Design Manager at Hudson's Furniture

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Hudson's Furniture

Location: Ormond Beach, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Interior Design / Retail Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-10T00:00:00

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Blend creative interior design principles with effective retail sales strategies to help clients achieve their home furnishing goals.
Focus on building strong, lasting relationships with clients to understand their unique design needs and preferences.
Curate personalized design solutions using Hudson's Furniture's extensive product collection, transforming houses into homes.
Drive business growth by consistently achieving and exceeding monthly sales targets through design expertise and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the description emphasizes sales goals and client interaction with no stated leadership responsibilities. This role appears to be focused on individual design sales performance within a retail environment, rather than managing a design team. The category has been updated to reflect this retail/interior design focus.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Meet and exceed monthly sales goals consistently by leveraging design skills and product knowledge.
Greet and engage clients with enthusiasm, creating a welcoming and positive shopping experience.
Develop and nurture long-term relationships with clients through personalized service and follow-up.
Undertake interior design projects, guiding clients through the selection process for furniture and decor.
Design unique and functional living spaces by expertly utilizing the company's wide range of furniture and accessories.
Conduct personalized home visits to better understand client spaces and tailor design recommendations effectively.
Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with clients, vendors, and internal team members.
Continuously expand knowledge of product inventory, design trends, and sales techniques.
Assist clients with order placement, tracking, and post-sale service to ensure satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the emphasis on sales metrics ("Crush Monthly Sales Goals") and direct client interaction, the core responsibilities are framed around a design-driven sales process common in furniture retail. The "Design Manager" title likely refers to managing individual design projects and client accounts, not a team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While a formal design degree is not explicitly required, a background or strong interest in interior design, visual merchandising, or a related creative field is beneficial. Training will be provided.

Experience: This role is open to candidates with limited or no prior experience. Experience in customer-facing roles such as retail, hospitality, or service industries is highly valued. A portfolio showcasing personal design projects or a demonstrated passion for design is a plus but not mandatory for initial consideration.

Required Skills:

Genuine passion for interior design and home furnishings.
Strong aptitude and enthusiasm for sales and achieving targets.
High level of energy and a proactive approach to client engagement.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
A client-centric mindset with a focus on understanding and meeting customer needs.
Exceptional attention to detail in design selections and client interactions.
Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects and clients.

Preferred Skills:

Previous experience in a retail or customer service environment.
Basic understanding of design principles, color theory, and space planning.
Familiarity with furniture styles and manufacturers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states "No experience? No problem!" and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. This suggests a strong emphasis on inherent traits like passion, energy, and relationship-building skills, with internal training provided for design and sales techniques. The experience level is set to entry-level accordingly.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While not strictly required for application, having examples of personal design projects, mood boards, or visual inspirations can demonstrate your passion and potential during the interview process. Focus on showcasing your aesthetic sense and ability to visualize spaces.
If you have completed any design-related coursework or personal projects, be prepared to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
Visuals demonstrating an understanding of color palettes, furniture arrangement, and decor selection will be valuable.
Be ready to articulate your design style and how you approach creating cohesive and functional spaces.

Process Documentation:

For candidates with prior design experience, be prepared to discuss your process, including how you gather client requirements, approach ideation, and select furnishings.
Explain how you would approach understanding a client's lifestyle and preferences to inform design choices.
Discuss your methods for ensuring design solutions meet both aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and emphasis on training, a formal, structured design portfolio is not a hard requirement. The focus is on demonstrating a genuine passion for design and the potential to learn and apply design principles in a retail context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their creative interests and any personal design endeavors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on research for entry-level retail design/sales roles in the Ormond Beach, Florida area, a typical salary range is estimated to be between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, plus a lucrative commission package. The actual compensation will vary based on individual sales performance and the specific commission structure offered by Hudson's Furniture.

Benefits:

Competitive Base Pay supplemented by a Lucrative Commission Package based on sales performance.
Paid Vacation Time to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
Fantastic Employee Discount Package on Hudson's Furniture products, allowing staff to furnish their own homes.
Affordable Health Insurance Plans to provide essential medical coverage.
Low-cost Dental and Vision insurance options for comprehensive health benefits.
Commitment to Stellar Work-Life Balance, although the demands of a sales role may require flexibility.
Company-Matched 401k Plan to support long-term financial planning and retirement savings.

Working Hours: Full-time standard working hours, which in a retail environment typically include weekends and some evenings to align with customer traffic patterns. The specific schedule will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified geographic area (Ormond Beach, FL) and the noted entry-level nature of the position combined with a commission structure. This estimate does not guarantee a specific salary and is provided for informational purposes based on design industry compensation trends in retail environments.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing & Retail. Hudson's Furniture operates within the retail sector, focusing on providing home furnishings directly to consumers. The industry is competitive and relies heavily on design appeal, customer service, and effective sales strategies.

Company Size: 201-500 employees (LinkedIn data). This size suggests a well-established company with structured processes but potentially still offering a close-knit team environment within individual store locations.

Founded: 1982 (LinkedIn data). With over 40 years in business, Hudson's Furniture has a long history and established presence in the market, indicating stability and experience in the furniture retail sector.

Team Structure:

The "Design Manager" in this context appears to function as an individual contributor within a sales team, focused on their own client base and sales goals.
You will likely report to a Store Manager or a Sales Manager.
Collaboration will be essential with other sales associates, store staff, and potentially delivery and customer service teams.

Methodology:

The core methodology will likely involve a client-centered sales approach, starting with understanding customer needs and preferences.
Utilizing product knowledge and design principles to recommend suitable furniture and decor.
Employing visual merchandising skills within the showroom and potentially through home visits to help clients visualize solutions.
Focusing on closing sales and building long-term customer relationships.

Company Website: http://www.hudsonsfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided LinkedIn data. The interpretation of the "Design Manager" role within this context is based on the job description's strong emphasis on sales and individual client interaction, which is typical for design-focused roles in furniture retail.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is structured as an entry-level role, focusing on developing foundational skills in design application within a sales context and building a client base. It offers a pathway into the retail design and sales industry.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Store Manager or Sales Manager who oversees the performance of the sales team within the store location.

Design Impact: Your primary design impact will be on individual client's homes, helping them create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces using Hudson's products. Success in this role directly contributes to the store's overall sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement within the sales structure, potentially moving into senior sales roles or leadership positions within the store.
Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design styles, product categories, or sales techniques through ongoing training.
Potential for increased earning potential through consistent high sales performance and commission structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path analysis is based on the entry-level nature of the role and the typical structure of retail organizations. Growth within this specific role would likely be tied to sales performance and potentially moving into more senior sales or management positions within the retail environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: This role is based in a retail showroom environment. The workspace is the furniture store itself, designed to showcase products and provide a space for client consultations.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Hudson's Furniture store in Ormond Beach, Florida. Accessibility will depend on the specific store location and local transportation options.

Design Workspace Context:

Your workspace will be the showroom floor, interacting directly with clients amidst furniture displays.
Access to product catalogs, design software (if used), and potentially dedicated consultation areas within the showroom.
Opportunities for spontaneous design discussions and collaboration with colleagues on the sales floor.

Work Schedule: As a full-time position in a retail environment, the work schedule will involve regular business hours, including weekends and potentially some evenings to accommodate customer shopping patterns. The specific schedule will be determined by the store management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the typical setting for a design-focused sales role within a furniture retail company. The emphasis is on the showroom floor as the primary workspace and the need to align schedules with retail operating hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening interview, likely focusing on your passion for design, communication skills, and enthusiasm for sales. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in this specific role and company.
Subsequent interviews may involve meeting with the Store Manager or other senior staff. These discussions might delve into your personality, work ethic, and ability to build relationships.
While a formal portfolio review isn't explicitly mentioned as required, be prepared to discuss any personal design projects or experiences that showcase your creative interests and potential.
You may be asked situational questions related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and handling sales scenarios.

Portfolio Review Tips:

If you choose to bring a portfolio or examples of your work, focus on showcasing your eye for design, understanding of aesthetics, and ability to visualize spaces.
Include examples of personal projects, mood boards, or even photos of spaces you have designed or styled.
Be ready to explain your design choices and the thought process behind them, even for personal projects.

Challenge Preparation:

While a formal design challenge isn't explicitly mentioned, you might be asked to walk through a hypothetical client scenario and describe how you would approach helping them find furniture solutions.
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a client with specific design needs or budget constraints.
Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and apply creative problem-solving to design-related situations.

ATS Keywords: Interior Design, Retail Design, Furniture Sales, Client Relationships, Customer Service, Sales Goals, Time Management, Attention to Detail, Space Planning, Home Furnishings, Decor, Visual Merchandising, Client Consultation, Relationship Building, Passion for Design, Energy, Communication Skills, Sales Techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process details are inferred based on the entry-level nature of the role and typical hiring practices for retail positions emphasizing sales and customer interaction. The focus is on assessing personality, enthusiasm, and foundational skills rather than extensive prior experience or a formal design portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

While not explicitly stated, you will likely utilize internal systems or software for inventory management, sales processing, and potentially basic space planning or visualization tools provided by the company.
Familiarity with digital tools for creating mood boards or presentations (e.g., Pinterest, basic presentation software) could be beneficial but is likely not a strict requirement.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Communication tools for coordinating with colleagues and management (e.g., email, internal messaging systems).
Sales order processing systems for documenting client purchases and specifications.

Research & Testing:

Access to product catalogs and information databases to research furniture options and specifications.
Potentially access to customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track client interactions and preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology mentioned are inferences based on the typical operational needs of a furniture retail environment with a design sales component. Specific software will likely be proprietary to Hudson's Furniture, and training will be provided.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

A core value is likely centered around helping clients "Turn Houses Into Homes," emphasizing creating comfortable and personalized living spaces.
Emphasis on providing exceptional customer service throughout the design and sales process.
Valuing a passion for design and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others achieve their design goals.
Likely a focus on teamwork and supporting colleagues within the store environment.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration will primarily occur within the store team, coordinating on customer needs, product availability, and sales strategies.
Open communication and a willingness to help colleagues are likely valued.
Interaction with other departments like delivery and customer service will be necessary to ensure a smooth client experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The insights into team culture and values are based on the company slogan ("Turning Houses Into Homes"), the emphasis on client relationships in the job description, and the nature of a retail environment. The focus is on a collaborative, customer-centric approach within the store team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing creative design recommendations with client budgets and product availability.
Staying updated on current furniture trends and product knowledge across a vast inventory.
Effectively communicating design ideas and solutions to a diverse range of clients.
Managing multiple client projects and inquiries simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Comprehensive training provided by Hudson's Furniture on product knowledge, sales techniques, and potentially basic design principles.
On-the-job learning through client interactions and working with experienced colleagues.
Opportunities to develop strong sales and relationship-building skills, which are transferable across industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a retail design sales role, focusing on the practical aspects of selling furniture through a design-led approach and the opportunities for skill development within that framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your personal interest in design and what inspires you.
If you have any experience helping friends or family with design choices, be ready to share those experiences and your approach.
Think about how you would approach understanding a client's style and needs for their home.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Hudson's Furniture and be prepared to explain why you are interested in working specifically for them.
Discuss how your personality and work style align with a customer-facing, team-oriented environment.
Be ready to talk about your motivation for achieving goals, particularly in a sales context.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

While not mandatory, if you choose to share personal design examples, keep them concise and focus on explaining your creative vision and problem-solving approach.
Be enthusiastic when discussing your design interests and how you envision applying them in this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to an entry-level retail design sales role, emphasizing demonstrating passion, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills over extensive technical design expertise or a formal portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Craft a resume that highlights any customer-facing experience, your passion for design, and transferable skills like communication, attention to detail, and time management.
Prepare to discuss your interest in both design and sales during the interview process, emphasizing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Research Hudson's Furniture to understand their brand, product offerings, and target customer base.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Design Manager