Architectural Window Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architectural Window Design Consultant Company: The Franklin Group Inc Location: Caldwell, Idaho, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales & Business Development / Design Consulting Date Posted: 2025-10-25 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a key design partner for architects, interior designers, and custom builders, specializing in high-end, customizable window and door solutions.
• Drive new business development by proactively building relationships with design professionals in untapped markets.
• Manage complex, consultative sales cycles for luxury projects, from initial concept and specification through to final installation.
• Leverage technical expertise to specify premium product collections, ensuring aesthetic appeal and performance requirements are met.
• Contribute to company growth and employee ownership by actively participating in business development and client engagement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a sales and business development capacity, with a strong emphasis on consultative selling and design partnership. The emphasis on "employee-owned" and "Top 10 Best Places to Work" suggests a culture prioritizing employee engagement and long-term commitment, which is a key differentiator for attracting talent in specialized sales roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, and custom home builders from the conceptual design phase through project completion to develop bespoke fenestration packages.
• Provide expert-level technical specifications for premium window and door collections, including detailed understanding of U-factors, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC), acoustic ratings, and wind-load performance.
• Proactively identify and cultivate new business opportunities by building and nurturing relationships with design professionals in emerging or underserved market segments.
• Plan, coordinate, and present engaging lunch-and-learns, Continuing Education Units (CEU) presentations, and showroom events to educate and influence key design community stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive and compelling proposals that may include detailed design renderings, precise product specifications, and thorough investment analyses to support client decision-making.
• Conduct impactful design presentations that effectively articulate the aesthetic value, functional benefits, and performance advantages of premium window and door solutions.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of complex, high-value projects (ranging from $50,000 to $250,000+) from initial client consultation and needs assessment to final site verification and installation oversight.
• Conduct on-site job visits during critical construction phases to ensure that the established design intent is accurately executed and to address any on-site challenges.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, including Account Coordinators and Estimators, to ensure seamless coordination of custom orders, project timelines, and client expectations.
• Maintain an advanced, expert-level knowledge of the company's premium product lines (e.g., Marvin's Signature collections) and continuously monitor the competitive landscape to inform sales strategies and product positioning.
• Provide continuous product education and training to internal sales and support teams, focusing on the advanced capabilities and unique selling propositions of premium product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a sophisticated sales process requiring deep product knowledge, project management skills, and strong relationship-building capabilities. The emphasis on managing projects from $50k-$250k+ and building markets from scratch indicates a senior-level sales contributor role with significant autonomy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a background in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred, suggesting a strong foundation in design principles and building processes.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years in luxury product sales is required, with a preference for experience within architectural products, high-end interiors, or similar consultative sales environments.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in luxury product sales (e.g., windows, architectural products, high-end interiors, custom furnishings).
• Demonstrated success in selling to architects, interior designers, and/or custom home builders.
• Proven ability to manage and close complex, consultative sales cycles for projects valued between $50,000 and $250,000+.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural drawings, blueprints, and project specifications.
• A strong history of developing new market segments or successfully penetrating new territories.
• Exceptional presentation and sophisticated communication skills, capable of engaging discerning professional audiences.
• A well-developed aesthetic sensibility and a genuine appreciation for design excellence and quality craftsmanship.
• A consultative sales approach, characterized by patience, a focus on long-term relationship building, and a non-transactional mindset suitable for sales cycles of 6-18 months.
• Highly self-directed and entrepreneurial spirit, with the capability to build a market presence from the ground up.
• Flexibility to participate in evening events and occasional weekend showroom appointments as required by client engagement.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record for client site visits and travel.

Preferred Skills:

• Established network of existing relationships within the local architectural and interior design community.
• Prior direct experience with Marvin products or other premium window and door brands.
• Professional credentials such as LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), AIA Associate (Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects), or other relevant industry certifications.
• Formal background or academic training in architecture, interior design, or construction management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of sales acumen, technical understanding of architectural products, and a sophisticated client-facing presence. The "entrepreneurial" requirement suggests the company is looking for someone who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and drive market growth independently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex, high-value sales projects (ideally $50k-$250k+) that demonstrate your ability to manage intricate client needs and specifications.
• Provide evidence of successful client relationship development, particularly with architects, designers, or custom builders, highlighting long-term partnerships.
• Include case studies or detailed descriptions of market development initiatives where you successfully built or expanded a client base in new territories or segments.
• Demonstrate your capability to interpret and utilize architectural drawings and specifications in your sales and design consultation process.

Process Documentation:

• Document a typical consultative sales process from initial client engagement and needs assessment through proposal development, negotiation, and project close-out.
• Illustrate your approach to managing complex project timelines, coordinating with internal teams (e.g., estimators, project managers), and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Outline how you track and measure sales performance, client engagement, and project success metrics, demonstrating a data-driven approach to sales management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on high-value, consultative sales and design partnership, a portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, client management, and the ability to articulate complex solutions. Demonstrating an understanding of the full project lifecycle and a structured approach to sales processes will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (USD)

Benefits:

• Medical insurance with prescription drug coverage.
• Vision insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Holiday pay.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): The company is 100% employee-owned, with annual stock gifts averaging 17% of an employee's salary for eligible employees.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule is assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility required for client-facing activities, including occasional evening events and weekend showroom appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a specialized sales role with significant project management and consultative responsibilities. The comprehensive benefits package, especially the 100% employee ownership model with substantial annual stock grants, represents a significant long-term financial incentive and reflects a strong commitment to employee welfare and retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials & Lumber Distribution, with a strong focus on serving professional home builders and custom construction markets. The company also engages in manufacturing of related products like trusses, cabinets, doors, and countertops. Company Size: The company has locations across Idaho and one in Nevada, indicating a significant regional presence. While exact employee count isn't provided, being a multi-location building material supplier suggests a medium to large-sized enterprise. Founded: Established over 45 years ago, Franklin Building Supply has a long-standing history and deep roots in its operating regions.

Team Structure:

• The sales team likely operates with a degree of autonomy, especially in developing new markets. This role will collaborate closely with internal support functions such as Account Coordinators and Estimators.
• Reporting structure would likely be to a Sales Manager or Director of Sales, with a dotted line to regional leadership given the company's geographical spread.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring seamless interaction with estimating, production (for manufactured goods), installation crews, and potentially logistics departments to ensure project success.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a commitment to "working safer, smarter, and more efficiently," suggesting a culture that values process improvement and operational excellence.
• Investment in tools, equipment, and training indicates a strategic approach to enhancing team capabilities and driving performance.
• The employee ownership model fosters a culture of shared responsibility, accountability, and a collective focus on company value growth.

Company Website: https://www.franklingroupusa.com/ (Note: This is an inferred URL based on the domain_derived. Please verify.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history, employee ownership model, and consistent recognition as a "Best Place to Work" point to a stable, values-driven organization. This environment is attractive for professionals seeking long-term career growth and a sense of ownership in their work. The emphasis on efficiency and continuous improvement is crucial for operations-minded individuals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level individual contributor within the sales and business development function, specifically focused on high-value, specialized product sales. It requires significant autonomy and a consultative approach, akin to a business development or strategic account management role within a B2B context. The "building this market from scratch" aspect points to an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented position.

Reporting Structure: The position likely reports to a Sales Director or Regional Sales Manager. While direct reports are not expected, effective collaboration with internal support teams (Account Coordinators, Estimators) is critical for project execution, highlighting a matrixed operational environment.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to driving revenue growth through high-value sales, expanding market share in premium segments, and enhancing the company's reputation for sophisticated design solutions. Successful management of large-scale projects contributes significantly to the company's overall financial performance and value, thereby benefiting all employee-owners.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in luxury fenestration, architectural design integration, and high-end custom building markets.
• Market Leadership: Potential to become the recognized expert and leader for premium product sales within designated territories, potentially expanding into new regions or product categories.
• Leadership Development: As a key revenue generator and market builder, opportunities for advancement into sales management, regional leadership, or strategic account leadership roles could emerge, especially within a growing employee-owned company.
• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing product training, industry certifications (LEED, AIA Associate), and exposure to cutting-edge design trends provide continuous professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential in this role is substantial, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate entrepreneurial drive and strong sales performance in a specialized, high-margin market. The employee ownership structure offers a unique long-term wealth-building opportunity that complements career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Caldwell, Idaho. The work environment will involve a combination of office-based activities (proposal development, client coordination, product research) and significant time spent externally. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Caldwell, Idaho. Client interactions may occur at architectural firms, design studios, custom builder offices, and job sites within the surrounding region.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires an entrepreneurial and self-directed approach to building a market presence, suggesting a workspace that allows for independent work and strategic planning.
• Access to company resources, product samples, and internal support teams (e.g., estimators, account coordinators) will be crucial for success.
• The environment likely fosters collaboration with internal departments to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction, emphasizing teamwork within a decentralized operational framework.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of consultative sales and client relationship management necessitates flexibility. This includes being available for client meetings, presentations, and industry events that may occur during evenings and occasionally on weekends. This flexibility is key for managing long sales cycles and ensuring client needs are met promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Caldwell, Idaho, combined with the need for extensive external client engagement, defines a dynamic work environment. Professionals in this role must be comfortable managing their schedule independently and balancing office-based responsibilities with significant client-facing activities in the field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with required experience, skills, and qualifications, particularly in luxury sales and architectural/design client engagement.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion to delve deeper into your sales methodology, experience with complex sales cycles, understanding of architectural products, and your approach to market development. Expect questions about your consultative sales style and relationship-building strategies.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A critical stage where you'll be asked to present examples from your portfolio. This may involve detailing a complex project you managed, demonstrating your approach to client engagement, and showcasing how you've built relationships or developed new markets. Focus on quantifiable results and your strategic thinking.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential internal collaborators (e.g., estimators, sales leadership) to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit with the company's employee-ownership culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Customization & Complexity: Showcase projects that involved significant customization, complex specifications, and high-value transactions ($50k-$250k+).
• Demonstrate Relationship Building: Provide examples of how you cultivated and maintained long-term relationships with architects, designers, or builders, emphasizing trust and partnership.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to illustrate your success. This includes sales revenue, market share growth, client retention rates, and successful project outcomes.
• Showcase Design Acumen: Include visuals (renderings, photos of completed projects) and descriptions that highlight your aesthetic sensibility and understanding of design principles.
• Articulate Your Sales Process: Explain your methodical approach to consultative selling, from initial client contact and needs assessment to proposal creation and project management.
• Address Market Development: If you have experience building new markets, present a clear strategy and demonstrate tangible results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building the "untapped markets" mentioned in the job description.
• Practice presenting a detailed case study of a complex sales project, focusing on your strategic contributions, problem-solving, and client management.
• Think about how you would maintain expert-level knowledge of Marvin products and the competitive landscape, and how you would educate internal teams.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of U-factors, SHGC, and other technical specifications relevant to architectural windows and doors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily focus on demonstrating a blend of sales expertise, technical product knowledge, and strategic thinking. A well-curated portfolio that vividly illustrates these capabilities, particularly through case studies of complex projects and market development, will be essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a robust CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing client relationships, tracking sales pipelines, logging interactions, and forecasting revenue. Proficiency in CRM data management and reporting is crucial.
• Project Management Software: Tools for managing complex project timelines, coordinating tasks with internal teams, and tracking project milestones (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or internal systems).
• Design & Visualization Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools that can assist in creating or interpreting design renderings and specifications (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, or specialized architectural visualization software) would be advantageous.
• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: Essential for proposal creation, presentations, communication, and data analysis (Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides, Word/Docs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Analytics Tools: Ability to leverage CRM data and potentially other business intelligence tools to analyze sales performance, identify trends, and forecast revenue.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting sales reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like sales volume, conversion rates, and project profitability.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Proficiency: Deep understanding of CRM functionalities for lead management, opportunity tracking, and customer segmentation.
• Sales Enablement Tools: Familiarity with tools that support the sales process, such as proposal generation software or product configurators.
• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in professional communication tools (e.g., Outlook, Slack, Teams) for internal and external collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard sales enablement technologies, including CRM systems for pipeline management and data analysis. The emphasis on complex projects also suggests the utility of project management and potentially design-related software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Employee Ownership: A core value where all employees are stakeholders in the company's success, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, accountability, and commitment to long-term growth.
• Excellence in Service: A dedication to serving professional home builders and discerning clients with high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences, emphasizing quality and reliability.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to "working safer, smarter, and more efficiently," driving operational excellence, process optimization, and innovation across all functions.
• Integrity & Trust: Building lasting relationships with clients, partners, and fellow employee-owners based on transparency, honesty, and reliability.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional collaboration is key to achieving shared goals and delivering comprehensive client solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: This role requires close collaboration with estimating, project management, and potentially manufacturing/production teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment and timely project delivery.
• Proactive Communication: An emphasis on clear, consistent, and timely communication with internal teams and external clients to manage expectations and resolve issues effectively.
• Shared Goal Orientation: Aligning individual efforts with the broader company objectives, particularly those related to revenue growth and enhancing company value for all employee-owners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily influenced by its employee ownership model, promoting a strong sense of shared purpose and mutual accountability. Professionals joining this team should be ready to embrace a collaborative, results-oriented environment where individual contributions directly impact collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Building: Establishing and growing a presence in "untapped markets" requires significant initiative, strategic planning, and persistent effort to build brand awareness and client trust from the ground up.
• Long Sales Cycles: Managing consultative sales cycles that can extend 6-18 months demands patience, consistent follow-up, and the ability to nurture relationships over extended periods.
• Technical Complexity: Mastering the technical specifications (U-factors, SHGC, ratings) of premium architectural window and door collections and effectively communicating these to sophisticated audiences requires continuous learning.
• Balancing Roles: Juggling external client-facing responsibilities, internal coordination, and administrative tasks requires strong time management and organizational skills.
• High Project Value Management: Overseeing projects valued up to $250,000+ necessitates meticulous attention to detail, risk management, and robust problem-solving capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Product Mastery: Deepen expertise in Marvin's Signature collections and other high-end fenestration products, becoming a go-to expert.
• Industry Certifications: Pursuing or maintaining credentials like LEED AP or AIA Associate can enhance professional credibility and marketability.
• Sales Strategy & Negotiation: Continuous refinement of consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and strategic account management.
• Market Development Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience in building and scaling business in new territories or market segments.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrating success in this role can open doors to future leadership opportunities within the sales organization or broader management roles within the employee-owned company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a growth-oriented, specialized sales role. The company's investment in training and its employee-ownership structure provide a strong foundation for professional development and long-term career growth for those who embrace these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to identifying and penetrating new markets for high-end architectural products. What are the key steps you would take in the first 90 days in this role?" (Focus on market research, networking strategy, and initial outreach tactics.)
• "Walk me through a complex, high-value sales cycle you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize your consultative process, problem-solving, and client management skills.)
• "How do you stay current with architectural trends, building codes, and product innovations in the fenestration industry? How do you translate this knowledge into value for architects and designers?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and client education.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about our employee ownership model, and how do you see yourself contributing to a culture of ownership?" (Connect your work ethic and long-term perspective to the ESOP model.)
• "How do you approach building long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, particularly in a consultative sales environment?" (Highlight your patience, active listening, and commitment to client success.)
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with internal teams (e.g., estimators, project managers) to ensure a client's project was successful. What was your role, and what were the results?" (Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly define the client's challenge, your proposed solution, your specific role and contributions, the technical aspects involved, and the measurable results (e.g., sales value, client satisfaction, successful project completion).
• Visualize Your Impact: Use high-quality images of completed projects, design renderings, or architectural drawings to visually demonstrate the aesthetic and technical aspects of your work.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to support your claims. This includes project budgets, sales figures, market growth percentages, or client retention rates.
• Articulate Your Consultative Process: Explain your step-by-step approach to understanding client needs, providing expert recommendations, and managing complex projects, highlighting your value beyond just product sales.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences that directly align with selling premium architectural windows and doors to architects, designers, and luxury builders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only sales success but also a deep understanding of architectural design, technical product specifications, and the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, employee-owned environment. A strong portfolio that visually and quantitatively showcases these aspects will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Architectural Window Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experiences in luxury product sales, consultative selling, architectural product knowledge, client management (especially with architects and designers), and any project management experience with high-value projects ($50k-$250k+). Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a professional portfolio that showcases your best work. Focus on case studies of complex projects, demonstrating your ability to manage sales cycles, build client relationships, and deliver sophisticated design solutions. Include visual aids and quantifiable results.
• Research The Franklin Group Inc.: Familiarize yourself with the company's history, values, product lines (especially Marvin's Signature collections), and its commitment to employee ownership. Understand their market position and target clientele.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to articulate your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your sales strategy, market development approach, and understanding of architectural fenestration. Practice presenting your portfolio effectively.

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