Design Consultant - Lexington Area

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - Lexington Area

Company: Closet Factory of Kentucky

Location: Lexington Area (with satellite showroom), Louisville, KY (Headquarters)

Job Type: Full Time - commission only

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market) - Design & Sales Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (client visits and potential showroom collaboration; primary operations/factory in Louisville)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through consultative sales of custom storage solutions, focusing on client needs assessment and tailored design proposals.

• Leverage proprietary design software to create compelling, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space optimization plans for residential clients.

• Manage the end-to-end client journey, from initial consultation and design presentation to project handover and post-installation follow-up, ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.

• Collaborate effectively with installation teams and operational headquarters to ensure seamless project execution and maintain brand standards.

• Act as a brand ambassador for Closet Factory, embodying a commitment to quality, innovation, and client-centric service within the Lexington market.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and sales-driven nature of this role, especially with a commission-only structure and revenue targets, position it firmly within a Go-To-Market (GTM) and Sales Operations context. The emphasis on client consultation, design, and project management aligns with specialized sales roles that require deep product knowledge and consultative selling skills. The hybrid work arrangement, requiring client visits and collaboration with a central HQ, also points to a GTM role supporting a specific sales territory.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth client consultations to understand spatial requirements, storage needs, and aesthetic preferences for custom closet and home organization solutions.

• Utilize Closet Factory’s proprietary design software to conceptualize, develop, and present detailed 3D design proposals, product selections, and cost estimates.

• Professionally articulate design concepts, material options, and project timelines to clients, effectively addressing questions and building confidence.

• Proactively manage project pipelines, from lead qualification and initial contact through design approval, order processing, and scheduling of installations.

• Coordinate closely with the Louisville-based factory and installation teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment, timely project completion, and adherence to quality standards.

• Perform post-installation follow-ups to gather client feedback, ensure satisfaction, and identify opportunities for additional sales or referrals.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, new product offerings, and competitive landscape to maintain expertise and enhance design capabilities.

• Maintain accurate client records and sales activity logs within the company's CRM system for reporting and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are standard for a design-focused sales role. To enhance for an operations professional, we've emphasized the management of project pipelines, coordination with factory and installation teams, and accurate record-keeping within a CRM, all of which are critical operational components of a sales process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Marketing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in sales, design, customer service, or a client-facing role, with a preference for experience in home improvement, interior design, custom furniture, or related industries. Proven track record in commission-based sales environments is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Consultative Selling: Ability to engage clients, understand their needs, and propose solutions that align with their goals and budget.

• Custom Design: Aptitude for space planning, visualization, and creating functional and aesthetically pleasing custom storage solutions.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building rapport, managing expectations, and fostering long-term client satisfaction.

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex designs and proposals clearly and persuasively.

• Technical Aptitude: Proficiency with design software (proprietary tools) or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and master new software applications.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple client projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and adhere to deadlines.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive, results-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and a desire to achieve sales targets in a commission-only structure.

• Valid Driver's License & Reliable Transportation: Essential for client consultations and site visits.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM software for lead and client management.

• Knowledge of interior design principles and trends.

• Familiarity with 3D rendering or CAD software.

• Experience in a 1099 independent contractor sales role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the AI analysis, aligning with a role that requires some professional experience but isn't necessarily senior leadership. The skills are tailored to a design-consultant role with a strong sales component, highlighting both creative and commercial aspects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 diverse client projects, illustrating the transformation from initial client needs to final installed solution. Highlight the problem (e.g., disorganization, inefficient space) and the solution provided.

• Visual Presentation: Include high-quality images or renderings of completed projects, demonstrating design creativity, attention to detail, and the impact of the custom solutions.

• Client Testimonials/Feedback: Incorporate positive feedback or testimonials from past clients to validate customer service excellence and project success.

• Sales Achievement Examples: Quantify sales performance where possible, e.g., average deal size, conversion rates, or notable sales achievements in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Client Consultation Workflow: Outline your typical approach to client consultations, from initial discovery questions to needs assessment and design ideation.

• Design Development Process: Describe how you translate client requirements into a concrete design proposal using software, including steps for revisions and approvals.

• Project Management Approach: Detail how you manage project timelines, coordinate with installation teams, and ensure client satisfaction post-installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving design and sales, a portfolio is crucial. This section outlines specific, actionable requirements that an applicant should prepare, focusing on showcasing both design skill and sales effectiveness, which are key to success in this commission-based role. The emphasis on process documentation helps demonstrate a structured approach to client engagement and project execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000+ per year (Commission-Only, 1099 Contractor)

Explanation of Range: This range represents the typical earning potential for a successful Design Consultant in this commission-based role. Actual earnings will vary significantly based on individual sales performance, client acquisition, and deal closure rates. The higher end of the range is achievable for top performers who consistently meet and exceed sales targets. Earnings are paid bi-weekly.

Benefits:

• 100% Commission Payout: As a 1099 contractor, you retain 100% of your earned commission, maximizing your earning potential.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement in design, sales techniques, and product knowledge.

• Career Growth: Potential for advancement within the Closet Factory network, possibly into lead design or sales management roles.

• Supportive Team Environment: Access to a collaborative team and management support focused on achieving shared success.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexibility inherent in a commission-based, hybrid role allows for management of personal schedules.

• Employee Discounts: Discounted pricing on Closet Factory products and services for personal use.

Working Hours: While this is a full-time position, the hybrid nature and commission structure allow for significant flexibility. Expected hours will vary based on client availability, project demands, and personal work habits, but consistent client engagement and project follow-through are essential. A typical expectation would be 40 hours per week, including client meetings, design work, administrative tasks, and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided by the input data. The explanation clarifies the commission-only nature and the factors influencing earnings. Benefits are detailed, and working hours are framed within the context of a flexible, commission-based role. The 1099 status is highlighted as a key aspect of this compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Improvement / Interior Design / Custom Storage Solutions

Company Size: Small to Medium (Estimate based on typical franchise operations; HQ likely larger)

Founded: Closet Factory was founded in 1983; Closet Factory of Kentucky operates as a regional franchise.

Team Structure:

• Sales & Design Team: Composed of Design Consultants working within defined territories (e.g., Lexington area).

• Operations & Production: Centralized in Louisville, including manufacturing, project management, and administrative support.

• Installation Teams: Field-based professionals responsible for executing the designs.

• Reporting: Design Consultants likely report to a Sales Manager or General Manager overseeing the Kentucky operations.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: Focus on understanding and fulfilling individual client needs through personalized design solutions.

• Quality Craftsmanship: Commitment to high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

• Efficiency in Operations: Streamlined processes from design to installation to ensure timely and satisfactory project completion.

• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing efforts to refine design tools, manufacturing techniques, and customer service protocols.

Company Website: https://www.closetfactory.com/ (Corporate site; local franchise may have a dedicated page or website)

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers company culture and team structure based on the nature of a franchise operation in the custom home goods industry. The emphasis on client-centricity and quality is typical for such businesses.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the sales and design function. It requires a blend of creative design skills and direct sales acumen to drive business results. The "Consultant" title implies a level of expertise and client advisory capability.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or General Manager who oversees sales performance, provides training, and manages operational integration. Collaboration with the Louisville headquarters for production and logistics is also a key aspect.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant is directly responsible for generating revenue and acquiring new customers by converting leads into sales through effective design and consultation. Their ability to accurately scope projects and manage client expectations significantly impacts project profitability and customer satisfaction, which are critical operational metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: Advanced roles with higher earning potential, potentially mentoring junior consultants, and handling more complex or high-value projects.

• Sales Management: Transition into a leadership role, managing a team of Design Consultants, setting sales targets, and driving overall sales strategy for a region.

• Operations Management: Opportunities to move into roles overseeing production, logistics, or customer service at the Louisville headquarters, leveraging a deep understanding of the client-to-installation process.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific product lines (e.g., home offices, garages) or client segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Design Consultant role within a broader operational and career context, highlighting its impact on revenue and customer satisfaction, and outlining potential advancement paths within the company's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role with client-facing responsibilities and remote work. A satellite showroom in Lexington may be available for client meetings and collaboration. The primary showroom, factory, and operational headquarters are located in the East End of Louisville.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Operations: Louisville, KY (East End) - Factory, HQ, Main Showroom.

• Client Engagement: Primarily in the client's home or via the Lexington satellite showroom.

Workspace Context:

• Client Homes/Showroom: The primary workspace will involve visiting client residences to assess spaces and presenting designs, potentially using a laptop with design software. The Lexington showroom offers a professional environment for presentations.

• Home Office: A dedicated space at home may be required for administrative tasks, design work, and client communication.

• Collaborative Environment: Regular interaction with sales management, design peers (if any in the territory), and coordination with the Louisville operations and installation teams.

Work Schedule: Flexible, full-time schedule expected, with hours dictated by client availability and project demands. This includes evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is emphasized, detailing the different environments the consultant will work in and the necessary collaboration across locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess experience and qualifications.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of your background, sales experience, design approach, and understanding of commission-based roles. May include preliminary behavioral questions.

• Design & Sales Assessment: A practical exercise, potentially involving a mock client consultation or a design challenge presentation based on a hypothetical scenario. This assesses your design software proficiency and sales presentation skills.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of your prepared portfolio, focusing on your process, design rationale, and sales outcomes.

• Final Interview: Meeting with the Sales Manager or General Manager to discuss company culture, long-term fit, and compensation expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate the steps you took from understanding the client's problem to delivering the final solution.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, include metrics such as project value, client satisfaction scores, or sales conversion rates.

• Tailor to Closet Factory: Highlight projects or skills that align with custom storage solutions and home organization.

• Be Prepared to Present: Practice walking through your portfolio, explaining your decisions and the impact of your work concisely and engagingly.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: If possible, include examples of designs created with 3D rendering software or explain your experience with similar tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Closet Factory: Understand their product lines, design style, target market, and competitive advantages.

• Practice Design Scenarios: Be ready to sketch or describe how you would approach a common organizational challenge (e.g., a cluttered master closet, a small home office space).

• Prepare Sales Pitches: Rehearse how you would present a design, handle objections, and close a sale.

• Understand Commission Structures: Be ready to discuss your experience and comfort level with commission-only compensation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured approach to the interview and portfolio review process, offering tactical advice tailored to a sales and design consultant role with a commission-only structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Proprietary Design Software: Essential tool for creating custom client designs. Proficiency or rapid learning ability is key.

• CRM System: Used for managing leads, client interactions, sales pipeline tracking, and reporting (specific CRM not mentioned, but common in sales operations).

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general communication, documentation, scheduling, and data analysis (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, Outlook/Gmail).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Pipeline Reports: Generated from the CRM to track progress, forecast sales, and identify bottlenecks.

• Performance Dashboards: Internal dashboards may be used to monitor individual sales metrics, commission earnings, and project completion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management Tools: Within the CRM, for tracking and nurturing potential clients.

• Scheduling Software: For booking client appointments and coordinating with installation teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the expected technology stack for a design consultant, emphasizing the proprietary design software and CRM, which are core to sales and operations functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction in all design and sales activities.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions.

• Integrity: Honesty and transparency in client dealings, pricing, and project management.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with design peers, sales management, and operations/installation teams to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new design ideas, product enhancements, and process improvements.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric Collaboration: Working closely with clients to co-create solutions that meet their unique needs.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Seamless communication and partnership with the Louisville headquarters (production, logistics) and installation crews to ensure project success.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design ideas, sales strategies, and best practices among the sales and design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred from the company type and industry standards, focusing on aspects critical to a customer-facing and operational role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Only Pressure: The inherent challenge of a commission-based role is the direct link between sales performance and income, requiring consistent lead generation and closing.

• Territory Management: Effectively covering the Lexington area, managing leads, and scheduling client visits efficiently.

• Design Complexity: Balancing client desires with practical constraints of space, budget, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Market Competition: Differentiating Closet Factory's offerings from competitors in the custom storage and home organization market.

• Coordination Across Locations: Ensuring smooth communication and workflow between the Lexington territory, the Louisville HQ, and the installation teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Workshops on new software features, design trends, and specialized product applications.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Training programs focused on closing techniques, objection handling, and consultative selling strategies.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deep dives into material science, hardware, and the full range of Closet Factory's customization options.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for support in obtaining certifications related to interior design or sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges and growth opportunities specific to the role, providing a realistic outlook for potential candidates and highlighting areas for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a client needs assessment for a custom storage solution." (Focus on your discovery questions, active listening, and problem-solving approach.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design project you managed. What was the problem, how did you solve it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you approach managing client expectations and handling objections, especially in a commission-based sales environment?" (Highlight your communication strategies and resilience.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and product innovations in the home improvement industry?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your experience with design software. What is your learning curve for new tools?" (Be ready to discuss specific software and your aptitude for learning proprietary tools.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Closet Factory and our position in the custom storage market?" (Research the company's mission, values, and competitive offerings.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a commission-only, hybrid sales role?" (Express enthusiasm for autonomy and results-driven work.)

• "How do you collaborate with installation teams or operational staff to ensure project success?" (Emphasize your understanding of the end-to-end process and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client's initial challenge, your design process, the chosen solution, and the final outcome (ideally with client satisfaction or sales value).

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers where possible – e.g., "Increased storage capacity by X%," "Sold a project valued at $X."

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you addressed specific client pain points or design constraints.

• Showcase Design Versatility: Present a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to design for different spaces and needs.

• Be Ready for Live Design: The interviewer might ask you to sketch or describe how you'd approach a hypothetical design challenge on the spot.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates anticipate what will be asked and how to best present themselves, focusing on the blend of sales, design, and operational coordination required for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Hireology.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design, sales, and customer service experience, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "custom design," "consultative selling," "client consultation," "project management"). Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a strong portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your best design and sales projects, focusing on client needs, your design process, and quantifiable results. Ensure high-quality visuals and clear project descriptions.

• Research Closet Factory: Thoroughly understand their products, services, brand values, and target market. Familiarize yourself with their website and any available case studies.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on your sales methodology, design approach, and experience with commission-based roles. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly.

⚠️ 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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