Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: AHF Products

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Customer Service (with Interior Design focus)

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers within the AHF Products showroom, offering expert consultation and advice on flooring products.

• Drive sales activities by presenting product offerings, managing customer inquiries, and fostering strong relationships with key industry professionals like Architects, Interior Designers, Builders, Contractors, and Installers.

• Ensure exceptional customer satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering a memorable selection experience.

• Maintain showroom presentation standards, including product displays and sample organization, to enhance the customer journey and support sales efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant sales and customer service components, focusing on driving business within a showroom environment. The emphasis on building relationships with industry professionals suggests a need for proactive outreach and account management skills in addition to design consultation. The "2-5 years" experience level inferred from the AI data aligns with a mid-level role requiring foundational design knowledge and proven customer-facing skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Sales Support:

  • Provide expert advice and consultation on AHF Products' flooring solutions, including tile, natural stone, and slab materials, to both direct customers and industry professionals.
  • Understand and articulate product knowledge, including current inventory, colors, specifications, and pricing, to assist customers in their selection process.
  • Tailor product presentations and material selections to meet individual customer needs, timelines, and project requirements.
  • Utilize the order entry system to accurately check pricing, inventory availability, customer information, delivery dates, and manage back-orders.
  • Enter orders and process slab holds as required, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

• Relationship Management:

  • Proactively build and maintain strong working relationships with Architects, Interior Designers, Builders, Contractors, and Installers to drive new and repeat business.
  • Act as a liaison between outside sales representatives and customers, passing on selection information for new and existing clients.
  • Provide support and necessary resources to outside sales representatives to facilitate their client interactions and sales efforts.

• Showroom Operations & Presentation:

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional showroom environment, including setting up, moving, adjusting, and cleaning displays.
  • Ensure the sample area is meticulously organized, with all samples returned and properly placed after use.
  • Maintain and organize showroom literature, idea centers, and the sample library to ensure easy accessibility and a professional presentation.

• Customer Experience & Service:

  • Create a memorable and positive shopping and selection experience for all customers, both in-person and over the phone.
  • Address customer inquiries regarding products, pricing, ship dates, and other related matters promptly and professionally.
  • Determine customer needs and timelines to effectively tailor presentations and offer the best solutions.
  • Ensure customers receive unsurpassed service, expertise, and convenience throughout the sales and completion process.

• Operational Support:

  • Adhere to and comply with all company safety policies and practices.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by management to support showroom operations and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on direct customer interaction and relationship building with B2B clients (Architects, Designers, Contractors). This suggests the need for strong interpersonal skills, sales acumen, and the ability to manage multiple customer segments effectively. The mention of "order entry system" and "slab holds" points to operational tasks requiring precision and system proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Interior Design or a related field is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Proven experience in interior design or space planning, demonstrating passion and knowledge in the field.

• Experience in a showroom or retail sales environment, particularly with hard surface flooring or building materials, is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design & Product Knowledge: In-depth understanding of design principles, space planning, and specific product knowledge related to tile, natural stone, and slab materials.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide outstanding service, manage customer expectations, and resolve issues effectively to ensure satisfaction.

• Sales Acumen: Proficiency in presenting products, understanding customer needs, and closing sales opportunities. Experience with order entry systems is crucial.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, internal teams, and industry professionals. Ability to collaborate respectfully and professionally.

• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks, samples, literature, and customer information efficiently.

• Problem-Solving: Capacity to analyze customer needs, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, outside sales representatives, and management.

• Presentation Skills: Confidence and skill in presenting products and design concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Relationship Building: Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with industry partners (Architects, Designers, Builders, Contractors).

• Strategic & Tactical Thinking: Ability to think ahead, plan for customer needs, and execute sales strategies effectively.

• Initiative & Independence: Demonstrated ability to operate independently, take initiative, and manage workload with minimal supervision.

• Technical Aptitude: Familiarity with order entry systems and other relevant sales/customer management software.

• Time Management: Effective prioritization and management of tasks in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI's inference of "2-5 years" experience level is supported by the preference for an Associate's degree and the need for proven knowledge in interior design and customer service. The emphasis on "strategic and tactical thinking" alongside "initiative and independence" suggests a role where the consultant is expected to actively contribute to business growth, not just execute tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of design projects, preferably in flooring or interior design, highlighting the client's needs, your design approach, product selections, and the final outcome.

• Customer Interaction Examples: Include brief descriptions or anonymized examples of how you have successfully managed customer inquiries, resolved issues, or built relationships with industry professionals.

• Process Workflow Documentation: Present a documented workflow for a typical customer consultation or sales process you have managed, illustrating steps from initial contact to order placement and follow-up.

• Metrics & Results: Quantify achievements where possible, such as sales targets met, customer satisfaction improvements, or successful B2B relationship development, demonstrating ROI.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing and optimizing customer consultation and sales workflows within a showroom setting.

• System Implementation & Usage: Demonstrate familiarity with using order entry systems, CRM tools (if applicable), and other sales support technologies to manage client information and transactions.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Articulate how you track your own performance and contribute to team metrics, focusing on customer satisfaction, sales volume, and relationship growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Design Consultant" role with sales responsibilities, a portfolio should demonstrate not only design aesthetic but also process management, customer handling, and sales effectiveness. The ability to document and articulate processes is key for operations-minded candidates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Company-sponsored retirement savings plan, likely with a matching contribution component.

Working Hours:

• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break.

• Total Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While the schedule is fixed, the role may require occasional overtime as business needs dictate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for similar roles, adjusted for the Oklahoma City market, and factoring in the inferred experience level and the sales component of the role. Benefits listed are standard for full-time positions and align with the AI-provided data. The working hours are explicitly stated and indicate a structured, on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials / Hard Surface Flooring Manufacturing & Retail

Company Size: Over 3,000 employees (AHF Products)

Founded: AHF Products is a relatively new entity formed through acquisitions, but its brands have decades of history in the flooring market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant reports to the Regional Showroom Manager.

• This role likely works closely with other showroom staff, outside sales representatives, and potentially customer service or operations teams within AHF Products.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: While not explicitly stated, the use of an order entry system and the need to track sales suggest a data-informed approach to managing customer interactions and driving revenue.

• Customer-Centric Service: The emphasis on creating a "memorable shopping and selection experience" and providing "unsurpassed service" highlights a customer-first methodology.

• Process Efficiency: Responsibilities like maintaining organization, efficient order entry, and clear communication point to a value placed on streamlined operational processes.

• Product Expertise & Continuous Learning: The need to maintain a working knowledge of current inventory and product specifications implies a culture that encourages ongoing learning and product mastery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding AHF Products as a large manufacturer with numerous established brands is key. The culture likely balances a legacy of quality with the drive for innovation and market share in a competitive industry. The showroom setting implies a dynamic, customer-facing environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Individual Contributor

Reporting Structure:

• Direct reporting to the Regional Showroom Manager provides a clear line of management and support.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales and customer acquisition.

• By fostering strong relationships with industry professionals, they contribute to long-term client loyalty and repeat business, influencing the company's market position and brand perception within the design and construction communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Potential to move into senior sales roles, key account management, or territory sales management within AHF Products.

• Design Leadership: Opportunities to become a lead designer or showroom manager, taking on greater responsibility for team leadership and showroom strategy.

• Product Development/Marketing: With deep product knowledge and customer insight, potential pathways into product line management or marketing roles related to flooring design.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Experience in customer relations and sales can be a springboard to roles in operations, customer success, or business development within the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is significant because it combines sales, customer service, and design expertise. The company's size and brand portfolio suggest internal mobility and development opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Showroom / Retail Environment

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual client consultations will occur, the showroom setting fosters interaction with colleagues, other sales professionals, and industry partners.

• Tools & Technology: Access to order entry systems, product literature, sample libraries, and potentially CRM software. The workspace is expected to be well-maintained and organized.

• Customer Interaction: The primary focus is on engaging with customers to understand their design needs and guide them through product selection.

Work Schedule:

• Fixed Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a one-hour lunch. This structured schedule is typical for showroom operations to ensure consistent customer availability.

• Flexibility: While the core hours are fixed, the role may require occasional overtime to accommodate customer needs or business demands, as stated in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature and specific working hours are critical for candidates to understand. The showroom environment implies a need for presentation skills and comfort in a public-facing role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and application, potentially with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Showroom Visit/Interview: Expect an in-person interview at the Oklahoma City showroom. This may involve:

  • Behavioral Questions: Discussing past experiences related to customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Situational Questions: Posing hypothetical scenarios to gauge your approach to specific design consultation or sales challenges.
  • Product Knowledge Assessment: Questions to gauge your understanding of design principles and your ability to learn about AHF's product lines.
  • Presentation Task: You may be asked to present a specific product or a sample design concept to the interviewer.

• Portfolio Review: A review of your submitted design portfolio will be a critical component, assessing your design aesthetic, project execution, and ability to articulate your work.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Regional Showroom Manager or a senior sales leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects, prioritizing those that showcase flooring or interior design skills, and clearly demonstrate your problem-solving process.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, include details on client objectives, your specific contributions, the materials selected, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., client satisfaction, project completion on time/budget, aesthetic success).

• Showcase Process: Clearly outline your design process, from initial consultation and needs assessment to material selection, presentation, and final installation considerations. Use flowcharts or step-by-step descriptions.

• Highlight Sales/Consultation Skills: If possible, include examples of how you've managed client expectations, overcome objections, or guided clients through complex decisions.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Proofread carefully for any errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultations: Practice conducting a design consultation for an imaginary client with specific needs (e.g., a busy family needing durable, stylish flooring for a high-traffic area).

• Product Pitch: Prepare a concise and compelling pitch for a specific AHF flooring product, highlighting its benefits, applications, and unique selling points.

• Objection Handling: Anticipate potential customer objections (e.g., price, durability concerns, style preferences) and prepare thoughtful responses.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AHF Products, its brands, and its market position to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this blends design evaluation with sales assessment. A strong portfolio is crucial, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both creative thinking and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Order Entry System: Essential for looking up pricing, inventory, entering orders, and managing slab holds. Proficiency with a specific system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, proprietary system) is key.

• CRM System (Likely): To manage customer information, track interactions, build relationships with industry professionals, and monitor sales pipeline. Examples include Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics.

• Product Information Management (PIM) System (Potential): For accessing detailed product specifications, marketing materials, and technical data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: To track personal sales performance, customer engagement metrics, and contribute to showroom-level reporting.

• Inventory Management Software: To understand stock levels and availability.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: To manage client databases, sales activities, and communication logs.

• Communication Tools: Professional email clients (e.g., Outlook), internal messaging platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams), and potentially video conferencing tools for remote client interactions or team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't named, the role implies a need for proficiency in sales-focused software, particularly order entry and CRM. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with such systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A core value centered on providing exceptional service and creating positive customer experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of professional appearance, behavior, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues, sales teams, and management to achieve shared goals and support showroom operations.

• Efficiency & Organization: Valuing structured processes, meticulous organization, and attention to detail to ensure smooth operations and accurate transactions.

• Product Expertise & Passion: A commitment to understanding and conveying the value and quality of AHF Products' flooring solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly working with outside sales representatives to relay customer selections and support their efforts.

• Showroom Synergy: Collaborating with other showroom staff to ensure a cohesive and positive customer experience, sharing information and assisting where needed.

• Respectful Communication: Engaging in clear, respectful, and professional communication with all stakeholders, including customers, co-workers, contractors, and management.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "unsurpassed service," "memorable experience," and "professional attitude" points to a culture that values client relationships and high operational standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Consultation with Sales Pressure: Effectively guiding customers through design choices while also driving sales and meeting targets.

• Managing Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of client types (retail, B2B) with varying levels of design knowledge and project scopes.

• Maintaining Showroom Standards: Consistently keeping the showroom organized, clean, and visually appealing amidst daily customer traffic and sample handling.

• Staying Current with Product Lines: Continuously updating knowledge on a broad range of flooring products, specifications, and new launches.

• Building a Robust B2B Network: Proactively developing and nurturing relationships with architects, designers, and builders in the Oklahoma City market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Extensive training on AHF Products' diverse range of flooring solutions, including materials, applications, and design trends.

• Sales & Consultation Skills Development: Opportunities to refine sales techniques, customer engagement strategies, and presentation skills.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the construction and interior design industries through interaction with professionals and exposure to trade publications.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into senior sales, showroom management, or specialized roles within AHF Products' extensive brand portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hybrid sales/design role in a retail showroom, emphasizing the need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's scale and market presence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully guided a client through a complex design selection process. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Focus on a specific project. Detail your steps: understanding needs, presenting options, addressing concerns, and achieving client satisfaction. Quantify results if possible.

• "How would you build and maintain relationships with architects and interior designers in the Oklahoma City area?"

  • Preparation: Discuss proactive outreach strategies (networking events, lunch-and-learns, direct outreach), follow-up protocols, and how you would provide value to these professionals.

• "Imagine a customer is hesitant about the price of a particular flooring product. How would you address their concerns and highlight the value proposition?"

  • Preparation: Prepare to discuss value-based selling, focusing on benefits like durability, aesthetics, longevity, and warranty, rather than just cost. Demonstrate understanding of ROI.

• "What is your understanding of AHF Products' brands and market position? How would you leverage this knowledge in your role?"

  • Preparation: Research AHF Products' website, brand portfolio, and recent news. Articulate how you would use this knowledge to inform customer consultations and sales pitches.

• "How do you stay organized and manage multiple client requests and showroom tasks simultaneously?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your personal organizational methods, use of tools (calendars, to-do lists, CRM), and prioritization techniques.

• "How do you ensure a customer has a memorable and positive experience in your showroom?"

  • Preparation: Focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, active listening, personalized service, and exceeding expectations beyond just the transaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations around narratives that highlight the client's problem, your creative solution, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Emphasis: Let your visuals (photos, renderings) speak for themselves, supported by concise explanations.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process, showing how you move from concept to completion.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics related to client satisfaction, sales figures, or project efficiencies.

• Tailor to AHF: Briefly explain how your skills and experience align with AHF Products' brand and market focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Presentation: Practice presenting a few key AHF flooring products as if you were speaking to a potential client or a group of designers.

• Scenario Role-Play: Be ready to role-play customer interactions, handling inquiries, objections, or specific design challenges.

• Time Management: Practice delivering concise answers and presentations within a reasonable timeframe, demonstrating efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design sensibility, sales drive, and operational efficiency. The ability to articulate processes and quantify results will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided Ultipro recruiting link and complete the online application form.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in interior design, customer service, sales, B2B relationship building, and showroom operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "design consultation," "sales," "customer satisfaction," "order entry," and "relationship management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital or physical portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your best design projects, focusing on flooring and interior design. Ensure it demonstrates your process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable achievements. Be ready to present key projects during an interview.

• Research AHF Products: Familiarize yourself with AHF Products' brands, their product lines, and their market positioning. Understand their commitment to quality and customer service.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions, focusing on examples that demonstrate your design expertise, sales acumen, organizational skills, and customer-centric approach. Practice presenting your portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AHF Products during the application and interview process.