Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Floor & Decor Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: August 06, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as the primary point of contact for customer design needs within the retail environment, focusing on consultative sales and project management for flooring and accessory products.
• The Design Consultant is instrumental in driving sales growth by providing expert design advice and managing client relationships from initial consultation through to project completion, impacting overall store revenue and customer satisfaction.
• Key responsibilities include clienteling, networking, and leveraging company-provided leads to build a strong customer base, directly contributing to the expansion of the store's design services brand and sales targets.
• This position requires a blend of customer-facing sales skills, design acumen, and operational efficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, directly supporting the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a role deeply integrated with sales operations and customer relationship management, rather than pure product design. The emphasis on managing projects from inquiry to installation and collaborating with store leadership aligns it with operational support for the sales function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage proactively with store customers on the sales floor to identify design needs and opportunities, initiating the sales process and providing initial design consultation.
• Conduct in-depth design appointments with homeowners, interior designers, and builders to understand project requirements, recommend suitable tile, wood, stone, and accessory products based on color, texture, pattern, and design aesthetic.
• Develop and nurture client relationships through effective networking, referrals, and proactive follow-up, building a robust client portfolio that drives repeat business and new leads.
• Manage multiple customer projects concurrently, overseeing all phases from initial inquiry to final installation, ensuring high accuracy, timeliness, and consistent communication with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with store leadership and associates to ensure seamless project execution, achieve sales targets, and uphold the store's design services brand reputation.
• Utilize company-specific design and customer management applications, including Salesforce, the online design appointment scheduler, and MyProject, to track client interactions, manage project pipelines, and report on sales activities.
• Actively participate in company initiatives, modeling best practices in customer engagement and sales processes, and coaching store employees to enhance the overall customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a need for strong organizational skills and a systematic approach to project management, characteristic of sales operations roles. The responsibility for "design and sell complete, functional and aesthetically appealing solutions" necessitates a consultative sales process that requires understanding customer needs and translating them into actionable project plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of retail or customer service experience is mandatory.
• Internal candidates require a minimum of 6 months of tenure with Floor & Decor.
• Experience in sales or design-related fields is beneficial for understanding customer needs and product application.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage, assist, and build rapport with a diverse customer base.
• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for consultative selling, identifying customer needs, and closing sales.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple customer projects from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for client and internal stakeholder interactions.
• Basic Mathematical Skills: Proficiency in calculations for sales, pricing, and project estimations.
• Computer Proficiency: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with learning new software applications.
• Networking & Clienteling: Ability to generate leads through networking and build lasting customer relationships.
• Multi-tasking: Capacity to manage several tasks simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Consultation Experience: Prior experience providing design advice for home improvement or interior design projects.
• CRM Software Proficiency: Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce for client management and sales tracking.
• Visual Merchandising Awareness: Understanding of aesthetic principles and product presentation.
• Time Management: Efficient allocation of time for client appointments, follow-ups, and administrative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on managing multiple projects and using specific software (Salesforce, online schedulers) points towards a need for organizational and process-oriented skills, common in operations roles supporting sales teams. The requirement for "proactive engagement" and "developing clientele" highlights the importance of proactive sales operations strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Client Project Management Showcase: Examples of how you've managed customer projects from initial consultation to completion, demonstrating problem-solving and successful outcomes.
• Sales Process Documentation: Evidence of a structured approach to customer engagement, needs assessment, and sales conversion, highlighting efficiency and effectiveness.
• Customer Relationship Management: Demonstrations of clienteling techniques and how you've leveraged communication tools to build and maintain customer relationships.
• Performance Metrics: If available, examples of how you've tracked and achieved sales targets or customer satisfaction goals in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Customer Engagement Workflow: A clear outline of your typical process for engaging with customers on the sales floor, scheduling appointments, and conducting consultations.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Documentation detailing how you manage project timelines, ensure follow-up, and coordinate with relevant parties (e.g., installation teams, store leadership).
• Sales & Communication Tracking: Methods used to log customer interactions, manage leads, and communicate project status updates to clients and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate their project management and clienteling capabilities. The role involves using systems like Salesforce, suggesting that candidates who can articulate their experience with CRM and workflow management tools will be better positioned. Proficiency in demonstrating a structured approach to sales processes is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The minimum base pay is $15.00 per hour. Higher starting pay is available based on experience.
• This role is hourly, with potential for bonuses, suggesting an incentive-based compensation structure common in retail sales operations.

Benefits:

• Performance-Based Incentives: Bonus opportunities at every level, reflecting a performance-driven culture.
• Career Development: Career advancement opportunities and relocation opportunities across the country.
• Retirement Planning: 401k with discretionary company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Referral Program: Referral Bonus Program.
• Work-Life Balance: A personal holiday and Volunteer Time Off program.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance plans (subject to eligibility criteria).

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position.
• Store hours are Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Pickup hours are similar.
• Employees will need to be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and potentially holidays, to meet customer demand and store operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Bonus opportunities at every level" indicates a compensation structure that rewards performance, a commonality in sales-oriented roles that are closely tied to revenue generation and operational efficiency. The availability of relocation opportunities suggests a company that supports internal mobility and talent development within its operational structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Specialty Retail (Flooring and Home Improvement). Floor & Decor is a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring and related accessories. Company Size: Large (Floor & Decor is a significant player in the retail space, indicated by its numerous locations and publicly available financial information). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for scale. Founded: Floor & Decor was founded in 2000. This relatively recent founding means the company likely has a modern, growth-oriented culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant is part of the store's sales and design team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or a designated Design/Sales Lead.
• They will collaborate closely with other store associates, including sales floor staff, warehouse personnel, and management, to ensure a cohesive customer experience from consultation to delivery.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving communication with installation partners and potentially corporate support teams for complex projects or customer escalations.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Sales: The primary methodology revolves around understanding and fulfilling customer design needs through consultative selling.
• Process-Driven Operations: The use of specific software (Salesforce, schedulers) and the emphasis on managing multiple projects indicate a reliance on structured processes for efficiency and consistency.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While entry-level, advice and sales strategies are expected to be grounded in product knowledge and an understanding of customer preferences and project requirements.

Company Website: https://careers.flooranddecor.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "specialty retail" and "hard surface flooring" means the operations are geared towards specific product knowledge and customer project lifecycle management within that niche. The culture is likely dynamic and customer-focused, with an emphasis on sales performance and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Sales & Design Support. This role is positioned as a foundational step into sales and customer relationship management within the retail operations of Floor & Decor. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or a Sales/Design Manager. The role is embedded within the in-store operational hierarchy. Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts store revenue through consultative sales and clienteling. Their ability to manage projects efficiently and provide excellent customer service contributes to customer retention and the store's overall sales performance and brand reputation. They are a key touchpoint in the customer journey, influencing purchasing decisions and project success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Design Consultant: Progression could involve taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, or achieving higher sales targets.
• Transition to Sales Management: With experience, opportunities may arise to move into roles like Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, overseeing broader store operations and sales teams.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific product lines or customer segments (e.g., commercial projects, specific design styles).
• Cross-functional Moves: Experience in customer-facing operations could lead to roles in merchandising, inventory management, or even corporate sales support roles, depending on acquired skills and interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a retail operations framework, emphasizing sales performance and customer management. The company's explicit mention of "Career advancement opportunities" and "Relocation opportunities" suggests a commitment to internal talent development and mobility within its operational network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Store Environment. The primary workspace is the retail sales floor, including dedicated design areas and potentially customer appointment rooms. There is also exposure to a warehouse environment. Office Location(s): Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Floor & Decor operates numerous locations across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Focus: The environment is highly customer-interactive, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a welcoming demeanor.
• Product Immersion: Constant exposure to a wide variety of flooring and accessory products, necessitating product knowledge retention and organization.
• Dynamic Pace: The work environment is fast-paced, with fluctuating customer traffic and the need to manage multiple tasks and client needs simultaneously.
• Collaborative Team: Operates within a team structure, requiring cooperation with other store associates and management for seamless customer service and operational flow.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment.
• Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and potentially holidays to align with store operating hours and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "warehouse environment and moving vehicles" exposure highlights the operational realities of a retail setting that also manages significant inventory. This requires an awareness of safety protocols and the ability to navigate a more industrial space alongside the customer-facing retail area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or virtual screening to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and interest in the role.
• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview, possibly with the Store Manager or Sales Manager, focusing on customer service experience, sales approach, and problem-solving abilities. This may include behavioral questions and situational assessments.
• Scenario/Role-Play: Candidates might be asked to demonstrate their customer engagement skills through a simulated design consultation or sales scenario.
• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of how well the candidate aligns with Floor & Decor's customer-centric and sales-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal design portfolio isn't mandatory, be prepared to discuss past customer interactions, sales successes, and project management experiences.
• Highlight instances where you've successfully advised customers, managed multiple client needs, or used CRM tools to track progress.
• Focus on quantifiable achievements if possible (e.g., "increased customer satisfaction scores by X%" or "managed X number of projects concurrently").
• Emphasize your ability to learn and adapt to new systems and processes, particularly regarding CRM and sales tracking tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle common customer scenarios, such as dealing with indecisive customers, managing complaints, or upselling complementary products.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to building client relationships and generating referrals.
• Demonstrate your understanding of consultative sales techniques and how you would apply them to flooring and design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely focused on assessing sales aptitude, customer service skills, and the ability to manage operational tasks within a retail environment. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their proactive approach and clienteling capabilities, demonstrating how they can contribute to sales goals and the store's operational success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Salesforce: Used for customer relationship management, tracking leads, managing sales pipelines, and clienteling. Proficiency or a strong aptitude for learning CRM systems is essential.
• Proprietary Online Design Appointment Scheduler: A tool for managing customer appointments efficiently.
• MyProject: Likely an internal system for managing project details, timelines, and customer communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, basic reporting on sales activities, customer interactions, and project progress will likely be expected, potentially through Salesforce or other internal dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Central to managing customer data and sales processes.
• Scheduling Tools: For appointment management, a key operational efficiency component.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Salesforce and other proprietary systems highlights the role's integration with operational technology. Candidates with experience in CRM platforms and digital scheduling tools will have an advantage, as they demonstrate an understanding of the systems used to drive sales operations and customer management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer First: A strong emphasis on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the design and purchase process.
• Sales Driven: A results-oriented culture focused on achieving and exceeding sales targets through proactive engagement and consultative selling.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: The importance of working effectively with colleagues and management to support store operations and customer needs.
• Efficiency & Organization: The need to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to developing product knowledge and improving sales and design consultation skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with sales floor associates, management, and potentially installation teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Proactive Communication: Regular communication with customers and internal stakeholders to manage expectations and project progress.
• Supportive Environment: A culture that encourages sharing best practices and supporting team members to achieve collective goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are clearly geared towards a high-performance sales environment where customer satisfaction and team collaboration are paramount. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into daily tasks, such as efficient project management and proactive communication, is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Customer Volume: Effectively engaging with a large number of customers on the sales floor while also dedicating time to scheduled design appointments.
• Balancing Sales & Service: Meeting sales goals while consistently delivering excellent customer service and design advice.
• Product Knowledge Acquisition: Quickly learning and retaining extensive information about a wide variety of flooring and accessory products.
• Project Management Complexity: Juggling multiple customer projects, each with unique requirements and timelines, ensuring no detail is missed.
• Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment with evolving customer needs and promotional activities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Comprehensive training on Floor & Decor's extensive product lines, including materials, applications, and design trends.
• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development in consultative selling techniques, clienteling, and conflict resolution.
• System Proficiency: Training on Salesforce and other internal operational systems to enhance efficiency and data management.
• Career Path Guidance: Opportunities for mentorship and guidance on career progression within the company's sales and operations structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented require strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are core competencies in operations roles. The growth opportunities are directly linked to developing these skills further within a sales and customer service context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Engagement: "Describe a time you had to engage a hesitant customer and turn them into a satisfied buyer. What steps did you take?" (Focus on your consultative sales approach and clienteling skills).
• Project Management: "How do you manage multiple competing priorities and ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on time?" (Highlight your organizational methods and use of tools).
• Sales Process: "Walk me through your process for a successful design consultation, from initial greeting to closing the sale." (Demonstrate your structured approach and understanding of customer needs).
• Problem Solving: "Tell me about a challenging customer situation you resolved. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Showcase your customer service orientation and problem-solving abilities).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Floor & Decor and this specific role?" (Research the company's mission, values, and product offerings).
• "How do you stay motivated in a commission-based or performance-driven sales environment?" (Align your motivations with sales success and customer satisfaction).
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Emphasize collaboration and support for store goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of projects you've managed, even if not formally documented in a portfolio. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Highlight your experience with CRM systems like Salesforce, if applicable, and explain how you used them to track customer interactions and sales progress.
• Emphasize your ability to translate customer needs into actionable design solutions and project plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a proactive, customer-centric approach with strong organizational and sales skills. Highlighting experience with CRM and project management tools will be beneficial, showcasing an understanding of the operational backbone supporting sales.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Floor & Decor careers website.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales, project management, and any experience with CRM systems or clienteling. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in customer engagement, sales, problem-solving, and organization, using the STAR method for clear and concise answers.
• Research Floor & Decor: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, company culture, and values to articulate why you are a good fit.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to briefly and effectively communicate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the Design Consultant role, showcasing your understanding of how it contributes to store operations and sales success.

⚠️ 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.