Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

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

Location: Ocala, FL, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market) - Sales Execution Focus

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid (Field-based sales role requiring in-home appointments)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a high-impact, field-based sales position focused on consultative selling within the premium home improvement sector.

• You will be responsible for managing a sales pipeline, driving revenue through in-home consultations, and closing high-ticket deals.

• Success in this role hinges on strong sales acumen, client relationship building, and a deep understanding of product value proposition.

• The position offers a robust compensation structure with uncapped commission potential, supported by company-generated leads, and comprehensive benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a sales-focused role. The "Operations" aspect comes into play through the structured sales process, CRM management, and the need for efficient territory and pipeline management, aligning with Go-To-Market (GTM) operations principles. This is not a traditional design role but a sales closer role within an operations-supported framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct 2-4 qualified, pre-set, in-home appointments daily, delivering professional and consultative presentations.

• Drive decisive buying outcomes by confidently presenting premium outdoor living solutions and closing sales, aiming for a strong one-call-close rate.

• Own and manage the entire sales pipeline from initial appointment through installation, employing strategic follow-up to maximize close rates and revenue generation.

• Proactively generate additional revenue through referrals, repeat business, and cultivating local partnerships within your assigned territory.

• Maintain expert-level CRM pipeline management and communication standards to ensure accurate forecasting and efficient territory operations.

• Collaborate with team members and support adjacent territories as needed, embodying a team-oriented approach to achieving collective success.

• Continuously develop product knowledge and sales techniques to effectively articulate the value proposition of premium retractable awnings and motorized sunscreens.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning your territory like it's your own business" and managing the "pipeline from first appointment through installation" highlights the operational aspects of sales execution. This includes territory management, lead conversion optimization, and post-sale engagement, all critical for GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in business, marketing, or a related field is beneficial. Demonstrated success in sales is prioritized over formal education.

Experience:

• 2-5+ years of proven experience in high-ticket, consultative sales.

• In-home sales experience is highly preferred and will move candidates to the front of the line.

• A demonstrated history of consistently overachieving revenue goals, ideally in a commission-based sales environment. Required Skills:

• High-Ticket Closing: Proven ability to close deals with significant price points, focusing on value rather than discounts.

• Consultative Sales: Expertise in understanding customer needs, building rapport, and providing tailored solutions.

• CRM Pipeline Management: Proficiency in using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar) to manage leads, track opportunities, and forecast sales accurately.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to deliver engaging, professional, and persuasive presentations in a client's home.

• Objection Handling: Skill in effectively addressing customer concerns and overcoming sales objections.

• Territory Management: Capacity to manage a geographic sales territory efficiently, optimizing travel and client engagement.

• One-Call Close Proficiency: Strong capability in closing sales during the initial customer interaction.

• Value-Based Selling: Articulating product benefits and value proposition to justify premium pricing.

• Self-Motivation & Discipline: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain high levels of productivity without constant supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the home improvement, custom window coverings, or exterior living solutions industry.

• Proven success in generating referrals and repeat business.

• Familiarity with design principles or an eye for aesthetics that complement home interiors/exteriors.

• Basic understanding of project management principles for tracking sales through to installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven sales professionals" and "not a training role" signifies a need for candidates with established sales methodologies and a track record of success, rather than entry-level sales talent. The "2-5 years" experience level is a guideline, with significant experience in closing high-ticket items being the key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, candidates are expected to demonstrate their sales capabilities through their career achievements.

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of successful sales engagements, including challenges faced and how they were overcome to achieve revenue goals.

• Highlight instances where you effectively managed a sales pipeline, converted leads, and achieved high close rates.

• Showcase your ability to adapt to different client needs and present solutions that align with premium product offerings. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be ready to articulate their personal sales process, from initial lead qualification through to closing and post-sale follow-up.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage CRM for effective pipeline management, task automation, and efficient follow-through.

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach understanding customer needs, presenting value, and overcoming objections to drive a successful sale.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a sales role focused on closing, the "portfolio" is typically demonstrated through a strong resume showcasing quantifiable achievements and the ability to articulate these achievements verbally during interviews and through case-study style examples of past successes. The focus is on the process of selling and achieving results, not a visual design portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Salary (Ramp-up Period): Salary + Commission during the initial 10-week ramp-up period.

• Annual Income Potential (Commission-Based):

  • Average for DCs not yet maximizing territory: $80,000 - $90,000 annually.

  • Top performers (uncapped commission): $150,000 - $250,000+ annually. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

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

• Retirement:

  • 401(k) with a 6% company match.

• Reimbursements & Allowances:

  • Mileage reimbursement for travel within the assigned territory.
  • Toll reimbursement.

• Tools & Equipment:

  • Sales iPad provided.

  • Product samples provided.

  • Professional measuring equipment provided. Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 5 days per week.

• Must be available to conduct evening and weekend sales appointments, as this is common for in-home consultative sales roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, with a significant earning potential for high performers. The provided salary range reflects this, with a lower end for average performers and a much higher end for top closers. The inclusion of a paid training period and a salary + commission ramp-up period mitigates initial income risk. Research for Ocala, FL, indicates a cost of living slightly below the national average, making the stated income potential competitive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Window Coverings / Home Improvement / Building Products Manufacturing. SPF Screens & Awnings operates within the premium segment of the home improvement market, specializing in enhancing outdoor living spaces. As part of Hunter Douglas, a globally recognized leader, the company benefits from a strong brand reputation and established market presence.

Company Size: SPF Screens & Awnings is a significant player in its niche, expanding across multiple states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, and California). While the exact number of employees for SPF isn't specified, Hunter Douglas is a large global corporation. This indicates a company with established processes and resources, offering stability while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit within its sales teams.

Founded: SPF Screens & Awnings has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 15 years. Hunter Douglas has over 100 years of innovation. This blend of established expertise and modern innovation fosters a culture that values both proven methods and forward-thinking approaches.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant role is part of the sales team, likely reporting to a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director.

• This role is field-based, meaning consultants operate autonomously within their assigned territories.

• Collaboration is expected with marketing teams for lead generation, and with production/installation teams for order fulfillment, highlighting cross-functional interaction.

• The company emphasizes a "team has each other's backs" mentality, suggesting a supportive, albeit performance-driven, sales environment. Methodology:

• The company utilizes aggressive marketing to generate qualified leads, forming the basis of the sales funnel.

• Sales consultants are expected to employ a consultative, value-based selling approach, focusing on premium product benefits.

• CRM is a critical tool for managing leads, tracking opportunities, and maintaining client relationships.

• The "one-call-close" process is encouraged, emphasizing efficiency and strong sales execution.

Company Website: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/ (Note: While the job is for SPF Screens & Awnings, linking to the parent company provides broader context).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as an "unrivaled leader" and part of the Hunter Douglas brand implies a commitment to quality, premium products, and customer satisfaction. This context is crucial for a sales consultant, as it supports the higher price points and consultative sales approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced sales professional, a "closer's seat," not an entry-level training position. It's for individuals who are already adept at consultative selling and closing high-ticket items.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants will report to a Sales Manager or similar leadership role responsible for overseeing a specific sales territory or region. The structure supports autonomy within the territory while ensuring accountability to sales targets and company processes.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role is on revenue generation and market penetration. Successful Design Consultants contribute significantly to the company's growth by converting leads into sales, expanding the customer base, and reinforcing the brand's premium market position. Efficient territory management and pipeline optimization by these consultants are key GTM operations functions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Advancement: Progression to Senior Design Consultant, Territory Sales Manager, or Regional Sales Director roles.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor new sales consultants, lead training sessions, or take on team leadership responsibilities.

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific product lines or customer segments.

• Cross-Functional Moves: With proven success, opportunities may arise in sales management, business development, or client success roles within the broader Hunter Douglas network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "territory ownership" and "uncapped commission" suggests that high performers are rewarded and have a clear path to increasing their earnings and potentially their scope of responsibility. The company's stated goal of becoming the "fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world" implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for ambitious individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a field-based role primarily operating out of the consultant's home office and on the road conducting in-home appointments. While there might be a regional office for occasional meetings or training, the day-to-day work is mobile.

Office Location(s): The role is based in and serves the Ocala, FL area, within an assigned territory. Consultants are expected to travel within this designated region to meet with clients.

Workspace Context:

• Mobile Office: The consultant's personal vehicle and home office serve as their primary workspace.

• Client Homes: The majority of client interactions and sales presentations occur in customers' residences.

• Tools & Technology: A company-provided iPad, product samples, and measuring equipment are essential tools for conducting business effectively.

• Collaboration: While largely independent, consultants will engage with sales managers, marketing support teams, and potentially installation crews, requiring effective remote and in-person communication.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, typically 5 days per week.

• Flexibility is required, as appointments often occur during evenings and weekends to accommodate client availability. This is a standard characteristic of in-home sales roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role demands a high degree of self-discipline and time management. The ability to create a productive work environment from a home base and manage travel efficiently is crucial for success and aligns with the operational demands of a field sales role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, sales experience, and cultural fit.

• Sales Assessment/Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with a Sales Manager, focusing on sales methodology, experience with high-ticket sales, objection handling, and pipeline management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your sales career.

• Ride-Along/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to conduct a mock sales presentation or participate in a ride-along with an existing consultant to demonstrate their in-home sales skills and consultative approach.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior sales leader or hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: Focus on resume bullet points that showcase specific, measurable results (e.g., "Exceeded sales quota by 15% for three consecutive quarters," "Closed an average of $120,000 in monthly sales").

• Sales Process Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your personal sales process, from lead qualification to closing and follow-up.

• Case Studies: Prepare 1-2 detailed examples of challenging sales situations you've navigated successfully, highlighting your problem-solving skills, consultative approach, and the ultimate outcome.

• Value Proposition: Demonstrate your ability to articulate the value of premium products and justify pricing, rather than relying on discounts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Objection Handling Scenarios: Practice responding to common customer objections related to price, need, timing, or trust.

• Consultative Selling Practice: Prepare to walk through how you would approach a new client, uncover their needs, and present a solution.

• Pipeline Management Discussion: Be ready to explain how you manage your sales pipeline, prioritize leads, and ensure follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven sales professionals" and "not a training role" means interviews will likely focus heavily on past performance and demonstrated ability to close. Candidates should be ready to "sell themselves" and their track record.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Essential for pipeline management, lead tracking, forecasting, and customer relationship management. While not specified, common systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM are likely candidates. Proficiency in any robust CRM is expected.

• Sales iPad: Provided by the company for presentations, product information, quoting, and potentially CRM access.

• Product Samples & Measuring Equipment: Essential physical tools for in-home consultations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the consultant's role is focused on execution, they will likely use CRM reports for pipeline analysis and sales forecasting.

• Performance metrics such as close rate, average deal size, and monthly/annual revenue will be tracked. CRM & Automation:

• The primary CRM will likely have automation features for task reminders and follow-ups.

• The company's marketing efforts drive lead generation into the CRM, which the sales consultants then manage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems is a critical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with CRM tools and how they leverage them to drive sales performance and maintain an organized pipeline. The "operations" aspect here is the reliance on structured data and processes within the CRM to ensure sales efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance-Driven: A strong emphasis on metrics, revenue goals, and closing rates. Success is measured by results.

• Customer-Centric: Focus on understanding customer needs and providing solutions that enhance their outdoor living experience.

• Quality & Premium: Commitment to offering high-quality, differentiated products that command a premium price.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging consultants to "own their territory" and seek opportunities for growth and additional revenue.

• Teamwork & Support: A culture where colleagues support each other, even while competing for sales.

Collaboration Style:

• Autonomous within Territory: Consultants operate with significant independence in managing their daily schedule and client interactions.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Requires effective communication with marketing (for leads), sales management (for coaching and reporting), and installation/production teams (for order fulfillment).

• Shared Success: While individual performance is key, there's an underlying value of supporting the team and contributing to overall company goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company seeks individuals who are self-starters, highly motivated by performance-based compensation, and can operate effectively with autonomy. The blend of individual achievement and team support is a common dynamic in successful sales organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Ticket Sales Justification: Effectively communicating the value of premium products to overcome price objections.

• Managing a Full Sales Cycle: From initial appointment to closing and ensuring customer satisfaction through installation.

• Maintaining Motivation: Sustaining high performance in a commission-only structure, especially during slower periods.

• Territory Saturation/Competition: Developing strategies to maximize opportunities within a defined geographic area.

• Adapting to Market Needs: Staying informed about trends in outdoor living and home improvement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Training: Initial paid training and ongoing support from sales management.

• Product Knowledge: Deep dive into the features, benefits, and customization options of SPF Screens & Awnings products.

• Sales Methodology: Refinement of consultative selling, closing techniques, and CRM usage.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced top performers and sales leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed for individuals who see challenges as opportunities for growth. The company provides the framework (leads, product, support) and the compensation structure rewards those who can effectively navigate these challenges to drive sales results.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an in-home sales presentation for a high-ticket item." (Focus on consultative steps, value articulation, and closing).

• "How do you handle objections related to price when selling premium products?" (Emphasize value, ROI, and differentiation over discounts).

• "Walk me through how you manage your sales pipeline and ensure follow-up on issued quotes." (Highlight CRM usage, prioritization, and strategic communication).

• "Tell me about a time you significantly exceeded your sales quota. What strategies did you employ?" (Quantify achievements and explain the 'how'). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in consultative, high-ticket sales, and specifically in the home improvement sector?"

• "What motivates you in a commission-based sales role?"

• "How do you approach building rapport and trust with clients in their homes?"

• "Describe your experience working with CRM systems and managing your territory." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: When discussing past roles, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "increased territory sales by X%", "achieved Y% close rate," "managed a pipeline worth $Z").

• STAR Method: Be prepared to answer behavioral questions using the Situation, Task, Action, Result method, especially for sales successes and challenges.

• Focus on Value: Frame your experience around delivering value to customers and exceeding revenue targets.

• Enthusiasm for the Product: Show genuine interest in the company's premium outdoor living solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing your ability to sell, your understanding of consultative sales principles, and your drive for results. Be prepared to back up every claim with specific examples and quantifiable outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the jobs.hunterdouglas.com portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in high-ticket, consultative sales, quantifiable achievements (revenue generated, quotas exceeded, close rates), and proficiency with CRM systems. Use keywords like "consultative sales," "high-ticket closing," "pipeline management," and "in-home sales."

• Prepare your Sales Pitch: Be ready to articulate your sales process, your approach to client engagement, and your success in closing deals. Practice explaining the value of premium products.

• Research SPF Screens & Awnings / Hunter Douglas: Understand their product offerings, market position, and company values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Gather Success Stories: Prepare specific examples of sales achievements, challenges overcome, and how you've managed your territory and pipeline effectively.

⚠️ 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.