DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Bassett Furniture Location: Tyler, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales / Interior Design Date Posted: August 29, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on driving revenue through personalized interior design consultations and relationship selling within a retail showroom environment.
• The Design Consultant will leverage a deep understanding of furniture, design trends, and customer needs to create effective sales strategies.
• Key responsibilities include building and nurturing long-term customer relationships, managing the sales cycle from consultation to closing, and exceeding sales targets.
• Success in this role is measured by sales performance, customer satisfaction, and the ability to cultivate a loyal client base through exceptional service and design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core function is sales-oriented, with interior design expertise serving as the primary vehicle for driving revenue. The role requires a blend of creative design skills and robust sales acumen, emphasizing a consultative approach to client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers to understand their design preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget constraints to provide tailored furniture and interior design solutions.
• Conduct comprehensive interior design consultations, utilizing design principles, color theory, and product knowledge to present compelling design concepts.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective and existing clients through proactive outreach, follow-up, and exceptional customer service.
• Develop and present product and design solutions, effectively communicating the value proposition of Bassett Furniture offerings.
• Maximize selling opportunities by employing "relationship selling" techniques and providing personalized design makeovers.
• Achieve and exceed sales goals and quotas through effective client engagement and consultative selling.
• Maintain a polished image and professional demeanor at all times, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and style.
• Collaborate with team members to foster a positive and supportive sales environment, contributing to overall store success.
• Utilize computer proficiency for client management, order processing, and accessing design resources.
• Drive to customer residences and businesses for in-home consultations and design makeovers as needed.
• Conduct virtual appointments and live chats to expand reach and accommodate customer preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on proactive client engagement and the cultivation of long-term customer relationships, extending beyond transactional sales to a more advisory and personalized sales model.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Experience: A proven track record of success in sales, preferably within a retail or design-focused environment, with 2-5 years of experience demonstrating consistent achievement in meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for home furnishings, spatial design, color coordination, and current design trends.
• Exceptional Selling Skills: Demonstrated ability to understand customer needs, present solutions, overcome objections, and close sales effectively.
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, listen actively to customer requirements, and build rapport.
• Client Relationship Management: Proven experience in building, nurturing, and maintaining long-term customer relationships.
• Color and Texture Coordination: Discernment and skill in selecting and coordinating colors, fabrics, and textures to create aesthetically pleasing spaces.
• Self-Motivation & Drive: Highly driven to meet or exceed sales goals and a proactive approach to client acquisition and development.
• Positive Outlook & Friendly Personality: An outgoing, approachable, and optimistic demeanor that contributes to a positive customer experience.
• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using computers for sales tracking, customer relationship management, and accessing design tools or product information.
• Professionalism & Polished Image: Maintaining a career-minded professionalism and a polished appearance suitable for a retail design environment.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic retail environment with varying paces and customer interactions.
• Listening Skills: Adept at actively listening to customer needs and translating them into actionable design choices.

Preferred Skills:

• Interior Design Certification Training: Experience or completion of interior design certification programs.
• Relationship Selling Techniques: Familiarity with consultative and relationship-based sales methodologies.
• Virtual Sales Tools: Experience conducting sales and consultations via virtual platforms or live chat.
• Sales Goal Achievement: Documented history of consistently meeting or exceeding sales quotas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a role for professionals who have moved beyond entry-level sales and possess a foundational understanding of consultative selling and design principles, with the potential for growth within the company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Case Studies: Examples showcasing how you've assessed client needs, proposed design solutions, and achieved client satisfaction through furniture selection and space planning.
• Sales Performance Metrics: Evidence of achieving or exceeding sales targets, ideally presented with context on sales volume, average transaction value, or client acquisition rates.
• Client Relationship Development Examples: Demonstrations of how you've built and maintained long-term customer relationships, perhaps through follow-up strategies or loyalty programs.
• Visual Design Examples: A curated selection of projects or mood boards that highlight your eye for color, texture, and style coordination.

Process Documentation:

• Client Needs Assessment Process: A clear outline of how you approach understanding a client's requirements, from initial conversation to detailed specification.
• Design Proposal Workflow: Steps involved in creating, presenting, and refining design proposals, including any tools or techniques used for visualization.
• Sales Cycle Management: A description of your approach to managing a sale from lead generation through to post-sale follow-up, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested, a portfolio demonstrating successful design consultations, sales achievements, and client relationship management would significantly strengthen an application. Focus on quantifiable results and a clear process for delivering design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The company indicates potential earnings averaging $70,000-$105,000 per year for experienced Design Consultants, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000 per year. This is a commission-based compensation plan, supplemented by bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive training programs provided to develop product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Disability Insurance: Provision for short-term and/or long-term disability coverage.
• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for beneficiaries.
• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid leave for vacation, sick days, or personal time.
• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Bassett Furniture products.
• State-of-the-Art Showroom: Opportunity to work in a modern and well-equipped retail environment.
• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Potential career progression within the company.

Working Hours: The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, typical for a retail sales environment. Specific daily hours are not detailed but are expected to align with standard retail operating hours, likely involving 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-driven, meaning income potential is directly tied to sales performance. The provided salary range is an estimate of average to top-tier earnings, reflecting the company's belief in the earning potential for successful consultants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail / Interior Design / Home Furnishings Company Size: Bassett Furniture has a significant presence, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with established operational structures and a recognized brand name. Founded: Since 1902, Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage in craftsmanship and furniture retailing, indicating a stable company with deep industry experience and a focus on quality and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant likely operates within a showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with fellow sales consultants, design staff, and potentially showroom support personnel.
• Cross-functional interaction may occur with operations, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: While creative, the sales approach is driven by performance metrics and sales goals.
• Relationship-Focused: Emphasis on building long-term customer loyalty through personalized service and design expertise.
• Consultative Selling: A process of understanding client needs deeply to provide solutions, rather than a pushy sales tactic.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing training in product knowledge, design trends, and sales techniques.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long history suggests a culture that values both tradition and innovation in furniture retail. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "interior design certification training" points to a company that invests in its employees' development and client engagement strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-level sales and design role within a retail environment. It requires established sales skills and a developing expertise in interior design, with a focus on client acquisition and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or a Sales Director, with direct oversight of their sales performance and client interactions.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts the company's revenue and market presence by driving sales, building brand loyalty, and contributing to the overall customer experience. Their success in converting design ideas into sales directly fuels business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Progression to roles with higher sales targets, specialized design focus (e.g., custom upholstery, specific room design), or mentorship responsibilities.
• Showroom Management: Advancement into leadership positions such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing sales teams and store operations.
• Design Education/Training: Opportunities to become a trainer or mentor for new design consultants, sharing expertise in design principles and sales techniques.
• Specialized Sales Roles: Potential to move into B2B sales, commercial design projects, or online sales channel development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly mentions "Opportunity for growth and advancement" and provides "Interior Design certification training," indicating a structured career path for individuals who excel in sales and design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail furniture showroom, which is designed to be visually appealing, inspiring, and conducive to customer consultations. Office Location(s): Tyler, Texas. The role also involves visiting customer residences and businesses.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Floor: The consultant will spend significant time on the showroom floor, engaging with customers, presenting products, and discussing design options.
• Design Consultation Areas: Dedicated spaces, possibly including seating areas or private rooms, for in-depth client discussions and design presentations.
• Customer Homes/Businesses: Occasional work outside the showroom for in-home design consultations or makeovers.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: The showroom environment is typically collaborative, with team members supporting each other to meet sales goals and enhance the customer experience.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays, which are peak times for retail sales. The typical work week is likely around 40 hours, distributed across these days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the workspace, combining showroom duties with client visits, requires adaptability and excellent time management skills. The showroom itself serves as a key tool for sales and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and communication skills.
• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager (e.g., Showroom Manager), assessing personality, sales aptitude, design interest, and cultural fit. Expect behavioral questions about past sales successes and customer interactions.
• Second Interview/Assessment: May involve a more in-depth discussion about design approach, problem-solving skills, or a scenario-based assessment (e.g., mock consultation). A portfolio review might occur at this stage.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior sales leader, confirming suitability and discussing compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Present case studies that clearly outline your approach from client brief to final design, including mood boards, space plans, and product selections.
• Quantify Sales Achievements: Include data or metrics that demonstrate your success in meeting sales targets, such as revenue generated, conversion rates, or average sale value.
• Highlight Client Relationships: Feature examples of how you've built and maintained customer loyalty, perhaps through testimonials or descriptions of follow-up strategies.
• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, reflecting your design sensibilities.
• Tailor to Bassett: Emphasize how your design style and sales approach align with Bassett's brand, quality, and customer service ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Be prepared to engage in a simulated client consultation, demonstrating your ability to listen, ask probing questions, and propose relevant design solutions.
• Sales Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common sales objections or approach a challenging client.
• Design Presentation: Practice articulating your design choices and the reasoning behind them, focusing on benefits to the client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a sales-focused design role will likely balance assessment of creative talent with practical sales skills and personality fit for a customer-facing role. A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating capabilities beyond what a resume can convey.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a customer relationship management system (e.g., Salesforce, a proprietary system) for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and sales pipeline management.
• Design Software/Tools: May include specialized interior design software, 3D visualization tools, or digital swatch/mood board creation platforms.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions and managing sales orders.
• Product Information Management (PIM) System: Access to detailed product catalogs, specifications, and inventory.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools for tracking personal and showroom sales metrics, commission earnings, and goal attainment.
• Customer Data Analytics: Understanding customer purchasing behavior and preferences to inform sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Email & Communication Platforms: For client outreach, follow-up, and internal communication.
• Virtual Meeting Software: For conducting remote consultations (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems and a willingness to learn proprietary design and sales software are essential. The ability to leverage technology to enhance customer engagement and streamline the sales process will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Placing the customer's needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all interactions and design decisions.
• Passion for Design: A shared enthusiasm for interior design, home furnishings, and creating beautiful spaces.
• Sales Excellence: A commitment to achieving sales goals through ethical practices, strong client relationships, and effective consultative selling.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive and productive showroom environment.
• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards of personal conduct, appearance, and customer service.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to learn, adapt to new trends, and enhance skills in design and sales.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Team Support: Consultants are expected to collaborate with colleagues, sharing insights on customer needs and design challenges.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Working effectively with other departments (e.g., logistics, customer service) to ensure a smooth customer experience from sale to delivery.
• Mentorship Opportunities: The company's training programs suggest a culture that supports knowledge sharing and mentorship between more experienced and newer team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value both individual achievement in sales and collaborative support within the showroom team, driven by a shared passion for design and customer satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is the reliance on commission for income, requiring consistent high performance and effective client conversion.
• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design expertise with the demands of achieving sales targets.
• Customer Needs Variances: Handling a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and expectations, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.
• Seasonality in Retail: Navigating potential fluctuations in customer traffic and sales volume based on seasonal trends.
• Driving Foot Traffic: Proactively engaging customers and generating interest in the showroom and its offerings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Access to company-sponsored training to achieve professional interior design certification.
• Sales Skill Enhancement: Ongoing training in consultative selling, negotiation, and client relationship management.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of furniture construction, materials, customization options, and design trends.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized design functions within Bassett Furniture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of high-performing retail sales roles, emphasizing the need for resilience, continuous learning, and a strong client-focused approach. The growth opportunities are significant for those who excel.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to interior design. How do you balance a client's personal style with current trends and functionality?" (Prepare to discuss your design process, inspirations, and how you tailor solutions.)
• Sales Success: "Tell me about a time you exceeded a sales goal. What strategies did you employ?" (Focus on quantifiable achievements, client engagement, and overcoming obstacles.)
• Client Consultation: "How do you approach building rapport with a new client and understanding their needs effectively?" (Emphasize active listening, asking insightful questions, and creating a comfortable consultation environment.)
• Handling Objections: "Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult customer objection. How did you resolve it?" (Provide a structured STAR method response highlighting problem-solving and customer retention.)
• Design Challenges: "If a client is unsure about color palettes or furniture styles, how would you guide them?" (Showcase your ability to educate, inspire, and build client confidence.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically?" (Research the company's history, values, and design aesthetic.)
• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and industry news?" (Demonstrate your passion and commitment to continuous learning.)
• "How do you contribute to a team environment?" (Provide examples of collaboration and support for colleagues.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your process from initial concept to final outcome.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the client's brief, your design approach, the challenges faced, and the successful outcome (including sales impact if possible).
• Visuals: Use high-quality images of your design work, client spaces, or even mood boards. If you have sales data related to these projects, present it clearly.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples.
• Engagement: Be ready to discuss your work, answer questions about your design choices, and explain how your skills align with the Design Consultant role at Bassett.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate how your design sensibility and sales skills complement each other and how you can contribute to Bassett's success. Be ready to demonstrate your passion for both design and client satisfaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your interior design consultation experience, successful sales achievements (with metrics if possible), and examples of building strong client relationships. Focus on projects that demonstrate your eye for color, style, and functionality relevant to home furnishings.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly showcases your sales experience, any design-related skills or training, and achievements in meeting or exceeding sales targets. Use keywords such as "interior design," "sales consultant," "relationship selling," "clienteling," and "visual merchandising."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, sales approach, and how you handle customer interactions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and demonstrate your passion for interior design and sales.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, design aesthetic, and company values to articulate why you are a good fit for their team. Understand their "relationship selling" approach and commitment to customer service.

⚠️ 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.