned, a robust CRM is central to this role for managing the sales funnel.

• Automation Tools: While not directly managed by the consultant, they benefit from marketing automation that generates leads and potentially from internal systems that streamline order processing post-sale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a CRM and tablet-based sales tools is non-negotiable. Understanding how these tools support efficient sales operations and drive revenue is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance Excellence: A strong emphasis on achieving and exceeding sales targets, with results being the primary measure of success.

• Customer Focus: Delivering premium solutions and providing a consultative, value-driven experience to homeowners.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's territory, pipeline, and results, acting with an entrepreneurial mindset.

• Teamwork & Support: Collaboration with colleagues and willingness to support other territories to achieve collective success.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards and professional conduct, especially when interacting with clients in their homes.

Collaboration Style:

• Field Independence with Team Support: While consultants operate independently in the field, they are part of a supportive sales team and rely on marketing for lead generation.

• Data-Sharing: Regular reporting and communication with sales management regarding pipeline status and performance metrics.

• Cross-Functional Awareness: Understanding the roles of marketing, production, and installation teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values high achievers who are self-motivated and take ownership, but also emphasizes collaboration and supporting the broader GTM objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Performance Expectations: The role demands consistent achievement of ambitious sales targets and close rates.

• In-Home Sales Dynamics: Navigating customer homes, overcoming objections, and closing high-ticket sales requires strong interpersonal and persuasion skills.

• Territory Management: Building and maintaining a successful territory requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and effective time management.

• Market Competition: Differentiating a premium product and justifying its price point in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Sales Techniques: Continuous training on consultative selling, negotiation, and closing strategies.

• Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge of window coverings, awning systems, and their technical specifications.

• Sales Management Training: Potential for development into leadership roles with training in coaching, team management, and strategic planning.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to evolving sales technologies and market trends through company resources and potential industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for those who thrive under pressure and are driven by performance. The challenges are directly tied to the growth and learning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to consultative selling and how you differentiate value from price."

• "Walk me through your process for managing a sales pipeline from initial appointment to closing. How do you use CRM?"

• "How do you handle objections, particularly those related to price or need?"

• "Tell me about a time you had to overcome significant resistance to close a high-ticket sale."

• "How do you approach territory management and business development?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hunter Douglas and SPF Screens & Awnings?"

• "What attracts you to a commission-based, performance-driven role?"

• "How do you stay motivated when working independently?"

• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism on your sales performance?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: Prepare specific metrics (revenue, close rates, deal sizes) for your past roles.

• Structure Your Sales Process: Clearly articulate the steps you take from receiving a lead to closing a deal. Use a visual aid if appropriate (e.g., a simplified flowchart).

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Share examples of how you identified customer needs and tailored solutions, demonstrating your consultative approach.

• Showcase CRM Discipline: Explain how you leverage CRM for efficiency, follow-up, and forecasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just sales skills, but also the operational discipline required to manage a territory effectively and achieve consistent results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Hunter Douglas careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in high-ticket sales, consultative selling, closing, CRM management, and any demonstrated success in exceeding revenue targets. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Sales Narrative: Be ready to articulate your sales process, your approach to consultative selling, and your experience in managing a sales pipeline. Practice explaining how you achieve a high close rate.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Hunter Douglas and SPF Screens & Awnings, their products, market position, and company values. Understand their focus on premium solutions.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common sales interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your ability to perform in a commission-driven, field-based role.

⚠️ 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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