Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: AHF Products

Location: Fletcher, North Carolina, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 07, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales and customer engagement by providing expert consultation and product knowledge for AHF Products' flooring lines.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key industry professionals, including architects, interior designers, builders, and contractors, to foster new and repeat business opportunities.

• Manage daily showroom operations, including order entry, inventory checks, and sample management, ensuring efficient and accurate processes.

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience through personalized consultations, tailored product presentations, and proactive problem-solving throughout the sales and installation lifecycle.

• Contribute to new product launch planning and implementation by providing customer insights and showroom-ready materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges sales, customer service, and design, requiring a blend of interpersonal skills, product expertise, and operational efficiency. While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities lean heavily into sales operations and customer relationship management within a showroom environment. The emphasis on building relationships with industry professionals suggests a need for strategic outreach and account management principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute order entry and manage slab holds using the internal order management system, accurately retrieving pricing, inventory, availability, and delivery date information.

• Act as a primary point of contact for in-person and phone inquiries, providing comprehensive product information, pricing, ship dates, and addressing back-order status.

• Serve as a liaison between outside sales representatives and sales managers, effectively communicating selection information for both existing and prospective clients.

• Maintain a meticulously organized and clean showroom environment, including displays, sample areas, and personal workspaces, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for clients.

• Proactively manage and organize the sample library, ensuring all samples are returned and properly stored to facilitate easy access and a professional presentation.

• Assist customers in the product knowledge and material selection process, guiding them through the available options for tile, natural stone, slab, and related flooring products.

• Tailor product presentations and material selections to meet individual customer needs and project timelines, ensuring a personalized and effective consultation.

• Provide unparalleled service, expertise, and convenience to clients throughout the entire sales and completion process, fostering customer loyalty.

• Develop and maintain a robust working knowledge of current inventory, product colors, specifications, and industry trends through regular product reviews, internal meetings, and trade publications.

• Support outside sales representatives by providing necessary resources, product information, and client selection details.

• Ensure a consistently professional appearance and attitude, representing AHF Products with integrity and a customer-centric approach.

• Organize and maintain showroom literature, idea centers, and the sample library to ensure up-to-date and accessible resources for both staff and clients.

• Offer alternative product options and identify the best solutions to meet diverse customer needs and project requirements.

• Adhere strictly to all safety policies and practices, ensuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.

• Perform other assigned duties as needed to support showroom operations and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component, particularly in order management, inventory, and sample logistics. The role requires not only consultative sales skills but also the ability to execute backend processes efficiently. The emphasis on "smooth transition from order placement to product installation" points to a need for strong process adherence and communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated background in design, construction, or interior design.

• Proven knowledge and passion for interior design principles and space planning.

Required Skills:

• Consultative Sales & Client Management: Ability to understand customer needs, present solutions, and close sales effectively.

• Product Knowledge & Presentation: Strong capacity for learning and articulating product features, benefits, and specifications, particularly for flooring materials.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks, samples, and client interactions simultaneously.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with customers, internal teams, and industry professionals.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport, collaborate respectfully, and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Process Adherence: Commitment to following established procedures for order entry, inventory management, and customer service protocols.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues, developing options, and implementing effective solutions.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional appearance, attitude, and work ethic at all times.

Preferred Skills:

• CRM Proficiency: Experience with customer relationship management systems for tracking leads, client interactions, and sales pipelines.

• Order Entry Systems: Familiarity with order management software for efficient transaction processing.

• Design Software: Basic knowledge of design visualization tools or software could be beneficial for presentations.

• Relationship Building with Trade Professionals: Proven ability to network and develop business with architects, interior designers, and contractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While an Associate's degree is preferred, the emphasis on "proven knowledge" and a "background in design, construction" suggests that practical experience and demonstrated passion can substitute for formal education, especially for candidates with strong sales and client management skills. The mention of "strategic and tactical thinking abilities" indicates that a proactive and analytical approach to sales and showroom operations is valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Design Consultations: Showcase instances where you guided clients through material selection, detailing the process from understanding needs to final specification. Highlight how you tailored presentations and offered solutions.

• Visual Documentation of Showroom/Sample Organization: If possible, provide examples of how you've organized and maintained sample libraries or showroom displays to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

• Examples of Relationship Building: If applicable, demonstrate how you've cultivated relationships with trade professionals (architects, designers, contractors) and the impact on business.

• Process Improvement Examples: Document any instances where you identified an inefficiency in sales, order entry, or customer service processes and implemented a solution that improved outcomes or customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach understanding customer needs, guiding them through product selection, and managing the subsequent order placement and follow-up.

• System Implementation & Automation: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, understanding how order entry systems and CRM tools contribute to workflow efficiency is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience with such systems.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Prepare to discuss how you track your own performance (e.g., sales conversion, customer satisfaction, lead conversion) and contribute to showroom performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on sales and customer interaction, a portfolio should emphasize tangible results and process-driven approaches. For this specific role, demonstrating how you translate design consultation into sales and manage the operational aspects of that sale will be key. A focus on visual presentation and organizational skills will be highly relevant.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants or Showroom Sales Specialists in Fletcher, NC, with 0-2 years of experience, a typical annual salary range would be approximately $40,000 - $55,000. This estimate considers the entry-to-mid-level experience requirement, location cost of living, and the nature of a commission-adjacent sales role in a product showroom environment.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Includes a 30-minute lunch break per day.

• Overtime may be required as business needs dictate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the North Carolina region, factoring in the experience level. This role is likely to have a base salary plus potential commission or performance bonuses, though not explicitly stated in the provided information. The standard 40-hour work week with potential overtime is typical for customer-facing roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hard Surface Flooring Manufacturing (Residential & Commercial)

Company Size: Over 3,000 employees globally.

Founded: AHF Products is a relatively new entity formed from acquired brands, with decades of combined experience in flooring design and manufacturing.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant reports to the Regional Showroom Manager.

• They will work directly with outside sales representatives, sales managers, and potentially other showroom staff.

• Collaboration is expected with internal departments related to order fulfillment, inventory, and product development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales Support: Utilizing order entry systems to track inventory, pricing, and customer data to inform sales strategies.

• Customer-Centric Design Consultation: Focusing on understanding client needs and providing tailored product recommendations and presentations.

• Relationship Management: Actively building and nurturing professional relationships with trade partners to drive consistent business.

• Operational Efficiency: Maintaining organized workflows for sample management, order processing, and showroom upkeep to ensure smooth operations.

Company Website: aidshealth.org (Note: This appears to be an error in the provided data. The correct website for AHF Products is typically ahfproducts.com.)

📝 Enhancement Note: AHF Products operates within the competitive flooring market, emphasizing quality, design, and customer service. The company's structure, with various established brands under one umbrella, suggests a need for adaptability and a strong understanding of different product lines. The emphasis on "family of trusted brands" and "generations of quality" hints at a culture valuing legacy and long-term customer relationships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-to-mid-level within sales and operations. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to develop expertise in product sales, customer relationship management, and showroom operations within the flooring industry.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant reports directly to the Regional Showroom Manager, indicating a clear line of supervision and performance evaluation. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through showroom sales and indirectly through nurturing relationships with trade professionals that lead to future business. They also contribute to brand perception and customer satisfaction, which are critical for repeat business and referrals in the flooring industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Showroom Specialist: Taking on more complex client projects, mentoring junior staff, and potentially managing specific product lines or client segments.

• Outside Sales Representative: Transitioning to a field-based sales role, managing a territory and actively pursuing new business opportunities with trade professionals.

• Showroom Management: Advancing into a management role, overseeing showroom operations, staff, and sales targets.

• Product Development Support: Leveraging showroom insights to provide feedback to product development teams on market trends and customer preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests opportunities to deepen expertise in sales, customer management, and operational leadership within a manufacturing context. The company's size and brand portfolio offer potential for diverse career trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment will be a retail showroom. This setting is customer-facing, dynamic, and requires a balance of independent work and client interaction.

Office Location(s): Fletcher, North Carolina. This location will serve as the primary base for the Design Consultant.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual client consultations occur, there's a need for collaboration with sales managers, outside sales reps, and potentially other showroom staff.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to an order entry system, potentially a CRM, and showroom display/sample management tools.

• Customer Interaction: Frequent direct interaction with a variety of customers, requiring excellent communication and service skills.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for long periods, lifting up to 25-30 lbs, bending, crouching, and using ladders to manage samples.

Work Schedule: The standard M-F, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM schedule is typical for retail showrooms, allowing for consistent operational coverage during business hours. The requirement for potential overtime indicates a need for flexibility based on customer demand and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The showroom environment is hands-on and requires individuals who are comfortable with both customer engagement and the physical aspects of managing product samples and displays. The "Sense of Urgency" mentioned in mental demands is crucial for a fast-paced retail sales environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Regional Showroom Manager focusing on sales experience, design knowledge, customer service philosophy, and operational capabilities. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant design projects, sales achievements, or examples of process improvements. This is where you demonstrate your consultative approach and organizational skills.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise might involve simulating a customer consultation, handling a specific product selection scenario, or addressing a customer service challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or HR for final approval and offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Increased repeat business from trade clients by 15%," "Managed showroom inventory with 98% accuracy").

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the steps you took in design consultations, sales processes, or problem-solving. Use visual aids if appropriate.

• Tailor to AHF Products: Highlight how your skills and experience align with AHF's focus on quality flooring, customer satisfaction, and building trade relationships.

• Highlight Operational Efficiency: Include examples of how you've improved processes related to sample management, order accuracy, or showroom organization.

• Demonstrate Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and error-free.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with a product selection?" or "How would you approach a contractor who is looking for a specific, hard-to-find tile?"

• Product Knowledge Test: Be ready to discuss your understanding of different flooring materials (hardwood, tile, natural stone) and their applications.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Practice presenting a product or a design solution concisely and persuasively.

• Operational Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to explain how you would manage sample requests, check inventory, and place an order.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both soft skills (communication, customer service, professionalism) and hard skills (product knowledge, organizational abilities, operational execution). A strong portfolio that demonstrates tangible results and a clear understanding of the consultative sales process will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Order Entry System: Essential for managing pricing, inventory, availability, and customer orders. Specific system name not provided, but proficiency in similar systems is key.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System: Likely used for tracking client interactions, managing leads, and building relationships with trade professionals. Candidates should be comfortable with CRM principles and usage.

• Sample Management Tools: While not explicitly software, an organized system for tracking, storing, and retrieving samples is critical.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Inventory Reports: Ability to access and interpret inventory data to inform sales and stock decisions.

• Sales Reports: Understanding of sales performance metrics, such as conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer acquisition.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Workflow Management: Utilizing CRM features to manage the sales pipeline from initial contact to order completion.

• Communication Tools: Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) for email, documentation, and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around systems that manage sales transactions, customer data, and inventory. While specific software names aren't listed, demonstrating familiarity with common CRM and order entry functionalities will be important. The emphasis on "order entry system" suggests a critical need for accuracy and efficiency in transactional processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to providing superior service and creating a memorable experience for every customer, ensuring their satisfaction.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding the company's reputation for providing high-quality flooring products and expert advice.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, sales managers, and outside sales representatives to achieve common goals and ensure seamless customer transitions.

• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining organized workflows, managing time effectively, and keeping the showroom and sample areas in pristine condition.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Demonstrating honesty, reliability, and a consistently professional demeanor in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with outside sales teams to support their clients and share selection information.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement of showroom processes and customer service methods.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share product knowledge and best practices with team members to enhance overall showroom performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "quality flooring to last for generations" and "outstanding customer service" suggests a culture that values long-term relationships, product excellence, and a client-centric approach. The "family of trusted brands" implies a sense of shared heritage and commitment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Operations: Effectively managing the dual demands of consultative selling and detailed operational tasks (order entry, sample management).

• Customer Demands: Handling a diverse range of customer needs, expectations, and potential complaints in a fast-paced showroom environment.

• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with a broad range of flooring products, specifications, and industry trends.

• Physical Demands: Adapting to the physical requirements of the role, including standing, lifting, and bending.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Specialization: Deepening expertise in various flooring materials (hardwood, tile, natural stone) and their applications.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Developing advanced sales techniques, consultative selling, and negotiation strategies.

• Industry Networking: Building strong connections with architects, interior designers, and contractors, which can lead to future career opportunities.

• Operational Process Improvement: Gaining experience in optimizing showroom operations, inventory management, and customer service workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop a comprehensive skill set in sales, customer service, and operational execution within a specific industry. The challenges are balanced by clear growth paths and the chance to become a subject matter expert in flooring solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for consulting with a client who is unsure about their design choices for a major renovation." (Focus on needs assessment, product presentation, and building confidence.)

• "How would you handle a situation where a contractor requires a specific product that is currently out of stock or has a long lead time?" (Emphasize problem-solving, offering alternatives, and managing expectations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to the flooring industry and AHF Products specifically?" (Research company brands, values, and market position.)

• "How do you ensure you maintain a professional appearance and attitude, even during busy or stressful periods?" (Demonstrate commitment to professionalism and customer experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives, detailing the challenge, your approach, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images or descriptions of your work. For this role, examples of well-organized sample displays or showroom layouts can be impactful.

• Quantify Results: Back up your claims with data whenever possible.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Demonstrate your understanding of consultative sales and operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess your ability to blend sales acumen with operational diligence. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of the flooring market, your consultative sales process, and your commitment to delivering excellent customer service and maintaining showroom standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.ultipro.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience in sales, customer service, interior design, or showroom operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "design consultation," "order entry," "inventory management," "relationship building," and "customer satisfaction." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of past design projects, sales achievements, or instances where you improved operational processes. Be ready to discuss your approach to consultative sales and showroom management.

• Research AHF Products: Familiarize yourself with their brands (Bruce, Armstrong Flooring, etc.), their commitment to quality, and their market position. Understand their values and how they translate into customer experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your consultative sales skills, operational efficiency, and ability to create a positive customer experience in a showroom setting.

⚠️ 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.