50322 - DESIGN_CONSULTANT 8754 (CT/TX) at Bassett Furniture

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant
Company: Bassett Furniture
Location: The Woodlands, Texas, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market) - Retail Design & Sales
Date Posted: July 14, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales strategies within a retail showroom environment.
Cultivate and maintain long-term, high-value customer relationships by understanding and translating client needs into tangible design solutions.
Leverage a deep understanding of furniture construction, current design trends, and color/texture coordination to create compelling customer proposals.
Operate within a commission-based sales structure, focusing on exceeding sales targets and contributing to overall store performance metrics.
Actively participate in a dynamic retail sales team, embodying a positive, results-oriented approach to customer engagement and sales process execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while customer-facing and design-focused, has significant implications for Sales Operations and Go-To-Market strategy. The Design Consultant acts as a crucial touchpoint in the customer journey, directly impacting revenue generation and customer lifetime value. Their ability to effectively manage the sales cycle, utilize CRM tools (implied), and contribute to sales forecasting makes this role integral to sales operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, assessing their needs, style preferences, budget, and lifestyle to propose tailored furniture and design solutions.
Develop and present comprehensive design proposals, including mood boards, floor plans, and product selections, utilizing company-provided design tools and resources.
Drive sales performance by actively engaging customers, building rapport, and employing effective "relationship selling" techniques to close deals and maximize order value.
Manage the entire sales cycle from initial contact and needs assessment through to order placement, financing, and post-sale follow-up to foster customer loyalty.
Stay current with industry design trends, product knowledge, and merchandising standards to effectively advise clients and maintain an appealing showroom presentation.
Collaborate with store management and sales teams to achieve individual and store sales goals, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
Utilize CRM systems and sales enablement tools to track customer interactions, manage pipelines, and report on sales activities and performance metrics.
Engage customers through various channels, including in-store, virtual appointments, live chats, and home visits for makeovers, demonstrating adaptability to different customer engagement models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong sales process management and customer data utilization, aligning with Sales Operations functions. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "maximizing selling opportunities" points to the importance of customer lifecycle management and sales funnel optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related creative field is beneficial. Experience: 2-5 years of proven success in a sales-focused, customer-centric role, preferably within retail, furniture, or interior design environments. Experience in a commissioned sales structure is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated passion for interior design, color theory, and current home décor trends.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and foster long-term customer relationships.
Proven sales acumen and a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a commission-based environment.
Strong listening skills to accurately capture and translate customer needs into design solutions.
Proficiency in computer applications, including CRM systems, design software (or aptitude to learn), and general office productivity tools.
A positive, outgoing, and self-motivated personality with a professional image and demeanor.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as required by retail operations.
Willingness to travel to customer residences for in-home consultations and makeovers.

Preferred Skills:

Formal training or certification in Interior Design.
Experience with specific CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for customer management and sales tracking.
Familiarity with design visualization tools or CAD software.
Experience in handling both in-person and virtual client consultations.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate colors, textures, and materials effectively in design projects.
A proactive approach to client outreach and lead generation to build a personal client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills directly translate to sales process efficiency and customer engagement effectiveness, key metrics for Sales Operations. The preference for CRM experience and design software proficiency highlights the operational tools candidates should be familiar with.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse design projects, demonstrating a range of styles, room types, and client needs.
Include high-quality "before and after" imagery for at least 3 projects to illustrate transformative design capabilities.
Detail the client's initial brief, your design process, key decision points, and the final outcome for each project.
Present visual representations of color palettes, material selections, and furniture layouts.
Quantify results where possible, such as customer satisfaction ratings, increased sales value, or successful project completion within budget.

Process Documentation:

Be prepared to discuss your personal sales process, from lead qualification and needs assessment to proposal generation and closing techniques.
Articulate how you manage customer follow-up and nurture long-term relationships, including any systematic approaches you employ.
Explain how you would utilize a CRM system to track client interactions, manage sales pipelines, and identify cross-selling or up-selling opportunities.
Describe your approach to staying organized and managing multiple client projects simultaneously, highlighting any personal workflow optimization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role, the expectation for a portfolio and the ability to articulate personal sales processes and CRM utilization are critical for evaluating a candidate's operational efficiency and sales effectiveness, aligning with the principles of sales operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000 - $105,000. Top performers can earn up to $135,000 annually. This is a commission-based compensation structure with opportunities for bonuses.

Benefits:

Paid training program to develop product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Tuition assistance for continued education and professional development.
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.
Opportunity to work in a modern, state-of-the-art showroom.
Clear pathways for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: Full-time, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays as dictated by retail operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure is performance-driven, emphasizing the sales operations aspect of tracking and incentivizing revenue generation. The benefits package is comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and professional growth, which are key considerations for retention in sales and operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has been a trusted name in American furniture since 1902, known for quality craftsmanship and custom furniture solutions. The company focuses on blending traditional values with modern innovation in furniture retailing. Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint across the United States, employing a substantial number of individuals across manufacturing, logistics, and retail operations. Founded: 1902, providing a long-standing heritage and deep-rooted brand reputation in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

Design Consultants typically work within a retail store environment, reporting to a Store Manager or Showroom Manager.
They are part of a sales team that collaborates to achieve store-wide sales objectives.
Cross-functional collaboration may occur with design associates, delivery teams, and customer service departments to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Methodology:

The company emphasizes a "relationship selling" methodology, focusing on building long-term customer loyalty rather than transactional sales.
Data-driven insights are used to understand customer preferences and market trends, informing design recommendations and sales strategies.
Workflow optimization is encouraged through training and the use of company-provided tools to enhance efficiency in client consultations and sales processes.
A strong emphasis is placed on continuous learning and skill development, particularly in design and sales techniques.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on quality and customer relationships suggest a culture that values expertise and dedication. The retail environment implies a fast-paced, team-oriented atmosphere where individual performance directly impacts collective success, a common characteristic in GTM and Sales Operations environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the retail sales and design spectrum. It is a client-facing role with significant autonomy in managing client relationships and sales processes, serving as a foundation for a career in retail sales management, design leadership, or broader GTM roles. Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Store Manager or Showroom Manager. This provides direct oversight and mentorship from experienced retail leadership. Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's success directly impacts revenue generation, customer acquisition, and brand loyalty. Effective sales processes and customer relationship management by these consultants are critical for achieving sales targets and contributing to the overall financial health and market position of Bassett Furniture.

Growth Opportunities:

Sales Progression: Advancement to Senior Design Consultant, Sales Manager, or Showroom Manager positions, with increasing responsibility for team leadership and sales strategy.
Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design styles, product categories, or to earn Interior Design certification through company-sponsored programs.
Transferable Skills: Development of robust sales, negotiation, customer relationship management, and project management skills, applicable to various GTM and operations roles within the broader organization or industry.
Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into roles focused on visual merchandising, sales training, or even marketing support within the retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear career path within retail sales, with opportunities to develop skills directly relevant to sales operations and GTM functions like client management, pipeline development, and performance analysis.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Retail Showroom environment. The workspace is designed to be customer-friendly, showcasing a wide range of furniture products and design inspiration. Office Location(s): The specific showroom is located in The Woodlands, Texas. Bassett Furniture operates numerous showrooms across the United States.

Workspace Context:

The environment is highly collaborative, with sales and design teams working closely together to support customers and achieve store goals.
Access to a variety of design tools, product samples, and potentially digital design software is provided to aid in client consultations.
Customer interaction is a primary focus, requiring a proactive and engaging approach from all team members.
The pace can be varied, with busy periods requiring efficient multitasking and calm periods allowing for in-depth client work and skill development.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment, requiring availability to work weekends and holidays, which are typically peak selling times in retail. The schedule will be structured to ensure showroom coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail showroom setting emphasizes direct customer interaction and sales execution, which are core components of GTM strategy and the operational execution of sales plans.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Store Manager or Showroom Manager. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, sales approach, and customer service experience.
Portfolio Presentation: You will be expected to present your design portfolio, discussing your process, client interactions, and the outcomes of your projects. This is a critical step to demonstrate your design skills and sales acumen.
Role-Playing/Scenario: You might be asked to role-play a customer consultation scenario to assess your ability to engage, identify needs, and propose solutions.
Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a district manager or HR representative, focusing on cultural fit and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase diverse skills and successful outcomes. Quality over quantity.
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's problem, your proposed solution, the design process, and the measurable results (e.g., client satisfaction, sales value).
Highlight Process: Be ready to walk through your design methodology, from initial client contact and needs assessment to final implementation and follow-up. Emphasize how you translate customer wants into actionable design choices.
Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics such as sales revenue generated from a project, customer feedback scores, or efficiency gains in your design process.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Practice your presentation to be confident and concise.

Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's product lines, design styles, and brand positioning.
Prepare to discuss how you would approach a challenging client or a situation where customer needs conflict with design principles or budget.
Think about how you would leverage Bassett's "complimentary design service" as a tool for customer relationship building and sales enhancement.
Be ready to articulate your understanding of commissioned sales and how you motivate yourself to achieve targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and the ability to articulate sales processes and customer engagement strategies are key indicators of how the company assesses operational effectiveness and sales execution capabilities in candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CRM System: While not explicitly named, expect to use a Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) for managing leads, customer interactions, sales pipelines, and performance tracking. Proficiency or willingness to learn is essential.
Design Software/Tools: Bassett likely provides specific design visualization tools, sample libraries, and potentially CAD or 3D rendering software to assist with client presentations and space planning.
Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and inventory.
Communication Platforms: Email, internal messaging systems, and potentially video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams) for virtual appointments and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

Sales reports generated from the CRM and POS systems will be crucial for tracking personal performance and store metrics.
You may be expected to contribute to sales forecasts and performance reviews, requiring an understanding of key sales metrics.

CRM & Automation:

Effective use of the CRM is key to managing the "relationship selling" approach and ensuring consistent customer follow-up.
While direct automation might be limited for the consultant role, understanding how CRM data feeds into broader sales automation efforts is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reliance on CRM and potentially design visualization tools highlights the operational backbone supporting sales and design activities. Candidates with experience in these areas will find the role's operational aspects more familiar.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Customer-Centricity: A paramount value, focusing on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design expertise.
Results-Driven: A strong emphasis on achieving and exceeding sales targets, contributing to the company's financial success.
Team Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to support a positive showroom environment and achieve shared store objectives.
Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning in design trends, product knowledge, and sales techniques to enhance personal and team performance.
Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image, ethical conduct, and a positive, can-do attitude.

Collaboration Style:

Design Consultants are expected to be supportive team members, sharing insights and assisting colleagues when needed.
Collaboration involves sharing customer insights and best practices related to design and sales strategies.
Open communication with management regarding sales performance, customer feedback, and operational challenges is encouraged.
A culture of mutual respect and a shared commitment to the customer experience are foundational.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer-centricity and results-driven performance aligns with the core objectives of any GTM or Sales Operations function. Collaboration within a retail sales team is essential for executing sales strategies effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-only sales environment, requiring consistent high performance.
Client Needs vs. Budget: Balancing a client's desired aesthetic and functional needs with their budget constraints can be challenging, requiring creative problem-solving.
Market Competition: Differentiating Bassett's offerings and value proposition in a competitive furniture market.
Pace Management: Effectively managing time and priorities in a dynamic retail environment with varying customer traffic and consultation demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Interior Design Certification: Opportunity to gain professional Interior Design certification through Bassett's training programs, enhancing credibility and skill set.
Sales Skill Enhancement: Continuous development in consultative selling, negotiation, and closing techniques through internal training and coaching.
Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge of furniture construction, materials, and customization options to become a trusted advisor.
Career Advancement: Clear paths for promotion into leadership roles within Bassett's retail network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-performance sales roles, requiring strong self-management and problem-solving skills, which are also crucial in operations. The development opportunities focus on enhancing both design and sales operational capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your approach to understanding a client's unique style and needs during an initial consultation. How do you ensure you capture all essential details?" (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and documentation.)
"Walk me through a successful design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response highlighting your process, problem-solving, and client satisfaction.)
"How do you stay motivated and maintain high performance in a commission-based sales environment, especially during slower periods?" (Emphasize self-discipline, goal setting, client outreach, and continuous learning.)
"What is your experience with CRM systems? How have you used them to manage client relationships and drive sales?" (Be specific about any CRM you've used, focusing on data entry, pipeline management, and follow-up strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically, and how do you see yourself fitting into our company culture?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and mission. Connect your passion for design and customer service to their brand.)
"How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs or sales approach?" (Show a willingness to learn and adapt.)
"Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Concise Storytelling: For each project, limit your discussion to 2-3 minutes, focusing on the problem, solution, and results.
Visual Focus: Let your visuals do the talking, but be prepared to explain your design choices and the client interaction process.
Quantify Results: Whenever possible, mention sales figures, customer satisfaction scores, or project completion rates.
Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your workflow and how you manage multiple projects, showcasing your organizational skills.
Enthusiasm & Knowledge: Show genuine passion for design and a solid understanding of Bassett's product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: These preparation tips are designed to help candidates showcase not only their design talent but also their sales operational skills, including client management, process adherence, and results orientation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.
Tailor your resume: Highlight your sales achievements, customer relationship management experience, and any design-related skills or projects, using keywords from the job description like "interior design," "sales goals," "customer relationships," and "relationship selling."
Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your best design work, focusing on showcasing your process, client interaction, and quantifiable results. Ensure it's ready for digital or in-person presentation.
Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with their history, product lines, design aesthetic, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit effectively.
Practice your sales pitch and portfolio walkthrough: Be ready to confidently present your experience and design capabilities, demonstrating your ability to translate customer needs into successful sales outcomes.

⚠️ 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.

50322 - DESIGN_CONSULTANT 8754 (CT/TX)