DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Bassett Furniture Location: Wilmington, Delaware, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: October 20, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales through expert interior design consultations and personalized customer engagement, leveraging deep product knowledge and current design trends.
• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships by understanding their unique tastes, lifestyles, and investment parameters.
• Maximize sales opportunities by adeptly translating customer needs into compelling furniture and design solutions.
• Contribute to a collaborative retail environment by supporting team goals and upholding the Bassett Furniture brand standard.
• Engage with customers both in-store and virtually, utilizing digital tools for consultations and sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant operational responsibilities within the sales cycle. It requires a blend of creative design skills and robust sales acumen, focusing on relationship selling and customer journey optimization within a retail context. The operational aspects involve managing client interactions, utilizing CRM tools (implied), and ensuring a seamless customer experience from consultation to purchase.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct personalized interior design consultations, assessing customer needs, style preferences, and budget constraints to recommend suitable furniture and décor.
• Develop and present comprehensive design solutions, including space planning, color palette selection, and fabric/material coordination.
• Utilize "relationship selling" techniques to build rapport, trust, and long-term loyalty with clients, fostering repeat business and referrals.
• Drive revenue by meeting and exceeding established sales targets through effective product knowledge and persuasive sales strategies.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including furniture construction, materials, customization options, and design features.
• Stay current with interior design trends, color theory, and market dynamics to provide innovative and relevant design advice.
• Perform in-home or on-site design consultations and makeovers, requiring travel to customer residences and businesses.
• Engage with customers through virtual appointments, live chats, and other digital communication channels to expand reach and provide flexible service.
• Collaborate with showroom teams to ensure a cohesive customer experience and efficient workflow within the retail environment.
• Maintain accurate customer records and sales activity logs, leveraging provided technology and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on customer journey management and sales process execution. The "relationship selling" aspect implies a need for CRM proficiency and a consultative approach to sales, which are key components of effective sales operations. The requirement for in-home visits and virtual appointments indicates the need for adaptability in service delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Continuous learning through provided training programs is expected. Experience: 2-5 years of proven success in a sales-driven role, preferably within the furniture, home décor, or luxury retail sectors. Demonstrated experience in customer relationship management and consultative selling is essential.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, aesthetics, and creating beautiful living spaces.
• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to meet and exceed sales goals through effective persuasive techniques and a results-oriented mindset.
• Color & Texture Discernment: An innate ability to coordinate colors, textures, and materials to create harmonious and appealing design schemes.
• Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport quickly, listen actively, and establish strong, positive relationships with diverse clientele.
• Customer Needs Translation: Skill in actively listening to and interpreting customer desires, translating them into concrete design choices and product recommendations.
• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive and self-starting attitude, with the initiative to manage client outreach and sales activities independently.
• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using standard office software, email, and digital communication tools; ability to learn proprietary sales and design software.
• Positive Outlook & Professionalism: A friendly, outgoing, and optimistic demeanor, coupled with a polished image and career-minded professionalism.
• Team Collaboration: Willingness to be a supportive and contributing member of the showroom team.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic retail environment with varying paces and customer demands.

Preferred Skills:

• Sales CRM Experience: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for tracking leads, managing customer interactions, and analyzing sales performance.
• Virtual Selling Tools: Experience with video conferencing platforms and digital tools for conducting remote client consultations and sales presentations.
• Visual Merchandising Basics: An understanding of showroom layout and product display to enhance customer engagement.
• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Prior knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes, materials, and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship selling," "customer needs assessment," and "building a base of loyal clients" strongly suggests that experience with or aptitude for CRM systems and sales process management is crucial for success, even if not explicitly listed as a "required" technical skill. The "proven track record of success in sales" implies quantifiable achievements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Achievement Showcase: Documented examples of successful sales performance, ideally with quantifiable results (e.g., percentage of sales goals met, average transaction value, client retention rates).
• Design Consultation Case Studies: Detailed examples of past design projects, illustrating the process from initial client needs assessment to final solution presentation and implementation. These should highlight problem-solving and creative application of design principles.
• Client Relationship Management Examples: Evidence of how you've built and maintained long-term customer relationships, potentially through follow-up strategies, personalized service, or loyalty programs.
• Process Optimization Contribution (if applicable): If you have experience improving sales processes or customer engagement workflows, examples of your contributions and their impact would be valuable.

Process Documentation:

• Client Journey Mapping: Ability to articulate the typical customer journey from initial contact to post-purchase follow-up, and how your role optimizes each stage.
• Sales Process Flow: Understanding and ability to document the steps involved in a consultative sales process, from lead generation to closing the sale.
• Design Proposal Structure: Experience in creating clear, compelling, and professional design proposals that effectively communicate solutions and secure client buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly requested in the traditional sense, the job description implies a need to demonstrate past successes. Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of their sales achievements, design process, and client relationship management strategies. This is akin to a performance-based portfolio review.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base + Commission Structure: The role operates on a commissioned sales environment.
• Potential Annual Income: $70,000 - $105,000 (average for experienced consultants).
• Top Performer Potential: Up to $135,000+ annually.

Benefits:

• Paid training program designed to equip associates with product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance policies.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Tuition assistance for further education and professional development.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.
• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom environment.
• Clear pathways for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility Required: Willingness to work weekends and holidays is essential due to the retail nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong indicator of the role's compensation structure, emphasizing performance-based earnings. The $70,000-$105,000 range represents the typical earnings for successful individuals, while the higher end reflects top performers. This structure requires a candidate comfortable with commission-based pay and motivated by uncapped earning potential. The mention of "written business" implies formal order processing and tracking.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing & Retail Company Size: Large (1,000 - 5,000 employees, based on typical corporate structures for established brands like Bassett). Founded: 1902. Bassett Furniture Industries boasts a rich heritage of over a century in crafting quality custom furniture, positioning them as a well-established and trusted brand in the American market.

Team Structure:

• Showroom-Based Teams: Design Consultants typically work within a specific retail showroom, forming a local sales and design team.
• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager responsible for overseeing showroom operations, sales performance, and team development.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with other Design Consultants, sales support staff, and potentially delivery or design support teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: Core sales methodology focused on building long-term customer connections rather than transactional sales.
• Consultative Approach: Emphasizes understanding customer needs deeply and providing tailored solutions.
• Data-Driven Insights (Implied): While not explicit, the focus on sales goals and performance suggests an environment where sales data is tracked and analyzed to inform strategy.
• Customer-Centricity: A strong emphasis on creating a positive and memorable customer experience throughout the design and purchasing journey.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long history (since 1902) suggests a stable company culture that likely values tradition, quality, and customer loyalty. The emphasis on "innovation" alongside heritage indicates a forward-thinking approach within a well-established framework. This implies a culture that supports professional development and embraces evolving retail practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the retail sales and design function. It requires established sales skills and a solid understanding of design principles, moving beyond entry-level sales associate roles.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees the operational efficiency and sales performance of the showroom team. This provides a clear line of communication for performance feedback, training, and career development.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly drives company revenue through sales achieved via design consultations and effective customer engagement.
• Brand Advocacy: Acts as a brand ambassador, shaping customer perceptions through expertise, service, and product representation.
• Customer Loyalty: Contributes to long-term customer retention and repeat business through relationship building and exceptional service, impacting lifetime customer value.
• Market Insights: Provides valuable feedback on customer preferences, design trends, and product demand, which can inform inventory, marketing, and product development strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Advancement to Showroom Manager, Sales Manager, or Regional Sales Director roles, overseeing larger teams and broader operational responsibilities.
• Design Specialization: Potential to become a senior design consultant, specializing in specific styles or client segments, or taking on training responsibilities.
• Corporate Roles: Opportunities in areas like sales training, product development liaison, or merchandising, leveraging deep customer and product insights.
• Continuous Learning: Ongoing access to product knowledge updates, sales technique training, and the company's Interior Design certification program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "opportunity for growth and advancement" mentioned in benefits, combined with the established nature of Bassett Furniture, suggests structured career paths. For operations-minded candidates, this role offers a platform to hone sales process management, CRM utilization, and customer journey optimization skills, which are transferable to broader sales operations or management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom Environment Office Location(s): The role is located in a specific Bassett Furniture showroom in Wilmington, Delaware.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Floor: The primary workspace is a professionally designed retail showroom, featuring a wide array of furniture and décor. This environment is customer-facing and requires maintaining high aesthetic standards.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: Works alongside fellow Design Consultants and showroom staff, fostering a team-oriented sales culture.
• Tools & Technology: Access to showroom displays, design resources, fabric swatches, and likely a computer system for sales processing, customer management (CRM), and virtual consultations.
• Customer Interaction: Frequent direct interaction with customers in person, via phone, email, and video conferencing.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, typically around 40 hours per week.
• Weekend and Holiday Availability: Crucial requirement due to the nature of retail operations, which often sees peak traffic during these times. This necessitates flexible scheduling and a commitment to serving customers when they are most available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "state-of-the-art showroom" implies a modern, well-equipped retail space. For operations professionals, understanding how the physical showroom environment impacts the sales process, inventory management (implied), and customer experience is key. The need for flexibility, especially on weekends and holidays, is a critical operational consideration for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and application, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and communication skills.
• First Interview: May involve a discussion with a hiring manager or showroom manager to assess your personality, sales aptitude, and understanding of the role. Expect questions about your sales philosophy, customer service approach, and design interests.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You might be asked to present a design concept for a hypothetical client, demonstrate your ability to coordinate colors and styles, or discuss how you would handle specific sales scenarios. This is where your "portfolio" of examples becomes critical.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a district or regional manager, focusing on career aspirations, long-term fit, and alignment with Bassett's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any sales examples, use numbers (e.g., "increased sales by X%", "exceeded quota by Y% for Z quarters").
• Showcase Design Process: For design projects, detail your steps: client brief, mood boards, space planning, product selection justification, and final presentation.
• Highlight Relationship Building: Provide examples of how you've nurtured client relationships, leading to repeat business or referrals.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging clients or evolving design requests.
• Tailor to Bassett: Research Bassett's product lines and design aesthetic. Frame your examples to show how your skills align with their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario Role-Playing: Prepare to act out sales interactions, demonstrating your consultative selling and closing techniques.
• Design Presentation Practice: Practice presenting a design concept concisely and persuasively, as if to a client.
• Objection Handling: Anticipate common objections (e.g., price, style, lead times) and prepare thoughtful responses.
• Product Knowledge Integration: Be ready to discuss how you would learn and apply Bassett's specific product knowledge to customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship selling," "design consultations," and "maximizing selling opportunities" suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only sell but also consult and build rapport. Preparing examples that demonstrate these skills, along with quantifiable sales results, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System (Implied): Essential for managing customer relationships, tracking leads, sales pipelines, and client history. Candidates should highlight any experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, or similar CRM platforms.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and inventory tracking.
• Design Software (Potential): While not explicitly stated, proficiency with interior design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Chief Architect, or even advanced PowerPoint/Keynote for presentations) could be a significant advantage.
• Communication Platforms: Email, phone systems, and potentially video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for virtual appointments and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize reports on sales figures, conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer acquisition cost.
• Customer Data Analysis: Understanding how to leverage customer data within the CRM to identify trends, personalize outreach, and forecast sales.

CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management: Utilizing CRM to track and nurture leads from various sources.
• Sales Process Automation (Potential): Familiarity with automated follow-up sequences or task management within a CRM could be beneficial.
• Inventory Management Systems: Understanding how sales orders impact inventory levels and delivery timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the operational requirements point towards a need for proficiency in CRM systems for sales management and customer engagement. Candidates should emphasize any experience with sales enablement tools, order management systems, and digital communication platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through exceptional service, personalized design, and a seamless buying experience.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards, a polished appearance, and career-minded professionalism in all interactions.
• Teamwork & Support: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve showroom goals and provide a cohesive customer journey.
• Drive for Results: A commitment to meeting and exceeding sales targets through proactive effort and effective sales strategies.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing training, learning new design trends, and refining sales techniques to enhance performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative & Supportive: Team members are encouraged to share knowledge, assist each other with client needs, and work towards collective showroom success.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The primary focus is on collaborating to ensure the customer's needs are met and exceeded at every touchpoint.
• Process Adherence: Working within established sales processes and showroom operational procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long history and emphasis on quality suggest a culture that values dedication, craftsmanship, and strong customer relationships. The "equal opportunity and affirmative action employer" statement underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Variability: The primary challenge is the reliance on commission, meaning income can fluctuate based on sales performance and market conditions.
• Meeting High Sales Targets: Consistently achieving ambitious sales goals requires ongoing effort, skill, and effective lead generation/conversion strategies.
• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Objectives: Effectively merging artistic design sensibilities with the practicalities of sales targets and customer budgets.
• Managing Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of tastes, budgets, and expectations, requiring strong adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• In-Home Service Demands: The requirement for travel and in-home consultations adds a logistical element and requires time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Training Programs: Access to structured training covering product knowledge, sales techniques, design principles, and client relationship building.
• Interior Design Certification: Opportunity to earn Bassett's Interior Design certification, enhancing professional credentials.
• Mentorship & Coaching: One-on-one coaching and ongoing learning opportunities throughout your career at Bassett.
• Exposure to Trends: Staying at the forefront of furniture and interior design trends through company resources and industry engagement.
• Sales Leadership Path: Clear opportunities to advance into management roles with increased responsibility and earning potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-performing sales roles, particularly those with a consultative and design-oriented component. Candidates should view these challenges as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, leveraging the company's support systems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Process: "Describe your consultative sales process from initial customer contact to closing a sale. How do you identify customer needs and translate them into solutions?" (Focus on relationship selling, active listening, and problem-solving.)
• Design Consultation: "Walk me through how you would approach an in-home design consultation for a client who wants to update their living room. What key questions would you ask?" (Emphasize understanding lifestyle, aesthetics, and functional requirements.)
• Handling Objections: "A client loves a sofa but expresses concern about the price. How would you address this objection while reinforcing the value?" (Showcase your ability to highlight quality, customization, and long-term investment.)
• Client Relationship Management: "How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals?" (Discuss follow-up strategies, personalized service, and exceeding expectations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "What specifically attracts you to Bassett Furniture and this Design Consultant role?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and product offerings. Connect your passion for design and sales to their brand.)
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a sales team to achieve a common goal." (Highlight collaboration, support for colleagues, and shared success.)
• Adaptability: "How do you stay current with design trends and incorporate them into your client recommendations?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and market awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 key projects or sales achievements that best demonstrate your skills and results.
• Storytelling: Frame each example as a narrative: the client's initial challenge, your proposed solution, the execution, and the positive outcome (quantified where possible).
• Visuals: If possible, use visual aids (e.g., mood boards, sketches, photos of completed projects) to illustrate your design capabilities.
• Process Clarity: Clearly explain your role in each project and the steps you took.
• Connect to Bassett: Explain how your experience and approach align with Bassett's brand, products, and customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong sales execution, creative design thinking, and excellent customer engagement skills. Be ready to provide specific, anecdotal evidence of your successes and how you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Resume: Apply through the provided link on Dayforce HCM, ensuring your resume highlights relevant sales experience, design passion, and customer service achievements.
• Curate Your Talking Points: Prepare specific examples from your past roles that showcase your sales success (quantified if possible), design consultation process, and client relationship-building strategies. Be ready to discuss how you translate customer needs into design solutions.
• Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with Bassett's product lines, design aesthetic, company history, and values. Understand their brand positioning in the market.
• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse how you would present a design concept or discuss a past successful project, focusing on clarity, persuasiveness, and demonstrating your understanding of the consultative sales process.
• Prepare for Scenario Questions: Anticipate questions about handling sales objections, understanding customer needs, and motivating yourself in a commission-based environment. Practice formulating concise, results-oriented answers.

⚠️ 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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