Design Consultant II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant II

Company: Porcelanosa USA

Location: ROCKVILLE, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales performance by introducing, demonstrating, and promoting existing and new products/services to achieve and exceed sales objectives.

• Enhance showroom aesthetics and customer experience through effective display design, merchandising, and maintenance.

• Provide expert design consultation and product application assistance to clients, transforming their visions into tangible design solutions.

• Support and mentor junior showroom sales personnel, contributing to overall team development and sales effectiveness.

• Manage the end-to-end sales transaction process, including quoting, proposal generation, order entry, and cash handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges sales and design, focusing on the client-facing showroom experience. While not a traditional Revenue Operations role, it heavily influences sales pipeline health and customer conversion rates through effective product presentation and sales execution. The "II" in the title suggests a level of responsibility beyond entry-level, including potential mentorship and more complex client engagements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively engage with customers in the showroom to understand their needs, provide product expertise, and guide them through the selection process.

• Develop and present compelling sales proposals, quotes, and terms of sale to secure client commitments.

• Maintain and update showroom displays, fixtures, and merchandising programs to ensure a visually appealing and on-trend environment.

• Gather and report on customer tastes, market trends, and product feedback to inform sales strategies and product development.

• Process sales transactions accurately, including order entry, cash handling, and customer database updates.

• Collaborate with department and product managers to resolve customer service issues, manage product returns, and ensure timely deliveries and pick-ups.

• Prepare and analyze sales reports, customer sales data, and margins to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.

• Assist in the preparation of showroom sales budgets and monitor performance against targets.

• Handle incoming showroom calls and manage overflow from other sales personnel to ensure consistent customer engagement.

• Coordinate and participate in trade shows to expand customer reach and update client databases.

• Prepare design drawings and other deliverables as needed to support customer sales and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales execution, showroom management, and customer-facing design support. The emphasis on "meeting or exceeding sales objectives in terms of volume and margin" and "monitoring and analyzing customer sales and margins" directly ties this role to revenue generation and sales performance metrics, making it relevant to operations professionals focused on Go-To-Market efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Interior Design, Marketing, Business, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: 3-4 years of experience in interior design consulting or a high-end retail sales role.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to introduce, demonstrate, promote, and sell products/services effectively.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with diverse clientele and internal teams.

• Strong customer service orientation with a demonstrated ability to close sales and manage client relationships.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and customer interactions efficiently.

• Detail-oriented approach to sales transactions, design layouts, and showroom maintenance.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a showroom team.

• Proficiency in handling incoming calls, processing sales orders, and managing customer data.

• Positive attitude and a strong work ethic, demonstrating commitment and reliability. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or similar) for preparing designs and drawings.

• Familiarity with CRM systems for managing customer databases and sales pipelines.

• Knowledge of merchandising principles and showroom display techniques.

• Experience in coaching or mentoring junior sales staff.

• Ability to analyze sales data and customer margins to inform strategic decisions.

• Understanding of market trends in interior design and luxury home goods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and skills align with a "Design Consultant II" role, implying a need for practical application of design principles in a sales context and proven sales closing capabilities. The preferred skills, particularly in design software and CRM, would be valuable for demonstrating a proactive approach to sales operations and client management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of successful sales proposals and client presentations demonstrating persuasive communication and value proposition articulation.

• Case studies showcasing how you've met or exceeded sales targets, with quantifiable results (e.g., percentage increase in sales, margin improvement).

• Visual documentation of showroom display designs or merchandising projects, highlighting creativity, product placement strategy, and impact on customer engagement.

• Evidence of customer data management, including how you've maintained and utilized customer databases to drive repeat business or identify new leads.

• Documentation of processes you've implemented or improved to enhance sales efficiency, customer service, or showroom operations. Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs for customer engagement from initial showroom visit through sale closure and post-sale follow-up.

• Methodologies for product demonstration and needs assessment to effectively match client requirements with Porcelanosa offerings.

• Procedures for handling customer service complaints, product returns, and delivery coordination to ensure client satisfaction.

• Systems for tracking sales performance, analyzing customer sales and margins, and preparing sales reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly required in the application, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples that demonstrate their capabilities in sales execution, client consultation, and showroom management. Highlighting process improvements and data analysis related to sales performance will be critical for showcasing an operations-minded approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour.

Estimated Annual Salary (based on 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year): $52,000 - $58,240 base salary.

Commission Opportunities: In addition to the base salary, this role offers commission opportunities, which can significantly increase total compensation based on sales performance.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus commission opportunities.

• 100% 401K match up to 4%.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: 3-tier medical insurance.

• Dental Insurance: 2-tier dental insurance.

• Vision Insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Disability Coverage: Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance.

• Employer-paid Life Insurance.

• Voluntary Life Insurance: For employee, spouse, and children.

• Specialized Insurance: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance.

• Tuition Reimbursement: $3,000 available for educational development.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO package.

Working Hours: 8-hour shifts, typically from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with weekends required. Totaling 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $25-$28 is competitive for a consultative sales role in the Rockville, MD area, especially considering the commission potential. The extensive benefits package, including a 100% 401K match and tuition reimbursement, indicates a strong investment in employee well-being and development. The requirement for weekend work is typical for retail sales roles and should be factored into work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials, Luxury Home Goods, Interior Design Products. Porcelanosa is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-end ceramic tiles, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom products.

Company Size: Nearly 5,000 skilled professionals globally, with a significant presence in the US market. This indicates a well-established company with robust operational structures and career development pathways.

Founded: Over 45 years of experience, established in 1973. This long history speaks to stability, market expertise, and a proven business model.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant II will likely be part of a showroom sales team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director.

• This team is responsible for driving sales, managing customer relationships, and maintaining the showroom's presentation.

• Collaboration is expected with other sales consultants, design specialists, and potentially administrative or operations support staff within the showroom.

• Cross-functional interaction with marketing, logistics, and potentially product development teams may occur to support sales initiatives and customer needs. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales Insights: The role involves monitoring and analyzing customer sales and margins, suggesting a data-informed approach to sales strategy and performance evaluation.

• Process Optimization: Responsibilities include improving sales processes, managing customer service efficiently, and ensuring smooth transaction flows.

• Customer-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis is placed on understanding customer needs, providing tailored design assistance, and ensuring satisfaction through proactive service and problem resolution.

Company Website: https://www.porcelanosa.com/us/

📝 Enhancement Note: Porcelanosa's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values quality, innovation, and long-term relationships. The "Design Consultant II" role is integral to the company's Go-To-Market strategy, directly influencing customer acquisition and revenue generation within the retail segment. The emphasis on "solid values of innovation and quality" and commitment to "stakeholders" and the "environment" points to a responsible and forward-thinking corporate ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level role (Design Consultant II), signifying a step beyond entry-level sales. It involves not only individual sales performance but also the ability to mentor others and contribute to showroom operational efficiency. It's a crucial link between direct customer interaction and the broader sales operations strategy.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director. This provides a clear line of management and mentorship for professional development.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant II directly impacts revenue by closing sales and driving product adoption. Their ability to effectively present products, understand customer needs, and manage the sales process contributes significantly to the company's financial performance and market share. They are the frontline of the sales operation, translating marketing efforts into tangible sales outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Consultant, Showroom Manager, or Sales Director roles.

• Specialization: Development into a specialist in specific product lines (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms) or design styles.

• Operations & Training: Opportunities to take on more formal training responsibilities for new hires or to contribute to sales process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into roles within sales operations, marketing, or product management, leveraging their deep understanding of customer needs and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and the responsibility for coaching junior staff indicate a growth trajectory within the sales organization. The role offers a solid foundation for understanding the entire sales cycle from lead generation (through showroom presence) to closing and customer satisfaction, which is invaluable for anyone aspiring to move into broader sales operations or GTM strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace is designed to showcase high-end building materials and interior design products. It's a client-facing setting that requires a professional and aesthetically pleasing presentation.

Office Location(s): Rockville, Maryland. This specific location serves the local market and acts as a hub for customer interactions in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual sales are key, the showroom environment fosters collaboration among sales consultants for sharing best practices, managing customer flow, and supporting each other during busy periods.

• Tools & Technology: Access to product samples, design tools, presentation materials, and likely a CRM system for sales management and customer tracking.

• Customer Interaction: The primary focus is on direct customer engagement, requiring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create a welcoming and informative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule includes 8-hour shifts, typically 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Weekends are required, which is standard for retail environments to cater to customer availability.

• This schedule requires flexibility and a commitment to being present during peak customer traffic times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail showroom setting is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring adaptability. The requirement for weekend work is a key aspect of this environment and impacts work-life balance. Candidates should be comfortable with a customer-centric space that demands both professional presentation and high levels of engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Showroom Visit & Interview: Candidates will likely visit the Rockville showroom for an in-person interview. This may include a tour and interaction with team members.

• Sales/Design Challenge: A practical exercise might be involved, such as presenting a product, handling a customer scenario, or preparing a mini-design proposal for a hypothetical client. This assesses sales closing skills, design aptitude, and problem-solving abilities.

• Manager Interview: A final interview with the Showroom Manager or Sales Director to discuss performance expectations, career growth, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Sales Achievements: Prepare examples of sales targets met or exceeded, highlighting specific strategies used and quantifiable results.

• Demonstrate Design Acumen: Include visual examples of design projects, showroom displays you've contributed to, or client consultations where you successfully translated needs into solutions.

• Highlight Customer Service Excellence: Be ready to share anecdotes or case studies demonstrating exceptional customer service, problem resolution, and client relationship building.

• Process Improvement Examples: If you've implemented any process improvements in previous roles (e.g., for lead management, order processing, customer follow-up), be prepared to discuss them and their impact.

• Tailor to Porcelanosa: Research Porcelanosa's product lines, design aesthetic, and target clientele to tailor your examples and responses to their specific market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Porcelanosa's product catalog, focusing on key features, benefits, and target applications for tiles, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms.

• Sales Scenarios: Practice handling common sales objections, qualifying leads, and closing techniques relevant to high-end retail.

• Design Consultation Practice: Prepare to walk through a design consultation process, from understanding client needs to proposing solutions and discussing materials.

• Showroom Operations: Understand the flow of a showroom, from customer greeting to transaction completion and post-sale follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical sales and design skills, as well as the ability to integrate into the existing showroom team. A strong portfolio, even if informal, that demonstrates tangible results and process understanding will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a Salesforce, HubSpot, or proprietary CRM for managing customer leads, tracking sales activities, and maintaining customer databases. Proficiency in CRM is crucial for sales pipeline management and customer relationship development.

• Design Software: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, experience with design visualization tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, 3D rendering software, or even specialized tile/kitchen/bath design software) would be highly advantageous for preparing customer designs and drawings.

• Point of Sale (POS) / Transaction Systems: For processing cash, credit card payments, and generating sales orders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Internal reporting dashboards or software to track individual and showroom sales performance, margins, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Data Analysis: Basic ability to interpret sales data and trends to inform sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Database Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer information within the CRM.

• Communication Tools: Email, phone systems, and potentially internal messaging platforms for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list a tech stack, a Design Consultant II in a modern retail environment is expected to be comfortable with CRM systems for sales tracking and potentially design software for client presentations. Proficiency in these tools directly impacts their ability to manage sales processes efficiently and provide value-added services.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Innovation: Porcelanosa emphasizes high-quality products and continuous innovation, expecting team members to embody these values in their work and customer interactions.

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and exceeding customer needs, providing exceptional service, and building lasting relationships.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards in all business dealings and presenting a professional image consistent with a luxury brand.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve shared showroom goals and support overall company objectives.

• Efficiency & Results: A drive to meet and exceed sales targets and contribute to the operational efficiency of the showroom.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with fellow sales consultants, showroom managers, and potentially designers or operations staff to ensure a seamless customer experience and efficient workflow.

• Shared Success: A culture where team members support each other, share knowledge, and contribute to the collective success of the showroom.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement in sales techniques and customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of innovation, quality, and commitment to stakeholders suggest a culture that values excellence and long-term success. For a Design Consultant II, this translates to a focus on delivering high-quality client experiences and contributing positively to the team's overall performance and the brand's reputation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Targets: The primary challenge is consistently meeting or exceeding demanding sales objectives in a competitive market.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of client preferences, budgets, and design expectations requires adaptability and strong consultative skills.

• Handling Customer Complaints: Effectively resolving customer service issues and product return/delivery problems while maintaining customer satisfaction.

• Staying Current with Trends: Keeping up-to-date with the latest interior design trends, product innovations, and market shifts.

• Weekend Work: Adapting to a work schedule that requires weekend availability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Continuous training on sales techniques, product knowledge, and negotiation strategies.

• Design Expertise: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of interior design principles, materials, and applications.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced sales professionals and potentially mentoring junior staff, developing leadership skills.

• Product Specialization: Becoming an expert in specific Porcelanosa product lines (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, flooring).

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for promotion within the sales organization, potentially to management or specialized roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a high-performing sales role in a luxury retail environment. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career progression and skill development within a well-established company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully closed a high-value sale. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on sales process, client engagement, and results.)

• "How do you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a product or service? Walk me through your process." (Focus on conflict resolution, customer service, and problem-solving.)

• "Imagine a client comes into the showroom with a vague idea of what they want. How would you guide them to a specific product selection?" (Focus on consultative selling, needs assessment, and product knowledge.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Porcelanosa, and why are you interested in working here?" (Research the company's history, values, products, and market position.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment in a retail setting?" (Highlight collaboration, support for colleagues, and a positive attitude.)

• "How do you stay motivated to meet sales targets, especially during slower periods?" (Discuss work ethic, goal-setting, and proactive sales strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: When discussing past roles, use numbers to demonstrate success (e.g., "increased sales in my category by 15%," "managed a client portfolio of over 50 accounts").

• Tell a Story: For case studies, structure your examples with a clear beginning (the challenge/client need), middle (your actions/solutions), and end (the positive outcome/results).

• Visual Aids: If possible, bring examples of design work, proposals, or showroom displays you've contributed to. If discussing a process improvement, consider a simple diagram.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your actions and skills directly contributed to revenue generation, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of sales acumen, design sensibility, customer service skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities and align with Porcelanosa's brand and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned sales position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in interior design consulting or retail sales, emphasizing achievements related to sales targets, customer service, and any design or merchandising contributions. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather examples of sales proposals, design work, or case studies of successful client engagements that demonstrate your ability to drive revenue and provide excellent customer experiences.

• Research Porcelanosa: Understand their product lines, brand aesthetic, and market positioning to articulate your interest and suitability for the role.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare to answer questions about your sales experience, design approach, customer service philosophy, and how you handle challenges and collaborate with teams.

⚠️ 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.