Design Consultant - FT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - FT

Company: EQ3

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

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

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on driving retail sales and customer engagement within a specific geographic territory, contributing to the overall Go-To-Market strategy through direct client interaction and in-store experience.

• The Design Consultant will leverage strong sales operations principles to manage client relationships from initial contact through to order fulfillment, ensuring a seamless and positive customer journey.

• Key responsibilities include achieving and exceeding sales targets, utilizing CRM and POS systems for transaction processing and client management, and contributing to retail operations efficiency.

• This position requires a blend of sales acumen, design sensibility, and operational proficiency to effectively consult with clients and drive revenue for EQ3.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role within retail sales operations, focusing on driving revenue through client consultations and order management. The "operations" aspect is embedded in managing the sales process, utilizing retail systems, and contributing to store performance targets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively engage with clients in-store, virtually, and in their homes to understand their design needs and preferences, translating these into personalized furniture and home décor solutions.

• Drive retail sales by effectively presenting EQ3's product catalog, highlighting value propositions, and closing sales to meet and exceed individual commission-based sales targets.

• Manage the end-to-end sales cycle, including order processing through POS systems, tracking orders to completion, and addressing any client inquiries or issues with a strong customer service focus.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, fostering loyalty and repeat business through exceptional service, follow-up, and personalized design consultations.

• Utilize design tools such as 2D and 3D floor plans and mood boards to visually communicate design concepts and product selections, enhancing the client's understanding and decision-making process.

• Collaborate with the retail team and management to achieve store-level sales objectives, contribute to visual merchandising efforts, and maintain operational standards.

• Stay informed about EQ3's product lines, design trends, and company loyalty services to effectively advise clients and promote brand offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities translate directly into sales operations functions, emphasizing client acquisition, conversion, order management, and customer relationship management (CRM) within a retail context. The mention of "tracking any orders through to completion" points to operational oversight of the sales pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A formal education in Interior Design, Interior Decorating, or a related design field is considered an asset, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and aesthetics.

Experience:

• Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a retail sales environment, with a proven track record in commission-based sales and consistently meeting selling objectives.

Required Skills:

• Retail Sales & Commission Management: Demonstrated ability to drive sales, manage a sales pipeline, and thrive in a commission-based compensation structure.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & Consultative Selling: Skill in building rapport, actively listening to client needs, and providing tailored solutions.

• Design Acumen & Visualization: Strong creative instincts and the ability to develop design concepts using tools like 2D/3D floor plans and mood boards.

• Retail Operations Proficiency: Familiarity with POS systems for transactions, order tracking, and inventory management.

• Bilingualism (French & English): Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English are essential for client interaction and internal communication.

• Persuasion & Communication: Ability to articulate ideas clearly, influence client decisions, and maintain professional communication.

• Self-Motivation & Organization: Capacity to work independently, manage time effectively, and organize client consultations and follow-ups.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal education in Interior Design or a related field.

• Experience with design software beyond basic floor planning.

• Familiarity with loyalty programs and customer retention strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is defined as "0-2 Years" by AI, suggesting that while formal experience is valued, a strong aptitude and willingness to learn are key. The emphasis on commission-based sales and meeting selling objectives highlights the performance-driven nature of the role within sales operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Case Studies: Showcase examples of past client projects, detailing the client's initial needs, your design approach, the solutions proposed (e.g., floor plans, mood boards), and the final outcome. Quantify success where possible (e.g., client satisfaction, project scope).

• Sales Process Demonstration: Illustrate your approach to managing a sales cycle, from initial client engagement and needs assessment to closing the sale and ensuring post-sale follow-up. Highlight how you overcome objections and build client trust.

• System Proficiency Examples: While not a traditional portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your experience with POS systems and Microsoft Office, demonstrating how you've used them to streamline operations, track sales, or manage client data.

• Visual Design Work: Include examples of mood boards, 2D/3D floor plans, or sketches that demonstrate your design sensibility and ability to translate concepts into tangible plans.

Process Documentation:

• Client Consultation Workflow: Outline your typical process for conducting a design consultation, from initial outreach to in-home/virtual/in-store meetings, proposal development, and follow-up.

• Sales Order Management: Describe your method for managing sales orders, including order entry, confirmation, tracking, and communication with clients regarding delivery or production timelines.

• Performance Tracking: Be ready to discuss how you track your personal sales performance against targets and how you utilize data from POS or other systems to inform your sales strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on client interaction and sales, a portfolio should demonstrate not just design skills but also the ability to manage client relationships and sales processes effectively. This aligns with the operational aspects of driving revenue and ensuring customer satisfaction within the sales funnel.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Design Consultant position in Montreal, QC, with 0-2 years of experience and a commission-based component, the estimated base salary range is CAD $40,000 - $55,000 annually. This is in addition to commission earnings, which can significantly increase total compensation based on sales performance.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Provides employees with accrued paid vacation and sick days to support work-life balance.

• Competitive Compensation & Commission: A base salary combined with a competitive commission structure designed to reward sales performance and drive revenue.

• Employee Discount Program: Significant discounts on EQ3 products, allowing employees to enjoy the company's offerings.

• Wellness Plans: Support for employee well-being through various wellness initiatives or benefits.

• Group Banking: Access to preferential group banking rates or services.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week. This may include evening and weekend shifts, as is common in retail environments, to accommodate client availability and store operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical retail sales consultant roles in major Canadian cities like Montreal, considering the commission structure, experience level (0-2 years), and the industry (furniture/design retail). Benefits are detailed as provided in the input, with a focus on aspects that appeal to retail and sales professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: EQ3 operates within the Furniture and Home Goods Retail industry, focusing on timeless, durable, and innovative designs. This sector often demands a strong emphasis on customer experience, product knowledge, and visual merchandising.

Company Size: EQ3 is a medium-sized company, likely employing between 50-250 individuals. This size often fosters a more personal work environment where employees can have a direct impact, while still having established processes and resources.

Founded: EQ3 was founded with a mission to create furniture that lasts, opposing fast-fashion trends and aiming for heirloom quality. This philosophy suggests a culture that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and long-term customer relationships over short-term gains.

Team Structure:

• Retail Sales Team: The Design Consultant will be part of a local retail store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This team is directly responsible for customer interactions, sales, and day-to-day store operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily customer-facing, the role requires collaboration with internal teams such as marketing (for promotions), logistics (for order tracking), and potentially design/product development (for feedback on offerings).

• Sales Operations Integration: The role connects directly to broader sales operations by executing strategies, leveraging systems (POS, CRM), and contributing to revenue targets that inform company performance metrics.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: EQ3 emphasizes understanding and meeting customer needs, fostering a personalized design experience.

• Quality & Durability Focus: The company's ethos centers on creating long-lasting products, implying a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction beyond the initial sale.

• Innovation in Design: A dedication to finding creative solutions for modern living, suggesting an environment that values new ideas and continuous improvement in product and service.

Company Website: https://www.eq3.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding principles and industry position suggest a culture that values quality, customer relationships, and design integrity. For a Sales Operations context, this means focusing on providing exceptional customer experiences that align with the brand's premium positioning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry to junior level within the sales and retail operations spectrum. It provides foundational experience in direct client sales, customer service, retail system utilization, and the execution of sales strategies. The "Design Consultant" title adds a specialized layer focused on product application and client advisory within a specific product category.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager. This structure allows for direct oversight of sales performance, adherence to retail operational procedures, and immediate feedback on client interactions and sales techniques.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue generation through sales conversions and customer retention. Their effective management of the sales process, client relationships, and order fulfillment contributes to the company's overall financial performance and brand reputation. Success in this role can lead to increased commission earnings and a stronger track record in sales operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant / Sales Specialist: Progress to roles with potentially higher sales targets, more complex client projects, or specialized product knowledge.

• Store Management: Opportunities to advance into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, taking on greater responsibility for team leadership, store performance, and operational management.

• Design/Merchandising Roles: Potential to transition into roles focused more on product presentation, visual merchandising, or even contributing to design feedback based on customer insights.

• Sales Operations Support: With further experience, opportunities might arise in broader sales operations roles, focusing on CRM administration, sales analytics, or process improvement at a regional or corporate level.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from a Design Consultant highlights a typical progression within retail operations, moving from individual contributor sales to leadership or specialized roles. The emphasis is on building a strong foundation in customer interaction, sales process management, and operational execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom/store. This is a customer-facing space designed to showcase EQ3's furniture and home décor products, encouraging client interaction, exploration, and design consultations.

Office Location(s): The specific location is 4428 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, QC. This is a retail presence within a metropolitan area, accessible to a diverse customer base.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Centric Layout: The showroom is designed to facilitate client consultations, featuring product displays, seating areas for discussions, and space for presenting design materials (mood boards, floor plans).

• Technology Integration: Access to POS systems, computers for design software (2D/3D floor plans, mood boards), and communication tools is essential for daily operations.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual sales are key, the environment fosters collaboration with colleagues to share product knowledge, assist customers, and maintain store standards. Team huddles and ongoing communication are likely.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Retail schedules often involve a mix of weekdays, evenings, and weekends to ensure store coverage and accommodate customer shopping habits. Flexibility in scheduling is often required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail showroom environment is key. For operations professionals, understanding that this is a sales-driven, customer-facing role within a physical retail space is crucial. The "workspace" emphasizes the tools and collaborative nature necessary for effective sales operations in this setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, experience (especially in sales and design), and language proficiency.

• First Interview: Likely with the Store Manager or a senior team member. This will focus on your sales experience, customer service approach, design intuition, understanding of commission-based roles, and bilingualism. Be prepared to discuss your approach to client consultations and sales.

• Design/Sales Challenge: You may be asked to present a mock design consultation or discuss how you would approach a specific client scenario. This assesses your creative problem-solving skills, communication style, and ability to utilize design tools.

• Second Interview (if applicable): May involve a broader discussion about company culture, team fit, and potentially meeting with a regional manager.

• Offer: Extension of an offer based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Sales Success: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to close sales and achieve targets, not just design aesthetics. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Illustrate Client Journey: Present case studies that walk through your process from initial client contact to sale completion, highlighting your problem-solving and communication skills.

• Visual Design Clarity: Ensure any floor plans or mood boards are clean, professional, and clearly communicate your design intent. Tailor examples to EQ3's style if possible.

• Bilingual Examples: If applicable, provide examples of materials or communications in both French and English.

• Conciseness: Focus on quality over quantity. Select a few strong examples that best represent your capabilities for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research EQ3: Understand their brand, product aesthetic, target market, and design philosophy.

• Practice Design Consultations: Role-play scenarios, focusing on active listening, needs assessment, product recommendation, and closing techniques.

• Prepare for Questions on Retail Operations: Be ready to discuss your experience with POS systems, sales tracking, and customer service protocols.

• Articulate Your Sales Process: Clearly explain how you approach sales, manage client relationships, and overcome objections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review for this role will balance design aptitude with sales execution and operational efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their creative problem-solving skills and their ability to drive revenue within a structured retail environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Proficiency in using POS systems for sales transactions, order processing, returns, and potentially basic inventory lookups is critical.

Specific EQ3 systems are unknown, but adaptability to new POS platforms is key.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general business operations, including:

  • Word: For client communication, proposal drafting, and internal documentation.
  • Excel: For sales tracking, performance analysis, and potentially basic data manipulation.
  • Outlook: For email communication, scheduling consultations, and managing client correspondence.

• Design Software:

  • 2D Floor Plan Tools: For creating layouts of client spaces and product placement.
  • 3D Floor Plan Tools: For more immersive visualizations of proposed designs.
  • Mood Board Creation Tools: For assembling visual inspiration, color palettes, and product selections.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS Reporting: Ability to pull sales reports from the POS system to track individual performance, product sales, and transaction volumes.

• Spreadsheet Analysis: Basic ability to analyze sales data in Excel for performance review and strategy adjustment.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System (implied): While not explicitly named, the role involves developing client rapport and managing relationships, suggesting the use of a CRM system for client data, contact history, and follow-ups. Candidates should be comfortable with CRM principles.

• Internal Communication Tools: Standard office communication platforms (e.g., email, internal messaging) are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on retail sales operations. Proficiency in POS systems and design visualization tools is paramount, alongside standard office productivity software. An understanding of CRM principles is also beneficial for managing client relationships effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A core value is placing the client's needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all interactions, ensuring a positive and personalized design experience.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Reflecting EQ3's brand, there's an emphasis on the quality of products and the durability of design solutions provided to clients.

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to find unique and effective solutions for modern living spaces, encouraging creative thinking in design and problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: While individual sales are important, a supportive team environment where colleagues assist each other and share knowledge is fostered to achieve store-wide goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in all dealings with clients and colleagues, ensuring honest communication and professional conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Design Consultants are expected to support their retail team members, sharing product knowledge and assisting with customer inquiries.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to providing and receiving feedback on sales strategies, design approaches, and customer interactions to drive continuous improvement.

• Shared Goals: Working collaboratively towards common store sales targets and operational objectives, recognizing that collective success benefits everyone.

• Customer Advocacy: Acting as a liaison between the customer and EQ3, relaying customer feedback and insights to inform product development and service improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a customer-focused sales environment that emphasizes quality and creativity. For operations, this means understanding how these values translate into daily tasks like client consultations, sales processes, and team interactions, all aimed at delivering a premium brand experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Targets: The inherent challenge of a commission-based role is the consistent pressure to meet and exceed sales quotas, requiring strong sales skills and resilience.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the practicalities of sales closing and operational efficiency can be demanding.

• Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of client tastes, budgets, and requirements requires adaptability, strong listening skills, and broad product knowledge.

• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with EQ3's evolving product lines, design trends, and sales strategies necessitates continuous learning.

• Retail Environment Demands: Adapting to the fast-paced, customer-facing nature of retail, including varied work hours and high customer traffic.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Access to ongoing training on EQ3's product catalog, new collections, and interior design principles.

• Sales Skills Development: Opportunities to hone consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and client relationship management.

• System Proficiency: Gaining expertise in using POS and potentially CRM systems for enhanced operational efficiency and client management.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into senior sales roles, store management, or specialized design positions within EQ3.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced sales professionals and store managers within the EQ3 network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for retail sales roles, highlighting the need for strong performance, adaptability, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities offer a clear picture of how this role can serve as a stepping stone for career progression within the sales and operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Needs Assessment: "Describe your process for understanding a client's needs and preferences during a design consultation. How do you ensure you uncover their true requirements, even if they're not explicitly stated?" (Focus: Active listening, probing questions, empathy).

• Sales Process & Closing: "Walk me through how you would handle a client who is interested in a product but hesitant due to price or style. What are your strategies for overcoming objections and moving towards a sale?" (Focus: Objection handling, value proposition, closing techniques).

• Design Solution Presentation: "How would you present a 2D floor plan and mood board to a client to effectively communicate your design vision and gain their buy-in?" (Focus: Visual communication, clarity, persuasion).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What do you know about EQ3's brand and design philosophy? How do you see your personal style and approach aligning with our values?" (Focus: Research, brand understanding, cultural fit).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked as part of a retail team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Focus: Teamwork, contribution, communication).

• Operations & Systems: "What is your experience with POS systems and retail operations? How have you used these systems to improve efficiency or customer service?" (Focus: Practical experience, operational awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a compelling story of the client's challenge, your solution, and the positive outcome.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers (e.g., sales achieved, client satisfaction scores, project scope) to demonstrate impact.

• Process Flow: Clearly illustrate your end-to-end process, from initial contact through to sale and follow-up.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your presentation is visually engaging, mirroring the design aesthetic of EQ3.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples for the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize the blend of sales execution, design consultation, and operational awareness. Candidates must demonstrate they can not only design spaces but also drive revenue and manage the sales process effectively within a retail setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your complete application by clicking on “Apply to Position” via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight direct sales experience, commission-based achievements, customer service skills, and any experience with retail operations, POS systems, or design visualization tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Consultant," "Retail Sales," "Commission-Based Sales," "Client Consultations," and "POS Systems."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your design work (mood boards, floor plans) and, critically, examples of successful sales consultations or client projects where you demonstrated strong client relationship management and problem-solving skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your sales process, how you handle client objections, your approach to design consultations, and your experience with retail systems. Practice articulating your bilingual communication skills. Research EQ3's brand and design aesthetic thoroughly.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with EQ3's mission, product lines, and design philosophy. Understand their commitment to quality and timeless design to better align your responses with their values during the interview.

⚠️ 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.

---