700 - Designers - RE-Design Consultant - (NE)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 700 - Designers - RE-Design Consultant - (NE)
Company: Ethan Allen Global Inc
Location: Natick, Massachusetts, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales / Retail / Interior Design
Date Posted: September 27, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and client engagement by providing expert interior design solutions within a retail environment.
• Develop and present comprehensive design plans, including space planning, fabric coordination, and product selection, to meet client needs and budgets.
• Leverage digital tools and social media platforms for business development, client acquisition, and brand promotion.
• Collaborate with a design team to ensure exceptional customer service throughout the sales cycle and beyond.
• Contribute to the growth and success of the design center through individual performance and team initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally a sales position within the interior design sector, requiring a blend of creative design expertise and strong client relationship management. The emphasis on "Design Consultant" highlights a consultative sales approach, where understanding client needs and translating them into tangible design solutions is paramount to achieving sales targets. The "RE-Design Consultant" title suggests an opportunity to engage with existing clients or those seeking to refresh their spaces, implying a focus on repeat business and building long-term client loyalty.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and present personalized interior design solutions, including space planning, fabric coordination, and product selection, tailored to customer preferences and budgetary constraints.
• Actively engage with customers in the design center, remotely, or in their homes to understand their design needs and propose Ethan Allen products and services.
• Achieve and exceed minimum monthly sales targets and other key performance benchmarks, such as home calls, accent sales, soft goods sales, and close ratios.
• Utilize grassroots marketing strategies and actively manage social media platforms (blogs, micro-blogs, content sharing sites) to promote the Ethan Allen brand and develop a robust book of business.
• Educate clients on Ethan Allen's complimentary interior design services, custom furniture options, and available financing solutions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the brand's offerings.
• Stay abreast of current interior design and color trends to offer fashionable and relevant design recommendations.
• Proactively manage customer communication regarding order status, potential delays, and post-sale follow-up to ensure a superior customer experience.
• Participate in all corporate-sponsored marketing initiatives and mandatory training programs to enhance product knowledge and sales skills.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the design center's portfolio, showcasing successful client projects and design capabilities.
• Leverage corporate systems and technology, including 3D Room Planners and CRM tools, to optimize project design, enhance client presentations, and foster productive client relationships.
• Accurately enter customer orders using the retail point-of-sale system, ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Maintain a neat, organized, and visually appealing design center environment, contributing to an inspiring customer experience.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader and fellow Design Consultants to develop and execute business and marketing plans aimed at expanding market reach and exceeding sales goals.
• Actively utilize interactive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to visualize design concepts for clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a sales-driven role with a strong emphasis on client interaction and relationship building. The inclusion of "Grassroots marketing and a variety of social media platforms" indicates a need for proactive business development beyond traditional retail foot traffic. The performance metrics (Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, Accent Sales, Softgood Sales, Be-Backs, PI, Close Ratio, Ethan Allen Trade Program) are critical for candidates to understand how their success will be measured.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of practical interior design experience.
• Proven experience in sales, with a focus on consultative selling and relationship building, is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Broad knowledge of interior design principles, aesthetics, and current trends.
• Effective sales techniques and a proven ability to close sales.
• Excellent listening skills with strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) and client interaction.
• Ability to develop and present comprehensive design solutions, including space planning and product selection.
• Familiarity with digital tools for design, presentation, and order entry.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to support the design center's overall success.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and design methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using 3D Room Planner software and other digital visualization tools.
• Familiarity with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for design presentations.
• Demonstrated success in utilizing social media and grassroots marketing to build a client base.
• Knowledge of fabric coordination and selection.
• Experience with corporate-sponsored financing options.
• A valid driver's license is typically required for in-home consultations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent, interpersonal abilities, and sales acumen. The "Broad knowledge of interior design" suggests a need for a solid foundation, while "effective sales techniques" highlights the commission-based nature of the role. The preference for 3D applications, AR, and VR indicates a company that is investing in modern sales and visualization technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse client projects demonstrating a range of design styles and complexities.
• Highlight projects that involved space planning, fabric coordination, and full product selection to illustrate comprehensive design capabilities.
• Include examples of how you translated client needs and budgets into successful design solutions, emphasizing problem-solving and creativity.
• Present projects that demonstrate your ability to utilize digital tools or visualization software in the design process.
• For each project, clearly articulate the client's initial challenge, your design approach, the selected Ethan Allen products, and the final outcome, ideally with client testimonials if available.

Process Documentation:

• Document your typical client engagement process from initial contact to post-sale follow-up, detailing key touchpoints and communication strategies.
• Illustrate your methodology for conducting in-home consultations, including assessment of space, lighting, and existing décor.
• Outline your approach to presenting design proposals, including the use of mood boards, material samples, and digital visualizations.
• Demonstrate how you manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and ensuring timely delivery.
• Provide examples of how you have used CRM or other systems to track client interactions, manage leads, and nurture relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement," the core duties and desired skills strongly imply the need for candidates to present tangible evidence of their design and sales capabilities. This section infers what a strong portfolio for this type of role would entail, focusing on demonstrating the blend of design creativity and sales effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Recoverable Draw: Typically ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 annually, based on written sales. This represents a base earning potential that is recouped through commissions.
• Potential Average Income: $70,000 - $115,000 per year for experienced Design Consultants.
• Top Performers: Potential to earn $200,000 per year or more.

Benefits:

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Health & Wellness:
  • Multiple Medical Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
  • Dental Plan.
  • Vision Plan.
• Insurance:
  • Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).
  • Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance.
  • Dependent Group Term Life Insurance.
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Business Travel Accident Life Insurance.
• Financial Well-being:
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Health Care and Dependent Care.
  • Commuter Saving Plans for Public Transit & Parking.
  • Voluntary Whole Life Insurance.
  • Voluntary Critical Care Insurance.
  • Voluntary Accident Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours:

• This is a Full-Time position, generally expected to align with retail operating hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility required to meet client needs and sales demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, with a recoverable draw providing a baseline. The salary ranges provided reflect potential earnings, with top performers achieving significant income. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering multiple aspects of employee well-being and financial security, standard for a full-time role at a company of Ethan Allen's size and history.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings & Interior Design Retail. Ethan Allen is recognized as a leading interior design destination, blending technology with personalized service. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Ethan Allen Global Inc. is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint and manufacturing capabilities). Founded: Over 90 years ago, indicating a long-standing reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants work within a Design Center or Studio environment.
• They report to a Design Center Leader or Design Sales Leader.
• Collaboration is expected with fellow Design Consultants and support staff to ensure client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Cross-functional interaction may occur with manufacturing, logistics, and corporate teams for order fulfillment and client issue resolution.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: Focus on creating individualized design solutions based on customer needs, preferences, and budgets.
• Relationship-Based Selling: Emphasis on building long-term client relationships through personalized service and trust.
• Technology Integration: Utilizing advanced digital tools (3D Room Planner, CRM, AR/VR) to enhance the design and sales process.
• Data-Driven Performance: Performance is measured against specific sales benchmarks and client engagement metrics.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to stay current with design trends and learn new technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethan Allen's culture is rooted in a legacy of craftsmanship and quality, combined with a modern approach to interior design and sales. The emphasis on "personal service" and "building long-lasting relationships" suggests a client-focused environment. The company's commitment to making a significant portion of its products in North American workshops highlights a dedication to quality and domestic manufacturing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level sales and design professional. It's a hands-on, client-facing position focused on direct sales and design consultation.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants report to a Design Center Leader or Design Sales Leader. This structure provides direct management oversight, sales coaching, and performance feedback. The team often operates collaboratively, with shared goals and support among consultants.

Operations Impact: While primarily a sales role, the Design Consultant's impact is significant in driving revenue and shaping customer perception of the Ethan Allen brand. Their ability to translate design concepts into sales directly contributes to the company's financial performance and market position. Effective client management and service also build brand loyalty and generate repeat business, contributing to long-term revenue stability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advance to Senior Design Consultant roles with higher commission potential and potentially mentoring responsibilities.
• Leadership Track: Progress into Design Center Leader or Design Sales Leader positions, managing a team and overseeing center operations.
• Specialized Design Roles: Develop expertise in specific design areas (e.g., custom upholstery, lighting, exterior design) to become a subject matter expert.
• Corporate Opportunities: Potential to move into roles in merchandising, product development, or marketing, leveraging design and sales experience.
• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to attend industry events, receive advanced training on design software, and stay current with product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within Ethan Allen for a Design Consultant emphasizes progression within sales and leadership. The role provides a solid foundation in consultative selling and client relationship management, skills transferable to various leadership and specialized roles within the retail and design industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Design Center / Retail Showroom. This environment is customer-facing, featuring curated displays of furniture, fabrics, and accessories. It’s designed to inspire clients and showcase the breadth of Ethan Allen's offerings.

Office Location(s): Natick, Massachusetts, and other Design Centers across Ethan Allen's network. These locations are typically in accessible retail areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual client work is primary, Design Consultants often work in proximity to colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Inspirational Setting: The workspace is visually rich with design samples, furniture vignettes, and digital display tools, aiming to spark creativity for both consultants and clients.
• Technology-Enabled: Access to computer systems, design software (3D Room Planner, CRM), and potentially AR/VR equipment is integral to the daily workflow.
• Client Interaction Hub: The design center serves as the primary location for client meetings and consultations, alongside in-home visits.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position requiring flexibility to work retail hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate client availability and sales targets. A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but actual hours may vary based on client appointments and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending creative studio-like elements with the fast-paced nature of retail sales. The emphasis on both in-center and in-home consultations means consultants must be adaptable to different settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of your resume and a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and interest in the role.
• In-Depth Interview: A more comprehensive interview, likely with the Design Center Leader or Hiring Manager, focusing on your design philosophy, sales experience, and understanding of the Ethan Allen brand. Be prepared to discuss your approach to client consultations and closing sales.
• Design Challenge/Presentation: You may be asked to present a design concept for a hypothetical client or a project from your portfolio. This assesses your design skills, presentation abilities, and how you articulate your vision and rationale.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet other team members and assess how you would integrate into the existing design center dynamic.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your design aesthetic, problem-solving skills, and sales success.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the client's initial challenge, your design process and solutions, the products used, and the positive outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased client satisfaction, successful sale closure).
• Highlight Process: Showcase your ability to use design tools (mentioning 3D planners, AR/VR if applicable), manage client budgets, and coordinate various elements like space planning and fabric selection.
• Demonstrate Sales Acumen: Frame your design work in the context of driving sales and client satisfaction. Explain how your designs met client needs and led to successful transactions.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Be prepared to walk through it confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Ethan Allen: Research current Ethan Allen collections, design styles, and their value proposition (craftsmanship, custom solutions).
• Practice Design Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical client briefs, considering different room types, styles, and budgets. Think about how you would approach space planning and product selection.
• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design methodology, how you gather client requirements, and how you present solutions.
• Sales Pitch Practice: Practice articulating the benefits of Ethan Allen products and services, including the complimentary design consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both creative design aptitude and commercial sales capability. A strong portfolio that bridges these two aspects will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Room Planner Software: Essential for creating visual layouts, space planning, and presenting designs to clients. Proficiency in such tools is expected.
• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce or proprietary): Used for managing client relationships, tracking leads, logging interactions, and monitoring sales pipelines.
• Retail Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing orders, managing transactions, and handling customer payments.
• Interactive Visualization Tools: Experience with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications for design concept visualization is a plus and increasingly important.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Likely used to monitor personal sales metrics, track progress against benchmarks (Minimum Monthly Sales, Close Ratio, etc.), and identify areas for improvement.
• CRM Analytics: To track lead conversion rates, customer engagement, and sales pipeline health.

CRM & Automation:

• Ethan Allen's proprietary CRM or a widely adopted platform: To manage customer data, communication history, and sales activities.
• Social Media Management Tools: For planning, scheduling, and monitoring content across various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to build business presence.
• Email Marketing/Communication Tools: For client follow-ups, project updates, and promotional outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "corporate systems and technology" and specific tools like "3-D Room Planner, CRM, Live Chat" indicates that proficiency with these technologies is not just preferred but expected for efficient operation and effective client service.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-First Approach: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through personalized service, expert design advice, and responsive communication.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Ethan Allen's reputation for high-quality, custom-crafted furniture and home furnishings.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and design trends to provide cutting-edge solutions and stay competitive.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working cooperatively with colleagues and leaders to achieve shared design center goals and provide seamless client experiences.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Representing the Ethan Allen brand with professionalism in all client interactions and business dealings.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing performance metrics and client feedback to inform sales strategies and design approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Mentorship-Oriented: Encouraging knowledge sharing and mutual support among Design Consultants, with leadership providing guidance and coaching.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Working effectively with back-office teams (e.g., order fulfillment, customer service) to ensure a smooth client journey from sale to delivery.
• Feedback Culture: Openness to providing and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve design solutions and sales performance.
• Shared Success: A collective focus on achieving the design center's overall sales targets, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to balance a strong legacy of quality and craftsmanship with a forward-looking approach to design technology and client engagement. The values emphasize both individual accountability and team synergy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Variability: The primary challenge is managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-driven role, requiring consistent sales performance.
• Building a Client Base: Developing and maintaining a steady stream of clients through proactive marketing and exceptional service can be demanding.
• Staying Current with Trends: The interior design industry evolves rapidly; keeping pace with new styles, materials, and technologies requires ongoing learning.
• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Objectives: Effectively merging artistic vision with the practicalities of budget constraints and sales targets.
• Competition: Navigating a competitive retail landscape and differentiating Ethan Allen's offerings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to workshops and courses on advanced design techniques, color theory, and specific product lines.
• Sales Skill Enhancement: Training on consultative selling, negotiation, and closing techniques tailored to the luxury home furnishings market.
• Technology Proficiency: Opportunities to master new design software, AR/VR tools, and CRM functionalities.
• Leadership Development: For high performers, pathways to management roles with training in team leadership, operational management, and business development.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend trade shows, design exhibitions, and receive certifications to enhance professional credibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for individuals who excel in both creative design and sales execution, with clear pathways for career advancement within a respected brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's aesthetic and functional needs for their home." (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and identifying unspoken desires.)
• "Walk me through a challenging design project you managed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them to achieve a successful outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, client management, and adaptability.)
• "How do you balance a client's desired aesthetic with their budget constraints, especially when they have high expectations?" (Focus on creative compromise, value engineering, and presenting alternatives.)
• "How would you leverage social media and grassroots marketing to build your client base for an Ethan Allen Design Center?" (Demonstrate proactive business development strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Ethan Allen specifically, and what do you admire about our brand and products?" (Research their history, craftsmanship, design philosophy, and recent collections.)
• "How do you align with Ethan Allen's values of quality, craftsmanship, and client-centric service?" (Provide specific examples from your experience.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative workspace." (Emphasize teamwork and support for colleagues.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project:
  • Client Profile & Challenge: Briefly introduce the client and their initial needs/pain points.
  • Your Solution: Explain your design concept, mood boards, space plans, and key product selections.
  • Ethan Allen Integration: Detail how you incorporated Ethan Allen products and services, highlighting customization or specific benefits.
  • Outcome: Showcase the final result, emphasizing client satisfaction and any sales success metrics.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images or renderings. If you used 3D tools, show examples of the visualizations.
• Sales Narrative: Frame your design decisions in terms of how they met client needs and drove the sale. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "This design led to a sale of $X, exceeding the client's initial budget by Y% due to perceived value").
• Engage: Be ready to answer questions about your choices, budget management, and client communication throughout the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative vision, strong sales instincts, and a professional demeanor. Your ability to articulate your design process and its direct link to sales success will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Re-Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your interior design experience, sales achievements, client relationship management skills, and proficiency with design software and digital marketing. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to create comprehensive design solutions, manage client needs, and drive sales. Be ready to present this digitally or in person.
• Research Ethan Allen: Familiarize yourself with Ethan Allen's brand history, product lines, design aesthetics, and commitment to craftsmanship. Understand their value proposition.
• Practice Your Pitch: Prepare to discuss your design process, sales approach, and how you would contribute to the success of the Natick Design Center. Rehearse presenting your portfolio with a focus on both design creativity and commercial impact.

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

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