Experience Center Design Consultant - Costa Mesa
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Experience Center Design Consultant
Company: Fisher & Paykel Appliances
Location: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales & Design Operations
Date Posted: May 05, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
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Spearhead consultative sales interactions within a luxury showroom environment, driving revenue growth through expert engagement with Specifiers, Designers, and Architects (SDA).
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Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key industry professionals, fostering long-term relationships and expanding the Fisher & Paykel brand's market penetration in the design community.
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Act as a brand ambassador, delivering compelling product training and presentations that highlight technical features, business benefits, and competitive advantages to a discerning clientele.
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Ensure the seamless operational excellence and world-class presentation of the Costa Mesa Experience Center, contributing to a premium customer journey.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role operates at the intersection of sales, design, and client relationship management within a high-end consumer product environment. The focus on "Specifiers, Designers, and Architects (SDA)" indicates a B2B2C sales model where influencing design professionals is critical for driving end-customer purchases. The "Experience Center" context implies a need for strong presentation skills and the ability to create an immersive brand experience, rather than traditional transactional sales.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Greet and engage all visitors to the Experience Center, providing an exceptional first impression and initiating consultative sales conversations.
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Proactively build and nurture relationships with Specifiers, Designers, and Architects (SDA) through consistent showroom interactions and active participation in relevant industry organizations.
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Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to host and execute successful SDA and customer events, including both day-to-day interactions and specialized evening events.
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Represent Fisher & Paykel at offsite designer and sales events, expanding network reach and brand visibility.
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Deliver insightful and engaging product training sessions, emphasizing not only technical specifications but also the unique value proposition, business benefits, and competitive differentiators of Fisher & Paykel products.
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Maintain and update the Specifier, Designer, and Architect database within Salesforce, ensuring data integrity for targeted outreach and relationship management.
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Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Experience Center, ensuring it is impeccably maintained, well-stocked, and operates at the highest standards of presentation and functionality.
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Deeply understand the needs, influences, and environmental factors affecting key specifier communities (kitchen/bathroom designers, interior designers, landscape architects).
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Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and evolving customer behaviors that influence design choices and the SDA community.
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Initiate, develop, and participate in designer network events and retail events hosted at the Experience Center to generate new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.
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Ensure a globally aligned representation of Fisher & Paykel's product and brand messaging, cultivating enthusiasm and demand for the company's offerings.
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Maintain and ensure the availability of all product assets, including detailed descriptions, specifications, and installation guidelines, for seamless client and SDA reference.
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Act as the primary design liaison for in-market channel requirements, facilitating communication between design professionals and internal teams.
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Comply with all company health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for all visitors and staff.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, relationship-driven sales approach within a high-touch environment. The need to manage events, maintain a database, and ensure showroom presentation highlights the operational aspects of this client-facing role, requiring strong organizational and project management skills alongside sales acumen.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or Interior Design is preferred.
Experience:
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A minimum of 2 years of experience within the appliance or building industry, with a focus on design project management, sales, or marketing roles.
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Demonstrated experience in premium/luxury showroom sales, with a proven track record of engaging effectively with interior designers and architects.
Required Skills:
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Consultative Sales: Ability to engage clients in meaningful conversations to understand their needs and propose tailored solutions.
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Relationship Management: Proven skill in building, nurturing, and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders like designers and architects.
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Interior Design Acumen: Strong creative and technical design sensibilities, with the ability to understand spatial relationships and aesthetic principles.
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Project Management: Proficiency in managing multiple projects, deadlines, and external suppliers effectively.
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Salesforce Proficiency: Experience using CRM systems like Salesforce for database management, lead tracking, and customer relationship management.
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Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for communication, reporting, and presentations.
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Floor Plan & Elevation Reading: Ability to interpret architectural drawings to make informed design recommendations.
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Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of industry sales and marketing dynamics, particularly within the Architect and Design (A&D) sector.
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Event Coordination: Experience in planning, organizing, and executing successful client and industry events.
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Product Training Delivery: Ability to articulate technical product information in an engaging and benefit-oriented manner.
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Strategic Partnership Development: Skill in identifying and cultivating mutually beneficial relationships with key industry players.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with luxury appliance brands or high-end home furnishings.
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Knowledge of sustainable design principles and certifications (e.g., LEED).
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Familiarity with social media applications for professional networking and brand promotion.
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Understanding of relevant legislation and compliance, including trade practices and privacy legislation.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of sales, design, and operational skills. The preference for specific design credentials and experience in luxury showrooms highlights the high-end nature of the role. Proficiency in Salesforce is crucial for managing the SDA database and tracking sales activities.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Case Studies of Design Consultations: Showcase examples of past client interactions where you successfully understood needs and recommended solutions, ideally within a design or renovation context. Detail the client's initial challenge, your approach, and the positive outcome.
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Partnership Development Examples: Illustrate instances where you initiated and cultivated relationships with designers, architects, or other industry professionals, detailing the strategy and the resulting business impact (e.g., increased referrals, project wins).
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Sales Process Documentation: Present a clear outline of a consultative sales process you have managed or improved, highlighting key stages from initial contact to closing, with an emphasis on client engagement and needs assessment.
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Event Management Examples: Provide evidence of successful event planning and execution, detailing your role, the event's objectives, attendee engagement strategies, and measurable outcomes (e.g., leads generated, client satisfaction).
Process Documentation:
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Client Onboarding Workflow: Document a typical process for engaging new clients or SDA partners, from initial contact and needs discovery to proposal and follow-up.
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CRM Data Management Protocol: Outline your approach to maintaining accurate and organized client data in a CRM system (like Salesforce), including data entry standards, segmentation strategies, and reporting needs.
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Product Knowledge Dissemination: Describe a process for staying updated on product features, specifications, and competitive landscapes, and how you translate this knowledge into effective client presentations and training.
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Experience Center Operations Checklist: Detail a standard operating procedure or checklist for maintaining the showroom environment, ensuring product readiness, and preparing for client visits or events.
📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience through case studies and process examples. The focus is on demonstrating a structured approach to client engagement, relationship building, and showroom operations, aligning with the consultative and high-touch nature of the role.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
Benefits:
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Comprehensive Health Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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Life and Disability Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.
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Retirement Savings: 401K plan with a company match to support long-term financial goals.
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Generous Paid Time Off:
- Hourly roles accrue 20 days of paid vacation starting year 1.
- Exempt roles are eligible for the "Take A Year Off" (TAYN) policy.
- 12 company holidays per year.
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Enhanced Parental Leave:
- 26 weeks of paid leave for primary caregivers.
- Flexible return-to-work options at full pay.
- Four weeks of paid leave for partners.
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Wellness Initiatives:
- "Fuel Up Fridays."
- Company-paid Calm subscription.
- "No-Meeting Fridays."
- Personalized healthcare support.
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Employee Perks:
- Exclusive employee discounts on Fisher & Paykel products.
- Pet Perks program.
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Professional Development: Leadership and career development programs.
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Performance-Based Bonus: Role-specific company bonus potential.
Working Hours:
- This is a full-time, on-site position typically requiring 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package is robust, with a particular emphasis on generous parental leave and wellness programs, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being. The "TAYN" policy for exempt roles suggests a flexible approach to paid time off.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Fisher & Paykel Appliances operates within the premium and luxury segment of the home appliance manufacturing industry. This sector is characterized by a focus on innovative design, high-quality materials, advanced functionality, and a strong brand narrative centered around customer experience and lifestyle enhancement.
Company Size: Fisher & Paykel is part of the Haier Group, a global leader in home appliances. While the specific size of the US operations or the Experience Center team isn't detailed, Fisher & Paykel itself is a well-established international brand with a significant presence. This suggests a blend of established corporate structure with the agility needed in a design-focused, customer-centric role.
Founded: Fisher & Paykel was founded in New Zealand in 1934. Its history is rooted in challenging convention and delivering innovative, human-centered design. This heritage likely influences a culture that values creativity, quality craftsmanship, and a forward-thinking approach to product development and customer engagement.
Team Structure:
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The Design Consultant will be part of the Experience Center team in Costa Mesa, likely reporting to an Experience Center Manager or a Sales Director.
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This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with sales teams, marketing, product management, and potentially external agencies or event partners.
Methodology:
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Data-Driven Client Engagement: Utilizing Salesforce for tracking interactions, understanding client needs, and tailoring outreach strategies.
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Consultative Sales Approach: Focusing on understanding the unique requirements of designers, architects, and their clients to provide bespoke recommendations.
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Brand Experience Cultivation: Ensuring every interaction within the Experience Center reinforces the premium brand identity and product excellence of Fisher & Paykel.
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Partnership Cultivation: Proactively building and maintaining relationships within the A&D community through events, networking, and consistent value delivery.
Company Website: Fisher & Paykel Appliances
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's heritage in design and innovation, combined with its premium market positioning, suggests a culture that values creativity, quality, and customer experience. The integration into the larger Haier Group provides stability and global reach. The role's success hinges on strong relationships within the design community.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This position is typically considered an intermediate-level role within a sales and design operations context. It requires specialized knowledge of the luxury appliance market and the A&D community, coupled with proven client-facing sales and relationship management skills. It's a hands-on role focused on execution and client interaction rather than strategic operational planning.
Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Sales Manager or an Experience Center Manager. This manager would oversee performance, provide guidance on sales strategies, and support career development within the sales and client engagement function. There will be significant collaboration with marketing and potentially product teams.
Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue by influencing specifications through the A&D community and driving direct sales from Experience Center visits. Their ability to create a compelling brand experience and build trust with designers and architects is crucial for market share growth and brand perception in the premium appliance sector. Effective management of the Experience Center also contributes to operational efficiency and brand presentation.
Growth Opportunities:
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Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Progression to a more senior role with increased responsibility, potentially focusing on specific product lines or key accounts, and mentoring junior consultants.
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Sales Management: Moving into a management role overseeing a team of consultants or a specific sales territory, requiring stronger leadership and strategic sales planning skills.
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Key Account Management: Transitioning to managing relationships with high-value architectural firms or design studios, focusing on securing large-scale project specifications.
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Brand Marketing/Product Development Liaison: Leveraging deep product and market knowledge to contribute to marketing initiatives or provide feedback to product development teams.
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Regional Showroom Management: Potential to manage operations and sales for multiple Experience Centers or a broader regional territory.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for advancement within sales and client relations, particularly within the luxury goods sector. The emphasis on industry relationships and product knowledge provides a strong foundation for specialized growth.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The primary work environment is a high-end, professionally designed Experience Center (EC). This is not a typical office setting but a curated space designed to showcase Fisher & Paykel's luxury products in aspirational kitchen and home settings. It's a client-facing environment that requires impeccable presentation and a welcoming atmosphere.
Office Location(s): The role is based at the Fisher & Paykel Experience Center in Costa Mesa, California. This location is strategically chosen to serve the design community and affluent clientele in the Southern California region.
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: While client interactions are often one-on-one, the EC environment fosters collaboration with other sales staff, designers, and potentially visiting brand representatives. Team meetings and event preparations will require close teamwork.
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Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a well-equipped showroom with functional display products, presentation tools (screens, projectors), and a functional CRM system (Salesforce) for client management.
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Client Interaction Focus: The workspace is optimized for client engagement, product demonstrations, and design discussions, emphasizing a premium and comfortable experience for visitors.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, reflecting the operational needs of a design center that caters to professional appointments and client visits during business hours. Occasional evening events will require flexibility.
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a key differentiator. It's a premium, client-focused space that demands a high level of professionalism and presentation. The "on-site" nature is non-negotiable, as the core function is tied to the physical Experience Center.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A preliminary phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background in luxury sales and design.
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In-Depth Interview: A more comprehensive interview, likely with the hiring manager and potentially a senior sales colleague. This stage will delve into your sales methodology, design understanding, and experience with the A&D community.
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Experience Center Visit/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to visit the Costa Mesa Experience Center to get a feel for the environment. They might also be given a scenario or asked to prepare a brief presentation on a product or a design concept, demonstrating their ability to engage and inform.
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Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Sales) to confirm fit and discuss compensation and benefits.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on showcasing projects or roles that involved luxury sales, client relationship management with designers/architects, and product demonstration.
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Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success (e.g., "Increased SDA referrals by X%," "Managed Y client events with Z attendees," "Achieved X% of sales target").
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Showcase Design Acumen: Include examples of your design recommendations, understanding of spatial planning, or any projects where you influenced design outcomes. If you have design credentials, make them prominent.
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Demonstrate CRM Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, highlighting how you use them to manage client relationships and drive sales.
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Present a Consultative Approach: Frame your experience around understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions, rather than just transactional selling.
Challenge Preparation:
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Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like, "How would you handle a difficult client?" or "How would you approach a designer who primarily specifies competitor products?"
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Product Knowledge: Be ready to discuss your understanding of luxury appliances, their features, and how they compare to competitors. Research Fisher & Paykel's current product lines.
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Industry Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in kitchen and bath design, luxury home building, and the role of appliances in these spaces.
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Sales Strategy: Think about how you would develop and execute a strategy to engage the Costa Mesa A&D community and drive traffic to the Experience Center.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely test not only sales skills but also design sensibility and the ability to operate within a premium brand environment. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their value proposition clearly and demonstrate a deep understanding of the target audience.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Salesforce: Essential for customer relationship management, lead tracking, opportunity management, and database maintenance for Specifiers, Designers, and Architects (SDA). Proficiency in creating reports and dashboards for sales insights is highly beneficial.
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Microsoft Office Suite:
- Outlook: For professional communication, scheduling client meetings, and managing correspondence.
- Word: For drafting proposals, client communications, and internal reports.
- Excel: For data analysis, tracking sales performance, managing event budgets, and creating spreadsheets for client needs.
- PowerPoint: For creating compelling product presentations, training materials, and internal reports.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Salesforce Reports & Dashboards: To track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as leads generated, conversion rates, client engagement, and sales performance.
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Potentially BI Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with business intelligence tools for deeper data analysis could be advantageous.
CRM & Automation:
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Salesforce: As the core CRM, it likely handles much of the automation related to lead nurturing and follow-up reminders.
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Email Marketing Platforms: While not specified, knowledge of platforms used for event invitations or targeted client communications might be beneficial.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Salesforce is a critical requirement, underscoring the importance of data management and relationship tracking in this role. The Microsoft Office Suite is standard, but advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint will be key for presentations and data analysis.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to delivering an exceptional and personalized experience for every visitor, especially Specifiers, Designers, and Architects.
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Design Excellence: A passion for high-quality, innovative design and an appreciation for aesthetics, form, and function, mirroring Fisher & Paykel's brand ethos.
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Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with sales, marketing, and other internal teams to achieve collective goals and provide a seamless client journey.
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Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct, presentation, and communication at all times, reflecting the premium nature of the brand.
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Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning about new products, industry trends, and refining sales and client engagement techniques.
Collaboration Style:
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Partnership-Oriented: Working in tandem with broader sales teams to support their efforts in influencing design specifications.
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Client-Focused: Prioritizing client needs and providing tailored solutions, ensuring a positive and memorable experience.
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Team-Based Event Support: Collaborating on the planning and execution of Experience Center events, sharing responsibilities to ensure successful outcomes.
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Knowledge Sharing: Open to sharing insights on client interactions, market trends, and product feedback with colleagues and management.
📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of luxury brand service, design appreciation, and proactive sales engagement. Collaboration is key, as the Design Consultant acts as a vital touchpoint within a larger sales and marketing ecosystem.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Influencing the A&D Community: Building trust and credibility with designers and architects who often have established relationships with other brands and suppliers requires persistent effort and demonstrated value.
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Maintaining Luxury Standards: Consistently delivering a premium, white-glove experience in a high-traffic showroom environment demands meticulous attention to detail and strong operational oversight.
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Bridging Design and Sales: Effectively translating technical product features and design principles into compelling sales propositions that resonate with diverse client needs.
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Navigating Competitive Landscape: Staying informed about competitor offerings, pricing, and market strategies to effectively position Fisher & Paykel's unique value proposition.
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Event Management Demands: Balancing day-to-day client interactions with the planning and execution of events, which can be time-consuming and require significant coordination.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Product Expertise: Deepen knowledge of Fisher & Paykel's entire product line, including advanced features, design integration, and installation requirements.
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Industry Trend Immersion: Continuous learning about interior design, architectural trends, and innovations in the luxury home market through industry publications, events, and networking.
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Sales & Negotiation Skills: Opportunities to refine consultative selling techniques, negotiation strategies, and client management best practices.
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CRM & Data Analytics: Advanced training in Salesforce or other tools to leverage data for more effective client targeting and sales forecasting.
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Brand Storytelling: Developing enhanced skills in articulating the Fisher & Paykel brand narrative and its unique value proposition to various audiences.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow within a luxury brand and a specialized market. The challenges are typical of high-end sales and client relations, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the target audience.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your approach to building and maintaining relationships with Specifiers, Designers, and Architects (SDA)." (Focus on proactive engagement, value proposition, and long-term partnership building.)
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"How would you tailor a product presentation for an interior designer versus a kitchen and bath specialist?" (Demonstrate understanding of different audience needs and how to connect product features to their specific design goals.)
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"Walk me through a time you successfully influenced a design specification that led to a significant sale." (Use the STAR method to detail the situation, task, action, and result, highlighting your consultative and persuasive skills.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What attracts you to Fisher & Paykel's brand and its commitment to design?" (Research their brand philosophy, design awards, and unique selling propositions.)
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"How do you embody a customer-centric approach in a luxury retail or showroom environment?" (Provide examples of going above and beyond for clients.)
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"Describe your experience working with CRM systems like Salesforce. How do you use data to drive sales?" (Be ready to discuss specific functionalities and how you leverage data for insights and action.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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If asked to present, focus on 1-2 key examples that best represent your capabilities.
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Structure your presentation clearly: introduce the challenge/opportunity, outline your strategy/actions, and present the measurable results.
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Incorporate visual elements if possible (e.g., mood boards, design sketches, product images) to showcase design sensibility.
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Be prepared to discuss your process for client engagement, product knowledge acquisition, and relationship management.
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Emphasize how your contributions align with the goals of a luxury brand like Fisher & Paykel.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of sales expertise, design understanding, relationship management skills, and a genuine appreciation for the Fisher & Paykel brand. Candidates should be ready to articulate their successes using concrete examples and quantify their impact where possible.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Experience Center Design Consultant position:
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Submit your application through the provided Workday link: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Careers
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in luxury sales, interior design, architectural client relations, and CRM usage (especially Salesforce). Quantify achievements related to sales growth, client acquisition, and event success.
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Prepare Your Narrative: Develop concise stories using the STAR method to answer behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on consultative sales, relationship building, and client experience delivery.
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Research Fisher & Paykel: Understand their brand values, product differentiators, design philosophy, and recent innovations. Familiarize yourself with their product lines relevant to kitchen and bath design.
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Practice Your Presentation: If an interview challenge or portfolio presentation is requested, practice articulating your experience and design acumen clearly and concisely, focusing on the value you bring to a luxury brand.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires at least 2 years of experience in the appliance or building industry, specifically within luxury showroom sales. A degree in Marketing, Business, or Interior Design is preferred along with technical skills in reading floor plans.