Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

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

Location: Miramar, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations (In-Home Sales & Design Consulting)

Date Posted: 2026-05-26

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site (with travel within territory)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a high-impact, performance-driven sales role focused on consultative in-home design and sales for premium outdoor living solutions, including retractable awnings and motorized sunscreens.

• The role involves managing a consistent flow of pre-set, qualified appointments, requiring strong closing skills and a consultative sales approach to drive revenue.

• Design Consultants are expected to own their sales pipeline from initial customer engagement through to closing, leveraging product expertise and persuasive communication.

• Success in this role is directly tied to exceeding revenue targets and maintaining a high close rate, with significant earning potential through an uncapped commission structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Consultant," the description clearly positions this as a "closer's seat" role focused on high-ticket sales, not primarily a design or operational support function. The "Revenue Operations" category is chosen due to the direct impact on revenue generation, consultative sales approach, and pipeline management inherent in the role, even though it's a client-facing sales position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct 2-4 qualified, pre-set in-home appointments daily, delivering professional and consultative sales presentations that highlight value and product benefits.

• Drive decisive buying outcomes by confidently asking for the sale and aiming for one-call closes whenever possible, leveraging strong negotiation and persuasion skills.

• Manage the entire sales pipeline from initial appointment through installation, ensuring strategic follow-up on issued quotes to maximize conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

• Achieve and consistently surpass sales targets, aiming for a close rate above the average of 25% and generating significant monthly sales revenue ($125,000-$150,000+).

• Proactively generate additional revenue through referrals, repeat business, and cultivating local partnerships to enhance personal compensation and territory growth.

• Maintain expert-level CRM pipeline management, ensuring accurate data entry, timely updates, and effective communication to support sales processes.

• Collaborate with team members and support adjacent territories when necessary, embodying a team-oriented approach to shared success.

• Utilize provided sales tools, including an iPad, product samples, and measuring equipment, to effectively present solutions and close deals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily sales-focused, emphasizing closing, pipeline management, and revenue generation. The "Operations" aspect comes into play through the structured appointment flow, CRM management, and the need for disciplined sales processes that contribute to predictable revenue outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Design, or a related field is preferred but not strictly required, with a strong emphasis placed on proven sales experience. Experience:

• 2-5+ years of demonstrable success in high-ticket, consultative sales environments.

• In-home sales experience is highly preferred and will place candidates at the front of the applicant line.

• A consistent track record of overachieving revenue goals, ideally within a commission-based compensation structure. Required Skills:

• Consultative Selling: Ability to understand customer needs, present tailored solutions, and build rapport through value-based conversations.

• Closing Expertise: Proven ability to confidently ask for the sale, overcome objections without relying on heavy discounts, and drive one-call closes.

• Pipeline & CRM Management: Proficiency in managing a sales pipeline, utilizing CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - though specific tool not mentioned, general CRM proficiency is key) for tracking leads, appointments, quotes, and follow-ups.

• Objection Handling: Skill in addressing customer concerns and hesitations effectively, maintaining a positive and persuasive approach.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to deliver polished, confident, and persuasive in-home presentations that clearly articulate the value proposition of premium products.

• Time Management & Territory Management: Strong organizational skills to manage a daily schedule of appointments, travel efficiently within an assigned territory, and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: Ability to work autonomously in a performance-driven environment, with a proactive approach to self-motivation and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• In-Home Sales Experience: Direct experience selling to homeowners in their residences, understanding the unique dynamics of this environment.

• Product Knowledge (Window Coverings/Outdoor Living): Familiarity with custom home improvement products, awnings, or sunscreens is a plus.

• Referral Generation: Ability to effectively solicit referrals from satisfied clients to build ongoing business.

• Basic Design Acumen: An eye for aesthetics and the ability to help customers visualize how products will enhance their outdoor living spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize sales acumen and a proven ability to close high-value deals. While "Design Consultant" is in the title, the primary requirement is sales proficiency, with design skills being secondary. The experience level is framed as "2-5 Years" to reflect the stated requirement, acknowledging that top performers often exceed this.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Metrics: Documented evidence of consistently meeting or exceeding sales quotas, close rates, and revenue targets in previous roles. This should include quantifiable achievements.

• Consultative Sales Case Studies: Examples of how you've successfully navigated complex customer needs, presented solutions, and closed high-ticket sales, detailing your approach and the outcome.

• CRM Usage Examples: Illustrate your proficiency in CRM systems by describing how you manage pipelines, track customer interactions, and use data to inform follow-up strategies.

• Objection Handling Scenarios: Prepare examples of challenging customer objections and articulate your strategies for overcoming them effectively, demonstrating your resilience and persuasive skills.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to explain your personal sales process from initial contact/appointment to closing, highlighting key stages, decision points, and follow-up strategies.

• Territory Management Strategy: Describe how you would approach managing and developing a sales territory, including planning, prioritizing leads, and optimizing travel.

• Customer Relationship Management: Detail your approach to building and maintaining customer relationships post-sale to foster repeat business and referrals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since this is a sales role, the "portfolio" refers to demonstrated sales success and process. There's no mention of traditional "operations" process documentation like SOPs or workflow diagrams. The focus is on how the candidate executes their sales process and manages their territory and pipeline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The role operates on an uncapped commission structure.

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

• Potential annual income for top performers: $150,000 - $250,000+.

• Training Period: Paid training for the first 2 weeks, followed by a salary + commission ramp-up period for 14 weeks.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Short-term Disability: Income replacement if unable to work due to illness or injury.

• Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidental injuries.

• 401(k) with 6% Match: Retirement savings plan with a generous company match.

• Mileage and Toll Reimbursement: Covers travel expenses incurred within the assigned territory.

• Sales Tools Provided: Includes a sales iPad, product samples, and professional measuring equipment.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 5 days per week.

• Availability required for evening and weekend sales appointments, aligning with customer availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is entirely commission-based, with a clear distinction between average and top performer earnings. The provided figures ($80k-$90k average, $150k-$250k+ top) are used directly. Research for Miramar, CA indicates a high cost of living, making this commission potential particularly attractive. The "working hours" reflect the need for flexibility to accommodate client schedules, which is common in in-home sales.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Window Coverings, Home Improvement, Manufacturing (Hunter Douglas). SPF Screens & Awnings specifically operates in the premium retractable awnings and motorized sunscreens market.

Company Size: Part of the Hunter Douglas family of brands, which is a large global organization. SPF Screens & Awnings itself is expanding and seeking proven sales professionals, implying substantial growth and a dynamic environment. The company operates across multiple states (FL, GA, NC, TX, AZ, CA).

Founded: Hunter Douglas was founded over 100 years ago. SPF Screens & Awnings has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 15 years. This blend of established legacy and dynamic growth within a specialized division provides a stable yet evolving work environment.

Team Structure:

• The sales team consists of Design Consultants who operate independently within their territories, supported by marketing and operational functions for production and installation.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director who oversees performance, provides coaching, and manages territory assignments.

• Cross-functional collaboration primarily involves working with marketing for appointment generation, and with production/installation teams to ensure smooth project execution after a sale is closed. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: The company relies on aggressive marketing to generate qualified leads, utilizing data to understand customer demographics and preferences for targeting.

• Performance-Focused Operations: The sales process is highly metrics-driven, with clear expectations for close rates, sales volume, and pipeline management, enabling continuous performance analysis and improvement.

• Value-Based Selling: The emphasis is on presenting premium product value rather than price, requiring a consultative approach to understand and address customer needs effectively.

Company Website: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/ (Corporate), https://spf-screens.com/ (SPF Screens & Awnings)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context highlights a blend of established brand reputation (Hunter Douglas) with a specialized, growth-oriented division (SPF Screens & Awnings). The culture is described as performance-driven, entrepreneurial, and supportive, emphasizing teamwork and shared success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced, high-performing individual contributor within the sales function. It's described as a "closer's seat" and not a training role, indicating it's for established sales professionals. The focus is on maximizing individual earning potential through direct sales performance.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants report to a Sales Manager or similar leadership role who provides guidance, manages territory assignments, and monitors performance metrics. While independent in their territory, they are part of a larger sales organization.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role is on revenue generation and market share expansion within the assigned territory. By closing deals and driving sales, these consultants directly contribute to the company's financial success and growth, supporting the overall Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Territory Expansion & Ownership: Opportunity to develop and fully own a sales territory, potentially leading to larger or more lucrative territories over time.

• Sales Leadership: With consistent high performance, there's potential to move into Sales Management roles, mentoring other consultants and overseeing a team.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in premium home improvement solutions and consultative selling techniques.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potential to transition into other areas like sales training, marketing support, or business development within the broader Hunter Douglas organization based on demonstrated skills and interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is primarily within sales, focusing on increasing earning potential, territory responsibility, or moving into sales leadership. The "operations" aspect is less about internal process optimization and more about executing a well-defined sales operation effectively.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-home sales role, meaning the primary "office" is the client's residence. The company provides necessary tools and resources (iPad, samples) for these client visits. There might be a regional office or hub for training, team meetings, or administrative support, but the day-to-day work is field-based.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Miramar, CA, with travel required within the assigned Southern California territory. Specific boundaries for the territory will be defined.

Workspace Context:

• Field-Based Autonomy: The Design Consultant operates with significant autonomy in managing their schedule and client interactions within their territory.

• Client-Centric Environment: The workspace is dictated by client appointments, requiring adaptability and professionalism in various home settings.

• Supportive Infrastructure: While working independently, consultants are supported by company-provided marketing for lead generation, and internal teams for production and installation, ensuring they can focus on sales.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 5 days a week.

• Requires flexibility to conduct sales appointments during evenings and weekends, aligning with customer availability for in-home consultations. This is a critical aspect of the role’s schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is predominantly field-based, requiring self-management and adaptability. The "hybrid" aspect comes from balancing field sales with potential administrative tasks or team check-ins, but the core function is outside the traditional office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct a phone screen to assess basic qualifications, sales experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your sales achievements and motivations.

• Sales Assessment/Role Play: You may be asked to participate in a simulated sales presentation or role-play scenario, demonstrating your consultative selling and closing skills. This is crucial for a "closer's seat" role.

• In-Person/Virtual Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, approach to sales, territory management, and how you handle objections and drive results.

• Field Ride-Along (Potentially): For some roles, a final stage might involve shadowing a top performer or having a manager observe you on a real appointment to assess your in-home presentation and closing style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any past sales roles, have specific metrics ready: annual sales volume, close rates, average deal size, growth percentages, and any awards or recognition received.

• Case Study Preparation: Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies of successful sales engagements. Focus on the challenge, your consultative approach, how you overcame objections, the solution proposed, and the quantifiable results (deal value, customer satisfaction).

• Demonstrate Closing Skills: Be ready to articulate your closing techniques and philosophy. If possible, have a "mock close" scenario you can walk through that reflects your style.

• CRM Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss how you've used CRM tools to manage your pipeline and drive sales. While you won't show the CRM itself, describe your workflows and reporting habits.

• Territory Management Strategy: Outline how you would approach building and optimizing sales within a new territory, including prospecting strategies (given the pre-set appointments, focus on maximizing efficiency and referrals), time blocking, and follow-up cadence.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse your pitch for a premium product like retractable awnings. Focus on value, benefits, and addressing potential customer hesitations.

• Objection Handling Drills: Anticipate common objections (price, need, timing, competition) and prepare concise, confident responses.

• Value Proposition Articulation: Be able to clearly and concisely explain the unique selling propositions of SPF Screens & Awnings products and how they benefit homeowners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is heavily geared towards assessing sales acumen, closing ability, and consultative presentation skills. The "portfolio" is about demonstrating past success and future potential in a sales context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Essential for pipeline management, lead tracking, customer data, and follow-up scheduling. Proficiency in general CRM principles is key.

• Product Samples: Physical or digital samples of awnings, screens, and fabric options to showcase quality and design.

• Professional Measuring Equipment: Tools required for accurate site assessments and custom measurements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Dashboards: Used to track personal sales performance, pipeline health, and key metrics like close rates and appointment conversion.

• Sales Reports: Generated from CRM or other sales enablement tools to monitor individual and territory performance against targets.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Core system for managing customer interactions and sales processes.

• Potential Sales Enablement Tools: May be used for digital quoting, proposal generation, or enhanced presentation capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on mobile sales enablement and CRM for efficient sales process management. The emphasis is on tools that support the consultant in the field and in closing deals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Performance: A strong emphasis on high performance, exceeding targets, and rewarding top achievers. This is central to the uncapped commission structure.

• Customer Focus: Delivering premium solutions and excellent service to homeowners, ensuring satisfaction that leads to referrals and repeat business.

• Teamwork & Support: While roles are often independent, there's an underlying value of mutual support, especially when assisting neighboring territories or contributing to overall company success.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in sales presentations and customer interactions, reflecting the premium nature of the products and the Hunter Douglas brand.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging individuals to "own their territory like it's their own business" and take initiative to drive results.

Collaboration Style:

• Independent Execution with Support: Consultants work autonomously in the field but can rely on marketing for appointments and internal teams for production and installation.

• Proactive Communication: Effective communication with sales managers, support staff, and potentially other team members is crucial for smooth operations and problem-solving.

• Shared Learning: Opportunities to learn from top performers and share best practices, particularly around closing techniques and territory development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is described as dynamic, performance-oriented, and customer-centric, with a strong emphasis on individual achievement balanced with team support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Ticket Sales & Price Sensitivity: Overcoming customer concerns about the premium pricing of custom solutions requires strong value articulation and objection handling.

• Performance Pressure: The uncapped commission structure means income is directly tied to sales performance, requiring consistent high achievement.

• Territory Development: While appointments are provided, building a truly dominant territory requires proactive effort in generating referrals and repeat business.

• Scheduling Flexibility: The need to conduct appointments during evenings and weekends can be a lifestyle adjustment for some.

• Managing a Sales Pipeline: Effectively managing multiple appointments, quotes, and follow-ups concurrently requires strong organizational and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Consultative Selling Training: Ongoing coaching and training focused on refining high-ticket sales techniques, negotiation, and closing strategies.

• Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge of retractable awnings, motorized sunscreens, and related home improvement solutions.

• Sales Management Path: Potential to advance into leadership roles, managing teams of sales consultants.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to evolving trends in home improvement and outdoor living solutions.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales leaders and top-performing consultants within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for high-performing sales roles, focusing on performance, customer objections, and self-management. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within sales and leadership tracks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to a high-ticket, in-home sales consultation. How do you build rapport and uncover needs?" (Focus on consultative process, active listening, and value discovery.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to overcome a significant price objection. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate objection handling, value reinforcement, and closing skills.)

• "How do you manage your sales pipeline and ensure timely follow-up to maximize your close rate?" (Highlight CRM usage, organizational skills, and proactive follow-up strategies.)

• "Given our premium product offering, how would you position its value against potentially lower-priced competitors?" (Focus on unique selling propositions, benefits, and long-term value.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hunter Douglas and SPF Screens & Awnings, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research the company's reputation, products, and market position.)

• "How do you define success in a commission-based sales role, and how do you stay motivated?" (Emphasize drive, goal orientation, and resilience.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with marketing and support teams." (Highlight autonomy, performance focus, and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: Be ready with specific numbers for sales volume, close rates, average deal sizes, and growth achievements from your past roles.

• STAR Method for Case Studies: Structure your success stories using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Focus on your specific actions and the measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate the 'Closer' Mindset: Practice articulating your confidence in closing deals and your philosophy on asking for the sale.

• Territory Vision: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing and maximizing a new sales territory, even with pre-set appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating sales expertise, closing ability, and a performance-driven mindset. The "operations" component is about the disciplined execution of a sales process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight quantifiable sales achievements, including revenue generated, close rates achieved, and average deal sizes. Emphasize experience in consultative selling, high-ticket sales, and any in-home sales background. Use keywords like "closing," "pipeline management," "CRM," and "consultative sales."

• Prepare Your Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse your presentation for premium outdoor living solutions. Be ready to articulate value, handle objections, and practice your closing techniques.

• Quantify Your Success: Gather specific data points and prepare 2-3 detailed case studies of your most successful sales engagements, using the STAR method to showcase your impact.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Hunter Douglas and SPF Screens & Awnings' products, market position, and customer base. Understand their value proposition and target audience.

⚠️ 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.