DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant
Company: Bassett Furniture
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales / Retail / Design
Date Posted: October 2, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant revenue growth by acting as a primary point of contact for clients seeking interior design and furniture solutions.
• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge and design expertise to guide customers through the selection process, fostering long-term client relationships.
• Execute personalized interior design consultations and makeovers, translating customer needs and preferences into tangible design choices.
• Utilize relationship selling techniques to maximize sales opportunities and achieve or exceed established sales targets within a commissioned environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally a sales position with a strong emphasis on consultative selling through interior design expertise. While not a traditional Revenue Operations role, it shares core principles of driving revenue through customer engagement, relationship management, and a deep understanding of product value. The "design consultant" title signifies a specialized sales approach focused on personalized solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture meaningful, long-term customer relationships through personalized design consultations and exceptional service.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of furniture construction, current design trends, and Bassett's product offerings.
• Conduct in-depth client needs assessments, discerning taste, lifestyle, and budget to recommend appropriate design solutions.
• Create, present, and sell product and design solutions that align with customer requirements, driving sales and customer satisfaction.
• Utilize relationship selling techniques, including interior design consultations and home makeovers, to identify and capitalize on sales opportunities.
• Manage a personal client base, proactively engaging with leads and existing customers to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Coordinate and discern colors, textures, and materials to create cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design schemes.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and a polished image, reflecting the quality and brand values of Bassett Furniture.
• Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Effectively utilize virtual appointment tools and live chat for customer engagement and sales consultations.
• Drive to customers' residences and businesses for in-home consultations and makeovers as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, consultative service, and client relationship management. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "interior design consultations" indicates a consultative sales approach where understanding and fulfilling client needs is paramount to closing deals and building loyalty, which is a key driver of revenue in retail sales operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Experience: Proven track record of success in sales, particularly in a commissioned environment. Prior experience in retail sales, furniture sales, or interior design is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and a keen eye for color and fashion.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective client engagement.
• Friendly, outgoing personality with a positive outlook and strong client-building aptitude.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive to meet and exceed sales goals.
• Ability to listen actively and translate customer wants into tangible design choices.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications for customer management and virtual consultations.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required by retail operations.
• Dedicated team player committed to supporting colleagues and store objectives.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, varied-paced retail environment.
• Polished image and professional demeanor.
• Career-minded professionalism and a desire for continuous learning.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal training or certification in Interior Design.
• Experience with design software or visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously.
• Experience in furniture construction and material knowledge.
• Proven success in building and maintaining a loyal client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of interpersonal skills, sales acumen, and a genuine passion for design. For operations professionals, these skills translate to understanding customer needs, driving adoption of solutions, and building relationships – core components of successful GTM strategies. The "proven track record of success in sales" and "highly driven to meet or exceed sales goals" are critical performance indicators for any revenue-generating role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to showcase their sales success, client relationship management capabilities, and design project examples. This could manifest as:
  • Examples of successful client consultations or design transformations (e.g., before-and-after photos, client testimonials).
  • Documentation of sales achievements (e.g., exceeding targets, average sale value, client retention rates).
  • A description of their personal sales process and client engagement strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage customer interactions and sales processes efficiently, particularly through virtual channels.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and ability to follow established sales and design consultation processes provided by Bassett Furniture.
• Capability to document customer needs, design choices, and sales outcomes accurately within the company's sales system.
• Willingness to learn and adhere to training protocols for product knowledge, sales techniques, and design consultation methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the "portfolio" is less about technical documentation and more about demonstrating sales performance and client-centric skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their sales process, highlight achievements with quantifiable results (sales figures, client growth), and showcase their design sensibility through visual examples or case studies of past projects. This aligns with operations' need for demonstrable impact and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Base: $70,000 - $105,000 (Commission-based, potential for higher earnings)
• Top Performers: Up to $135,000+ annually
• Explanation: This range is derived directly from provided information stating "The potential income for our experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000/year. With our corporate top writers making up to 135,000/year." This indicates a heavily commission-driven compensation structure where base salary is minimal or non-existent, with earnings directly tied to sales performance.

Benefits:

• Paid training to equip associates with necessary skills and product knowledge.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Disability insurance for income protection.
• Life Insurance for financial security.
• 401(k) plan for retirement savings.
• Tuition assistance to support ongoing education and development.
• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
• Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.
• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom environment.
• Clear opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays, as is standard for retail operations.
• Schedule flexibility may be required to accommodate customer needs and peak business periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is a key element for sales roles. The high potential earnings are directly tied to commission, which requires a strong understanding of sales targets, conversion rates, and average deal sizes – metrics often tracked and optimized by Sales Operations. The benefits package is competitive and aligns with standard offerings for full-time employees in the retail sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture is a well-established American brand with a long heritage in crafting quality custom furniture. Company Size: Over 100 years old (founded in 1902), suggesting a stable, established company with a significant market presence. While exact current employee count isn't provided, its longevity and retail footprint imply a substantial workforce. Founded: 1902, providing over a century of experience and brand recognition in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants likely operate within a retail showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with other sales associates, design staff, and potentially showroom support personnel.
• Cross-functional collaboration might extend to logistics, customer service, and manufacturing liaison for custom orders.

Methodology:

• Customer-centric approach focused on building relationships and providing personalized design solutions.
• Emphasis on "relationship selling" and consultative sales techniques rather than transactional selling.
• Commitment to quality craftsmanship and value in their product offerings.
• Continuous learning and development through comprehensive training programs.
• Leveraging a complimentary design service as a strategic sales tool.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's long history and focus on custom quality suggest a culture that values craftsmanship, customer relationships, and innovation within a traditional retail framework. For operations professionals, understanding a company's heritage and market position helps in aligning GTM strategies and operational efficiency with brand identity and customer expectations. The emphasis on "innovation in furniture retailing" points to a forward-thinking aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level sales position within the retail and design sector. It serves as a foundational role for developing client management, sales, and design expertise. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees sales performance, training, and operational efficiency within the retail space. Operations Impact: Directly impacts revenue generation through product sales and client acquisition. Success in this role contributes significantly to the overall financial performance and customer loyalty of the retail location and the brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Progress to Senior Design Consultant roles, focusing on higher-value clients or specialized design areas.
• Leadership Development: Potential advancement into Showroom Management or Sales Management positions, overseeing teams and driving store-level sales strategies.
• Design Expertise: Become a certified Interior Designer through Bassett's training programs, enhancing professional credentials and earning potential.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into related areas such as visual merchandising, sales training, or customer success management within the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the career ladder in client-facing roles like this is important for appreciating the full GTM cycle. The growth path from individual contributor to management highlights the need for strong foundational sales and relationship skills, which are often supported by robust operational processes and systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within a state-of-the-art Bassett Furniture showroom. This environment is designed to showcase products and provide an inspiring atmosphere for customers. Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina. The specific showroom location will offer a blend of individual workspace for planning and client interaction areas for consultations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative showroom floor where interaction with colleagues and customers is frequent and expected.
• Access to product samples, design tools, and visual merchandising displays to aid in client consultations.
• Opportunity to work with a variety of customers, each with unique design needs and preferences.
• A professional retail setting that requires maintaining visual standards and product presentation.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.
• Requires flexibility to work weekends and holidays, which are critical sales periods in retail.
• The pace can vary, with periods of high customer traffic and focused client consultations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site showroom environment emphasizes direct customer interaction and a visually engaging workspace. For operations roles, this highlights the importance of systems that support real-time sales data, inventory management, and customer relationship tracking to ensure a seamless customer experience within the physical retail space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or hiring manager phone screen to assess basic qualifications, enthusiasm for design, and sales drive.
• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth discussion, potentially including a role-play scenario or presentation of past design/sales work. This is where a candidate's passion for design and sales approach will be evaluated.
• Showroom Visit/Shadowing: May involve spending time in the showroom to understand the environment and customer interactions.
• Final Interview: Potential discussion with senior management or showroom leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Presentation: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your design aesthetic and past projects with high-quality visuals (e.g., photos, mood boards, renderings).
• Sales Metrics: Quantify your sales achievements with specific numbers (e.g., sales volume, conversion rates, average transaction value). Highlight how you exceeded targets.
• Client Success Stories: Include testimonials or brief case studies detailing how you understood client needs and delivered successful design outcomes, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business.
• Design Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your personal design consultation process, from initial client engagement to final delivery and follow-up.
• Product Enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine excitement for furniture, design, and the Bassett brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario: Be prepared for a role-playing exercise where you present a design solution to a mock client. Focus on active listening, problem-solving, and persuasive communication.
• Design Presentation: You might be asked to present a design concept for a specific room or client profile, demonstrating your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and furniture selections.
• Objection Handling: Practice responding to common sales objections related to price, style, or functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this role are centered on demonstrating sales prowess, design sensibility, and client engagement skills. Operations professionals preparing for interviews should tailor their own experience to highlight quantitative achievements, process adherence, and customer-centric problem-solving, drawing parallels to how they drive efficiency and revenue.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing customer interactions, sales pipelines, and client history.
• Design Software: Potentially internal design visualization tools or industry-standard software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite) for creating design mockups and presentations.
• Communication Platforms: Tools for virtual appointments, live chats, and internal team communication (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack).
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions and managing sales orders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales reporting dashboards within the CRM or POS system to track individual and showroom performance against targets.
• Tools for analyzing customer buying trends and preferences.

CRM & Automation:

• Utilizes CRM for customer data management and sales process automation.
• Potential for email marketing or customer outreach automation tools for client follow-up and loyalty programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is client-facing, it relies on robust operational technology. A strong CRM is essential for managing relationships and tracking sales cycles, mirroring the foundational role of CRM in Revenue Operations. Proficiency in communication tools for remote client engagement is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through personalized service and design expertise.
• Sales Excellence: A drive for achieving and exceeding sales targets, with a commitment to continuous improvement in sales techniques.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within a showroom team, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive team environment.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image, ethical conduct, and a career-minded approach in all interactions.
• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, home furnishings, and helping customers create their ideal living spaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and mutual support among sales associates and management within the showroom.
• Emphasis on sharing best practices and customer insights to collectively improve sales performance.
• Cross-functional collaboration with store operations, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of individual drive (sales targets) and collective success (teamwork, customer satisfaction). This aligns with GTM operations where individual sales performance is critical, but it's supported and amplified by efficient team processes and collaborative efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is the reliance on commission, requiring consistent high performance to achieve target earnings.
• Market Competition: Facing competition from other furniture retailers and interior design services necessitates strong differentiation through expertise and customer service.
• Client Needs Variability: Adapting to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project complexities requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.
• Pacing Variability: Managing fluctuating customer traffic and sales cycles inherent in retail environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Training: Access to Bassett's paid training programs covering product knowledge, sales methodologies, and design principles.
• Interior Design Certification: Opportunity to earn official Interior Design certification through Bassett's programs, enhancing professional value.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced sales consultants and showroom managers.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for promotion into leadership roles or specialized sales positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a commission-based sales role, emphasizing the need for resilience, continuous skill development, and a strong understanding of sales performance metrics. The growth opportunities are robust, offering a clear path for career progression within the company, which is a key consideration for long-term career planning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "Describe your sales process from initial customer contact to closing a sale. How do you build rapport and trust?" (Focus on your consultative selling skills and client-relationship building.)
• Design Acumen: "How do you stay current with design trends, and how would you approach a client who has very different tastes from your own?" (Showcase your passion for design and adaptability.)
• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you faced a challenging client or a difficult sales situation. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your ability to navigate objections and find solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically, and what do you admire about our brand?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and product lines.)
• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive workplace culture." (Emphasize collaboration and support for colleagues.)
• Motivation: "What motivates you in a sales role, especially in a commission-based environment?" (Focus on achievement, client satisfaction, and personal growth.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: For any sales role, be ready to present specific metrics (e.g., "I exceeded my monthly sales target by 15% for six consecutive months," "My average transaction value was $X").
• Showcase Design Work: If you have design experience, present visually appealing examples of projects, highlighting your role, the client's needs, and the final outcome.
• Client Success Stories: Prepare 1-2 concise stories detailing how you successfully met a client's needs, built a strong relationship, and achieved a positive sales result.
• Concise & Engaging: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, demonstrating your communication skills and ability to articulate value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires blending sales strategy articulation with design passion and a clear understanding of customer needs. For operations professionals, this translates to demonstrating how they can support and enable sales teams by providing the right tools, processes, and insights, while also understanding the customer journey from a direct sales perspective.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight sales achievements, customer service experience, and any design-related skills or passion. Use keywords like "sales," "client relations," "interior design," "consultative selling," and "goal achievement."
• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of past design work, sales achievements (with specific numbers if possible), and client success stories. Be prepared to discuss your approach to client engagement and sales.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, design philosophy, and current market position. Understand their brand values and commitment to quality.
• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your sales process, design approach, and how you handle client interactions. Prepare for potential role-playing scenarios.

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

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