Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Waterworks

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM - Luxury Sales

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth and profitability through expert management of a dedicated client portfolio within the luxury design and build sector.

• Serve as a trusted advisor, leveraging deep product knowledge and consultative selling techniques to recommend tailored solutions for architects, designers, and contractors.

• Cultivate and expand client relationships to foster brand loyalty, repeat business, and increased market share.

• Embody the Waterworks brand as a confident ambassador, driving sales execution with a focus on exceptional client service and a passion for luxury craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," functions as a key revenue-generating position with significant sales operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) responsibilities, focusing on B2B client relationships within the luxury interior design and architecture space. The emphasis on managing a "book of business," meeting sales goals, and executing marketing plans aligns it with sales operations and GTM functions rather than pure design support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Portfolio Management: Proactively manage and grow an assigned book of business, including existing Waterworks clients and company-provided leads, with a primary focus on the trade (architects, designers, contractors).

• Sales Goal Achievement: Consistently meet or exceed assigned marketing, quote generation, order volume, and overall sales targets through strategic client engagement and effective sales execution.

• Relationship Cultivation: Deeply understand client needs, project visions, and business objectives to build strong, collaborative, and long-term relationships that drive repeat business and foster brand advocacy.

• New Business Development: Actively pursue and acquire new clients through a multi-faceted approach including social media engagement, strategic networking, targeted territory outreach, and leveraging existing professional contacts within the local architecture and design community.

• Marketing Plan Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan designed to generate qualified leads, increase quote volume, and ultimately drive sales, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

• Consultative Sales Engagement: Conduct in-person meetings within the showroom, at client offices, or virtually to confidently present Waterworks products, understand project requirements, and secure sales orders.

• End-to-End Project Management: Oversee all phases of client projects, from initial consultation and product specification/selection to providing detailed quotes, closing sales transactions, and processing payments.

• Pipeline Management & Reporting: Provide regular (weekly/monthly) updates to management on sales pipeline status, project progression, and marketing activities, utilizing CRM tools for accurate tracking and reporting.

• Superior Client Experience: Deliver an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint to enhance long-term relationships, build robust brand loyalty, and effectively increase market share.

• Industry Engagement: Actively participate in industry events, showroom events, professional networking functions, and educational presentations (e.g., CEU presentations, lunch and learns) to enhance brand visibility and professional network.

• Strategic Support: Undertake additional projects and activities as required to support sales initiatives, drive revenue growth, and expand market penetration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic account management, proactive business development, and consultative sales. The emphasis on managing a "book of business," executing a marketing plan, and achieving sales goals points to a structured sales operations approach, while the direct client interaction and relationship building are core GTM functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Design, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring strong analytical and communication skills.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in outside or inside sales, business development, or account management within a high-end, luxury brand environment.

• Demonstrated success in developing new business opportunities and cultivating enduring client relationships.

• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales and marketing quotas and performance goals. Required Skills:

• Luxury Sales Acumen: Proven experience and a strong appreciation for design, craftsmanship, materials, and the details that define a luxury product and client experience.

• Client Relationship Management: Ability to build, nurture, and expand long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the architecture and design industry.

• Consultative Selling: Skill in listening, understanding client needs, and translating those needs into compelling product solutions and sales opportunities.

• Business Development: Expertise in identifying and pursuing new business leads through proactive outreach, networking, and market analysis.

• Sales Execution & Negotiation: Strong persuasion and negotiation skills with the proven ability to influence others and successfully close sales transactions.

• Project Management: Capacity to manage multiple client projects simultaneously, from initial contact through to final sale and payment.

• Communication Proficiency: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse professional audiences.

• Digital Savvy: Comfortable and adept with digital tools for communication, marketing, and sales tracking.

• CRM & Sales Tools: Proficient in using CRM systems and other sales tracking tools for pipeline management and reporting.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of essential productivity software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Self-Motivation & Organization: Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet multiple project demands.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the plumbing, tile, or luxury furnishings industry.

• A strong background in interior design, architecture, or the luxury home furnishings sector.

• Experience marketing outside of a showroom environment (up to 50% of the week) and actively developing relationships within the local design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of sales prowess, relationship-building expertise, and a sophisticated understanding of the luxury market. The preference for industry-specific experience highlights the importance of domain knowledge for success in this consultative sales role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Documentation: Evidence of consistently meeting or exceeding sales quotas and marketing goals, ideally presented with quantifiable results (e.g., percentage of target achieved, revenue growth).

• Client Relationship Case Studies: Examples of how you have successfully developed and nurtured long-term client relationships, highlighting the strategies used and the resulting business impact.

• Business Development Initiatives: Documentation of successful new business acquisition strategies, including outreach methods, networking achievements, and lead generation successes.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Demonstrations of managing complex client projects from initial consultation through to successful sales closure, showcasing organizational skills and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Process Optimization: Examples of how you have improved sales processes, enhanced client engagement, or streamlined operations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

• CRM Utilization & Reporting: Showcase proficiency in utilizing CRM systems for pipeline management, activity tracking, and generating insightful sales reports.

• Marketing Plan Development & Execution: Evidence of creating and executing effective marketing plans to generate leads and drive sales within a defined territory or client segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on consultative sales and business development, a portfolio should emphasize quantifiable sales achievements, successful client relationship strategies, and evidence of proactive business development efforts. Demonstrating proficiency in sales processes and CRM utilization is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,000 - $69,000 per year (Base Salary)

Commission Structure: This role includes a generous commission plan in addition to the base salary, providing significant earning potential tied directly to sales performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with company contributions (implied, standard for such plans)

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program

• Vacation Time

• Personal Time

• Sick Time

• Summer Half Days (perks for work-life balance)

• Volunteer Day (community engagement)

• Observance of at least 8 Federal Holidays

• One Floating Holiday for personal discretion Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically Monday-Friday.

• The role requires a combination of in-showroom presence and time spent developing relationships within the local market, implying flexibility within the standard work week.

• Expectation of approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a base salary, with the commission plan offering substantial upside potential. The benefits package is robust, covering health, retirement, and work-life balance initiatives, which are attractive to mid-level sales professionals. The "On-site" designation with market outreach indicates a hybrid on-site and field sales expectation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Home Goods & Design (Kitchen & Bath Fixtures, Hardware, etc.)

Company Size: Waterworks is a well-established company with a significant presence, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category, employing over 500 individuals. This size allows for structured processes while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Founded: Over 40 years ago, indicating a stable, experienced, and reputable brand with a deep understanding of the luxury market.

Team Structure:

• Sales Team: The Design Consultant will be part of a larger sales organization, likely reporting to a Sales Manager or Showroom Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with showroom staff, customer service, marketing, and potentially product development teams to ensure a seamless client experience and effective sales strategies.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports directly to a manager, with clear lines of communication for guidance, performance reviews, and strategic alignment.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: The company prioritizes a client-centric model, focusing on delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions.

• Data-Driven Sales: While emphasizing relationships, the use of CRM and sales tracking tools indicates a data-driven approach to managing performance and identifying opportunities.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The company values "Partner For Perfection," suggesting a culture where teamwork and collaborative problem-solving are encouraged to achieve superior client outcomes.

Company Website: www.waterworks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Waterworks' long history and focus on luxury design suggest a culture that values quality, craftsmanship, and enduring client relationships. The emphasis on collaboration and a client-centric approach is crucial for success in a GTM role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Sales Professional / Business Development Specialist. This role is for an individual who has foundational sales experience and is ready to take ownership of a client portfolio and drive significant revenue. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, proactive execution, and strong interpersonal skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to a Sales Manager or Showroom Manager, who provides guidance, sets performance expectations, and supports career development. This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and market share. By successfully managing client relationships and closing sales, the Design Consultant contributes directly to the company's financial success and brand reputation within the luxury design community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Account Executive: Progression to managing larger, more strategic accounts or a broader client base, potentially with higher revenue targets and greater autonomy.

• Sales Management: Opportunity to move into a leadership role, managing a team of Design Consultants, setting sales strategies, and coaching team members.

• Specialized Roles: Potential to specialize in specific product lines, market segments (e.g., hospitality, high-end residential), or client types (e.g., large architectural firms).

• Business Development Leadership: Transition into roles focused on broader market expansion or strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a successful Design Consultant at Waterworks likely involves deepening expertise in luxury sales and client management, with clear avenues for advancement into senior sales roles or sales leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in a high-end Waterworks showroom in Boston, which serves as a hub for client interactions, product displays, and team collaboration. However, it also requires significant time spent outside the showroom engaging with clients in their offices or project sites.

Office Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts. This location provides access to a vibrant market of architects, designers, and affluent homeowners.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A professionally designed, luxury showroom environment that reflects the brand's commitment to quality and aesthetics. This space facilitates client presentations and product demonstrations.

• Client Sites & Offices: The role necessitates visiting client offices, design studios, and potentially project sites within the Boston metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to essential sales tools, including CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and potentially design visualization software, to support daily operations and client engagement.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, aligning with typical business hours for B2B interactions.

• Flexibility is required to accommodate client appointments, which may occasionally fall outside standard hours or require travel within the local market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a blend of a sophisticated retail/showroom setting and active field-based business development, requiring adaptability and strong time management skills to balance in-office responsibilities with client outreach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements, with a particular focus on luxury sales experience and client relationship management.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager): A discussion focused on your sales experience, business development strategies, understanding of the luxury market, and ability to manage a client portfolio. Expect questions about your track record in meeting sales goals and building relationships. Preparation of specific examples from your past roles will be critical.

• Second Interview (Team/Senior Management): This stage may involve meeting with other sales team members or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and deeper strategic thinking. You might be asked to discuss how you would approach specific client scenarios or market challenges.

• Potential Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a past sales success, a proposed marketing plan for a territory, or how you would approach a specific client challenge. This is an opportunity to showcase your strategic thinking, communication skills, and understanding of Waterworks' brand and products.

• Final Interview & Offer: Discussions on compensation, benefits, and final onboarding details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any sales role, demonstrate your impact with numbers. Include metrics like revenue generated, sales growth percentages, client acquisition numbers, and quota attainment rates.

• Showcase Relationship Building: Highlight specific examples of how you've built and maintained strong, long-term relationships with clients, detailing the strategies you employed.

• Demonstrate Process & Strategy: Present examples of your marketing plans, sales strategies, and how you've utilized CRM or other sales tools effectively.

• Luxury Market Relevance: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your experience and understanding of the luxury goods market, design principles, and high-touch client service.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically and present information clearly and concisely. Focus on the most impactful achievements and relevant experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Client Scenario Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common client objections, navigate complex sales cycles, or address specific project needs within the luxury design context.

• Market Strategy Discussion: Think about how you would approach developing a territory plan, identifying key target clients, and differentiating Waterworks from competitors.

• Brand Ambassadorship: Articulate your understanding of the Waterworks brand and how you would represent it authentically and effectively to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both sales acumen and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on your ability to represent a luxury brand and build lasting client relationships. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating quantifiable results and strategic thinking is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency in a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics) is essential for managing client data, tracking sales activities, pipeline management, and reporting. Waterworks likely uses a robust CRM to manage its extensive client relationships.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word (documentation, proposals), Excel (data analysis, reporting, forecasting), and PowerPoint (presentations, proposals) is a standard requirement.

• Sales Engagement Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate outreach, email tracking, and sales cadences may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Reporting Modules: Ability to extract and interpret data from the CRM for pipeline analysis, sales forecasting, and performance tracking.

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): For custom data analysis, creating sales reports, and financial modeling related to client projects.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: As mentioned, central to managing client interactions, sales processes, and reporting.

• Potential for Sales Automation Tools: Depending on company strategy, tools for automating outreach, follow-ups, or lead nurturing might be in use.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems and standard office productivity suites is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage these tools for data analysis and reporting is key to effective sales operations management in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Authentic: Engage in genuine, honest communication with respect and professionalism. This fosters trust with clients and colleagues.

• Raise The Bar: Consistently strive for excellence, share innovative ideas, and never settle for less than the best in product quality, client service, and personal performance.

• Own It: Take full responsibility for results, performance, and actions. Empower yourself and others to proactively lead and drive outcomes.

• Partner For Perfection: Collaborate effectively with peers, teammates, and clients to deliver superior service and achieve optimal project outcomes. This emphasizes teamwork and a shared commitment to quality.

• Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate enthusiasm and passion for the Waterworks brand and its offerings, translating this energy into positive client interactions and strong sales performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The "Partner For Perfection" value highlights a collaborative approach, expecting team members to work seamlessly with colleagues across different departments (e.g., customer service, operations, design support) to ensure client satisfaction.

• Open Communication & Feedback: The emphasis on authenticity suggests an environment where open, honest feedback is valued, contributing to continuous improvement in processes and client service.

• Shared Goals: The company culture encourages a shared commitment to achieving business objectives, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Waterworks' stated values emphasize integrity, high performance, accountability, teamwork, and passion. A candidate who embodies these values will likely thrive in this collaborative, client-focused, and results-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Competitive Market: The luxury home design and build sector is highly competitive, requiring continuous effort to differentiate Waterworks and secure client loyalty.

• High Client Expectations: Clients in this segment expect unparalleled service, expert advice, and flawless product delivery, demanding exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Balancing Showroom & Field: Effectively managing time and resources between in-showroom client interactions and proactive outreach in the local market requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Navigating Project Complexity: Understanding and specifying complex plumbing and hardware systems for high-end residential and commercial projects can be challenging, requiring continuous learning and product knowledge acquisition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Industry Expertise: Extensive opportunities to deepen knowledge of Waterworks' extensive product lines, materials, and the latest trends in luxury design and specification.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Ongoing development in consultative selling techniques, advanced negotiation strategies, and client relationship management.

• Brand Representation: Learning to effectively embody and communicate the Waterworks brand story and value proposition to diverse client segments.

• Mentorship & Networking: Access to experienced sales leaders and industry professionals, fostering professional growth and expanding professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth in luxury sales and client management within a respected brand, with challenges that foster skill development and a deep understanding of the design industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a marketing plan to penetrate a new territory or grow business within an existing one." (Focus on market analysis, target identification, outreach strategies, and success metrics.)

• "Walk me through a time you successfully closed a significant sale in a competitive luxury market. What were the key factors in your success?" (Prepare a STAR method answer highlighting your sales process, client engagement, and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining long-term relationships with demanding clients, such as architects and high-end designers?" (Emphasize understanding their needs, proactive communication, and delivering exceptional service.)

• "Imagine a client is hesitant about the price of our products compared to competitors. How would you address this objection?" (Focus on value proposition, quality, craftsmanship, long-term investment, and brand reputation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Waterworks, and why are you interested in representing our brand?" (Research the company's history, product lines, design philosophy, and recent projects. Connect your passion for design and luxury to their brand.)

• "How do you align with our core values of Authenticity, Raising the Bar, Owning It, Partnering for Perfection, and Loving What You Do?" (Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate these values in action.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members and management." (Highlight your preference for a supportive, results-oriented team and your ability to work both independently and collaboratively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Quantifiable Results: For any sales success story, ensure you have clear metrics (e.g., % of quota achieved, revenue growth, number of new clients acquired).

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the impact of your work. Focus on your role in achieving success.

• Demonstrate Relationship Depth: Showcase examples of how you've built trust and loyalty with clients, illustrating your consultative approach and commitment to service.

• Connect to Waterworks: Frame your experiences and portfolio items in a way that demonstrates how your skills and approach align with Waterworks' brand, values, and client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong sales track record, a deep understanding of the luxury market, excellent client relationship management skills, and a genuine alignment with Waterworks' brand and values. A well-prepared portfolio is key to showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in luxury sales, business development, client relationship management, and any relevant industry experience (design, architecture, high-end furnishings). Your cover letter should express your passion for Waterworks and articulate why you are a strong fit for this specific role.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your sales achievements, client success stories, and business development initiatives. Quantify your results with specific metrics and be ready to discuss your strategies and processes.

• Research Waterworks: Thoroughly investigate Waterworks' product lines, design aesthetic, target markets, and company values. Understand their position in the luxury design industry and identify potential areas for growth.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your sales achievements, client management skills, and understanding of consultative selling in a luxury context. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and how you would approach challenges specific to this 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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