700 - Designers - RE-Associate Design Consultant at Ethan Allen Global Inc

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 700 - Designers - RE-Associate Design Consultant Company: Ethan Allen Global Inc Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support Date Posted: August 20, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (with a clear growth path to Design Consultant) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This entry-level role is designed to cultivate talent into a full Design Consultant within six months, focusing on developing core interior design and sales competencies.
The Associate Design Consultant will gain hands-on experience with Ethan Allen's proprietary technology and extensive product catalog, crucial for successful GTM operations and client engagement.
Key responsibilities include supporting senior Design Consultants, managing client interactions, and facilitating sales transactions to drive revenue growth within the Design Center.
The position emphasizes a strong customer-centric approach, involving client education on services, product offerings, and financing options to enhance the overall customer journey and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "RE-Associate Design Consultant" title and the explicit 6-month transition period strongly indicate a structured training and development program. This role is a feeder for the core Design Consultant position, requiring a focus on learning, support, and eventual independent client management within a retail operations context. The emphasis on technology and product knowledge positions it within the broader GTM operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Greet and engage customers professionally, establishing rapport and offering initial assistance, including limited design consultations and direct sales of accent pieces.
Support assigned Design Consultants with comprehensive project development, which may include attending client home consultations, creating space plans, selecting products, preparing detailed quotes, and assisting with client presentations.
Educate prospective and existing clients on Ethan Allen's complimentary interior design services, tailoring the level of service to individual client needs and preferences.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current design trends, color palettes, and product innovations to provide fashionable and effective design solutions.
Introduce qualified prospects to Design Consultants, utilizing an established rotation system, by highlighting the consultant's expertise and scheduling appointments or home consultations.
Process sales orders and prepare customer quotes accurately using the retail point-of-sale (POS) system and other internal technologies.
Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients regarding appointments, order status updates, and any potential delays.
Participate actively in all corporate-sponsored marketing initiatives and mandatory training programs to enhance skills and product knowledge.
Educate customers on various financing options available through Ethan Allen to facilitate purchasing decisions and improve sales conversion rates.
Leverage corporate systems and technology to optimize efficiency in project design, presentation creation, and overall customer service delivery.
Operate the Design Center's information desk, managing incoming calls, providing customer service, and administering the client rotation system.
Provide essential support to the visual merchandising team by assisting with inventory replenishment on the showroom floor and receiving new inventory, including necessary bar-coding and tagging.
Assist in the daily maintenance and presentation of floor displays, ensuring a neat, orderly, and visually appealing Design Center environment.
Provide clerical support to Design Consultants, including maintaining organized client files, updating price pages, and processing follow-up correspondence.
Deliver exceptional post-sale service by proactively communicating order status and managing any client concerns or issues promptly.
Update and maintain master and design center price pages, product books, and fabric swatch samples to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
Order and distribute memo fabric swatches for Design Consultants' clients, ensuring timely delivery and organization.
Perform other duties as assigned, including working overtime as needed to meet business demands.
(Location-dependent) Reconcile cash transactions, deposits, and credit card payments, ensuring accuracy in ledger recording and managing petty cash.
(Location-dependent) Follow up on clerical orders and address any order delays to ensure timely and appropriate service for clients and staff.
(Location-dependent) Process merchandise returns and cancellations according to company procedures.
(Location-dependent) Facilitate communication and coordination between the service center and design center staff.
(Location-dependent) Review and manage open order reports and workroom logs, communicating updates to design teams as necessary.
(Location-dependent) Handle incoming customer inquiries, research issues, and resolve them in line with company guidelines, identifying recurring problems to inform process improvements.
(Location-dependent) Manage customer service requests, forwarding relevant information to the Customer Service Department and identifying unrecorded sales to prevent future occurrences.
(Location-dependent) Identify and process custom orders for soft goods and non-Ethan Allen products by forwarding necessary documentation for order entry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of specific responsibilities, particularly the location-dependent ones, highlights the operational breadth expected even from an "Associate" role. For an operations-focused applicant, understanding how to manage these diverse tasks, especially those involving financial reconciliation and customer service issue resolution, is critical. The emphasis on "support" and "learning" within these responsibilities frames the role as an operational apprenticeship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interior Design or a closely related field from an accredited institution. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding design principles and client needs within the furniture industry.

Experience:

Previous internship experience within a professional design firm or a design-retail organization is highly valued, providing foundational exposure to industry practices.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in retail sales is preferred, demonstrating a proven ability to engage customers, manage transactions, and drive sales performance.

Required Skills:

Interior Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of design principles, color theory, space planning, and furniture selection, essential for supporting client projects and developing design solutions.
Retail Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, identify needs, present solutions, and close sales, with a focus on consultative selling.
Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client experiences, managing inquiries, and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
Technology Proficiency: Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize proprietary POS systems, design software (e.g., space planning tools, rendering software), and CRM platforms.
Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, maintain detailed records, and ensure accuracy in all administrative and sales support functions.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for client interactions, team collaboration, and professional correspondence.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Capacity to work effectively with senior Design Consultants, management, and cross-functional teams to achieve collective goals.
Professionalism & Presentation: A stylish and professional appearance, coupled with a high-energy, positive attitude and a demonstrable desire to learn and grow within the business.
Adaptability: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the retail schedule and incentive plan.
Valid Driver's License: Possession of a valid driver's license is required, unless a suitable alternative transportation arrangement can be established with the company.

Preferred Skills:

Client Relationship Management: Experience in building and nurturing long-term client relationships to foster repeat business and loyalty.
Project Management Support: Familiarity with supporting the lifecycle of design projects, from initial client contact through final delivery and follow-up.
Trend Awareness: Proactive engagement with industry publications and trends to stay current on design and color advancements.
Financial Acumen: Basic understanding of sales processes, order entry, and potentially cash handling or reconciliation procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or a related field, combined with retail sales experience, positions this role as requiring a blend of creative and commercial skills. For operations professionals, understanding how design support translates into sales performance and requires efficient process execution is key. The "high energy" and "desire to learn" requirements point to a need for candidates who are proactive in skill development and process adoption.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Design Project Showcase: A curated selection of past design projects (internships or academic work) demonstrating space planning, product selection, and client presentation skills.
Client Interaction Examples: Evidence of customer service or sales support activities, highlighting communication skills and problem-solving approaches.
Process Documentation Samples: If available, include examples of how you've documented design processes, managed project timelines, or organized client information.
Technology Application: While not a traditional portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your experience with design software, POS systems, or CRM tools and how you apply technology to enhance efficiency.

Process Documentation:

Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of organized processes for client management, from initial contact through order fulfillment.
Familiarity with workflow design for project development, including steps for space planning, quote generation, and client communication, is beneficial.
An appreciation for how to measure the effectiveness of design support processes (e.g., client satisfaction, sales conversion rates) will be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, the expectation of a portfolio, even if it comprises academic or internship work, signals that Ethan Allen values candidates who can showcase their skills and processes. For operations-minded individuals, focusing on the organization, efficiency, and client-centricity aspects of any past projects will be crucial during the application and interview stages.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The hourly rate for this position ranges from an estimated $15.00 to $20.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
In addition to the hourly rate, the Associate Design Consultant is eligible to earn a monthly incentive, likely tied to sales performance metrics and client engagement goals.

Benefits:

Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer contributions, offering a valuable long-term financial benefit.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical plans with prescription drug coverage, a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions, and a Dental Plan and Vision Plan.
Insurance: Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, with options for Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance and Dependent Group Term Life Insurance.
Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage to provide financial security during periods of absence.
Additional Insurance: Options for Voluntary Whole Life Insurance, Voluntary Critical Care Insurance, and Voluntary Accident Insurance, allowing for personalized coverage.
Work-Life Support: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Health Care and Dependent Care, and Commuter Saving Plans for Public Transit & Parking, promoting financial flexibility.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential support services for personal and work-related issues.

Working Hours:

The role typically requires a 40-hour work week.
Flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, aligning with the retail industry's operational demands and peak business periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of an hourly rate plus incentive aligns with typical retail sales support roles. The extensive list of benefits suggests Ethan Allen invests in its employees' overall well-being, which is a positive factor for long-term career stability. The requirement to work weekends and holidays is standard for retail operations but crucial for candidates to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture & Home Furnishings Retail, Interior Design Services. Ethan Allen operates as a premium brand, emphasizing quality craftsmanship, American-made products, and a high-touch customer experience. Company Size: Ethan Allen Global Inc. is a publicly traded company with a significant national and international presence, indicating a structured corporate environment with established operational protocols. The company size suggests ample resources and opportunities for professional development. Founded: 1932. With over 90 years of profitable operation, Ethan Allen has a long-standing reputation for quality, durability, and customer service, providing a stable foundation for its employees.

Team Structure:

The Associate Design Consultant will work within a Design Center, likely reporting to a Design Center Manager or a senior Design Consultant.
The immediate team will consist of other Design Consultants, potentially an Operations Associate (OA) or Showroom Assistant, and possibly a Visual Merchandiser.
Collaboration is expected with Design Consultants on client projects, administrative staff for order processing, and potentially warehouse or delivery teams for logistical coordination.

Methodology:

Client-Centric Approach: The core methodology revolves around understanding and fulfilling client needs through personalized interior design services and high-quality products.
Data-Driven Sales Support: Utilizing CRM systems and sales data to track client interactions, manage leads, and inform sales strategies.
Process Standardization: Adherence to established procedures for sales transactions, order entry, client communication, and showroom maintenance to ensure consistent service delivery.
Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing training on product lines, design trends, and technology to maintain expertise and enhance service offerings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethan Allen's long history and recognition as a top furniture retailer underscore a culture that values tradition, craftsmanship, and customer loyalty. For an operations role, this implies a need for attention to detail, process adherence, and a commitment to maintaining brand standards. The emphasis on "complementary interior design service" positions the role as a key touchpoint in the customer journey, requiring strong interpersonal and support skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level or developmental position within the retail operations and client services hierarchy. It serves as a foundational step, with a clear trajectory towards a more independent and revenue-generating role as a Design Consultant. Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Consultant will likely report directly to a Design Center Manager or a Lead Design Consultant who oversees training and performance. This structure provides direct mentorship and performance feedback. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the Design Center's operational efficiency and sales performance by supporting senior consultants, managing client flow, and contributing to sales transactions. Positive performance in this role is critical for client satisfaction and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

Promotion to Design Consultant: The primary growth path involves successfully transitioning to a Design Consultant role within the initial 6-month training period, taking on independent client management and sales responsibilities.
Skill Specialization: Opportunities to develop specialized skills in areas like space planning software, custom order management, or client relationship building, which can lead to advanced roles.
Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and commitment, there may be opportunities for advancement into leadership positions such as Lead Design Consultant, Assistant Manager, or Design Center Manager within the Ethan Allen network.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to visual merchandising, inventory management, and customer service operations, broadening operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit 6-month training period for promotion to Design Consultant is a significant growth indicator. Operations professionals should view this as an opportunity to prove their capabilities in a structured environment, with a clear path for career advancement based on performance and skill acquisition. The emphasis on both sales and operational support highlights the dual nature of growth within this retail context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a retail showroom or Design Center, characterized by a professional, customer-facing setting. It will feature product displays, design consultation areas, and potentially administrative workspaces. Office Location(s): Ann Arbor, Michigan. This specific location will influence the local market dynamics and customer base.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Showroom: The workspace is designed for client interaction and collaboration, requiring a professional demeanor and the ability to work effectively in a shared space with colleagues.
Technology Integration: Access to Ethan Allen's proprietary technology, including POS systems, design software, and potentially client management tools, will be integral to daily tasks.
Client Engagement Focus: The environment is geared towards creating a positive and inspiring experience for clients, emphasizing presentation, aesthetics, and personalized service.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.
Flexibility is essential, as the role requires working evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate customer traffic and business needs, typical of the retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail showroom environment requires a different operational skillset than a traditional office setting. For operations candidates, adaptability to customer-facing roles, managing showroom aesthetics, and adhering to retail hours are key considerations. The integration of technology within this dynamic space is central to operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of the resume and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
In-Person Interview: Likely to involve an interview with the Design Center Manager or a senior team member. This stage will focus on assessing personality, cultural fit, communication skills, and basic understanding of design and sales principles.
Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design-related task, such as creating a simple mood board, space plan, or responding to a customer scenario, to evaluate practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Portfolio Presentation: If a portfolio is submitted, candidates may be asked to walk through selected projects, explaining their design process, rationale, and outcomes.
Final Interview: Potentially with regional management or HR, focusing on career aspirations, long-term potential, and suitability for the company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate skills directly applicable to interior design support, client interaction, and sales assistance.
Highlight Process: For each project, clearly outline your role, the steps you took, the tools you used, and the final outcome. Emphasize efficiency and problem-solving.
Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., improved client satisfaction scores, contribution to sales targets, efficiency gains in workflow).
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.
Tailor to Ethan Allen: Research Ethan Allen's brand aesthetic and client base to align your portfolio's presentation and content with their values and style.

Challenge Preparation:

Design Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios involving client consultations, product recommendations, or resolving customer issues. Practice articulating your thought process clearly.
Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Ethan Allen's product lines, materials, and customization options. While not expected to be an expert initially, showing initiative in learning is key.
Sales Process: Understand the basics of consultative selling and how to support a sales cycle, from lead generation to closing.
Operational Efficiency: Think about how you would manage tasks, prioritize workload, and ensure accuracy in a retail support role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role blends traditional retail sales assessment with a focus on design aptitude and operational support. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate both their creative potential and their ability to execute tasks efficiently and professionally within a structured sales environment. The portfolio, even for an entry-level role, is a critical tool for showcasing relevant skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Point of Sale (POS) System: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard system for processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and handling payments. Proficiency in order entry and transaction management is key.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: Used for tracking client interactions, managing leads, scheduling appointments, and maintaining client history. Salesforce or a similar platform is probable.
Design Software: Tools for space planning (e.g., AutoCAD LT, SketchUp), rendering, and creating client presentations (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, proprietary visualization tools).
Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general administrative tasks, email communication, spreadsheet management (Excel), and document creation (Word).

Analytics & Reporting:

While the Associate Design Consultant may not directly produce complex reports, they will likely interact with data generated by POS and CRM systems. Understanding basic reporting concepts related to sales, client activity, and inventory is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

Familiarity with CRM principles for client data management and lead nurturing is important.
Any exposure to workflow automation tools or processes that streamline sales support tasks would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on proprietary systems and design software highlights the need for candidates to be adaptable and quick learners regarding technology. For an operations professional, understanding how these tools integrate to support the sales cycle and client management is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Client Focus: A paramount value centered on delivering exceptional service and exceeding customer expectations throughout the design and purchasing process.
Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and mutual support among Design Consultants and support staff to achieve collective success.
Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Ethan Allen's long-standing reputation for high-quality, well-crafted products and design solutions.
Integrity: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all client and internal interactions.
Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, skill development, and process enhancement to drive personal and organizational growth.
Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct, appearance, and communication in all aspects of the role.

Collaboration Style:

Supportive Teamwork: Expect a collaborative environment where team members assist each other, particularly in supporting senior Design Consultants and ensuring smooth showroom operations.
Open Communication: Encouraging clear and consistent communication regarding client needs, project updates, and operational matters.
Shared Responsibility: A collective approach to maintaining the showroom's appearance, managing client flow, and contributing to the overall success of the Design Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethan Allen's values emphasize a blend of customer service excellence, product quality, and teamwork. Operations candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these core principles, particularly in how they contribute to a positive client experience and support team objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Support and Learning: Effectively managing the dual responsibility of assisting senior consultants while actively learning new skills and product knowledge within a tight 6-month timeframe.
Customer Expectations Management: Handling diverse client needs and sometimes demanding expectations in a fast-paced retail environment.
Sales Pressure: Adapting to performance-based incentives and contributing to sales targets, even in a supportive role.
Learning Curve: Mastering proprietary software, a vast product catalog, and design processes requires dedication and efficient learning strategies.
Retail Schedule Demands: Adapting to non-traditional work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Structured Training Program: Direct mentorship and training from experienced Design Consultants and management provide a robust learning environment.
Product Knowledge Immersion: Extensive resources and opportunities to learn about Ethan Allen's extensive product lines, materials, and customization options.
Sales & Design Skill Enhancement: Developing consultative selling techniques, space planning abilities, and client presentation skills.
Technology Proficiency: Gaining expertise in industry-specific design and sales support software.
Career Advancement: A clear pathway for promotion to a Design Consultant role, with potential for future growth within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the concentrated 6-month period to prove readiness for promotion. Operations professionals should highlight their ability to learn quickly, manage multiple tasks efficiently, and demonstrate a proactive approach to skill development to overcome these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Operations & Efficiency: "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on organizational skills and process.)
Client Support: "Imagine a scenario where a Design Consultant is unavailable, and a key client arrives. How would you engage them, what information would you gather, and how would you ensure a positive experience?" (Assess customer service and initiative.)
Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered a challenge with a process or system. How did you approach finding a solution?" (Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.)
Learning Aptitude: "This role requires learning a significant amount about our products and technology quickly. How do you typically approach learning new information or systems?" (Highlight learning strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

Brand Alignment: "Why are you interested in Ethan Allen specifically, and how do you see yourself fitting into our brand and culture?" (Research the company's values and history.)
Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to team success." (Focus on collaboration and support.)
Growth Mindset: "What are your career aspirations, and how do you see this Associate Design Consultant role helping you achieve them?" (Show ambition and alignment with the company's growth path.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight Process, Not Just Product: For each project, explain your workflow, decision-making process, and how you managed the project from start to finish.
Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics related to client satisfaction, efficiency gains, or contributions to sales.
Showcase Key Skills: Ensure your selected projects clearly demonstrate design, communication, organizational, and technical skills relevant to the role.
Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges faced, and lessons learned during each project.
Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples that align with Ethan Allen's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not only design and sales aptitude but also operational efficiency, organizational skills, and a proactive learning approach. Demonstrating how you can support the team and contribute to the smooth running of the Design Center will be as important as creative flair.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in retail sales, customer service, interior design assistance, and any exposure to POS systems or design software. Use keywords from the job description, focusing on organizational skills, client interaction, and sales support.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of academic projects, internships, or previous work that showcase your design skills, organizational abilities, and client interaction experience. Focus on demonstrating process and efficiency.
Research Ethan Allen: Familiarize yourself with the company's history, brand aesthetic, product lines, and commitment to interior design services. Understand their market position and target clientele.
Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral questions focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, customer service, and your approach to learning new systems and processes. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and career aspirations.

⚠️ 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.

700 - Designers - RE-Associate Design Consultant