Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: HOM FURNITURE

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Category: Sales / Art & Design / Retail / Customer Service & Support / Consulting

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive in-home and in-store sales by providing expert design consultation and product recommendations.

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the sales cycle.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets through a commission-based compensation structure with guaranteed base pay and bonus opportunities.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless order processing, delivery management, and exceptional customer experiences.

• Contribute to a positive and goal-oriented sales environment focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has a strong emphasis on commission sales within the home furnishings sector. The "Design" aspect is integrated into the sales process, focusing on understanding customer needs and translating them into product solutions to drive revenue. The compensation structure highlights a guaranteed base against commissions, indicating a need for strong sales acumen and customer engagement skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home and in-store consultations to understand customer needs, style preferences, and budget constraints.

• Develop customized design solutions, including space planning, floor plan drawing, and product selection, to meet customer requirements.

• Present and sell a wide range of home furnishings products, leveraging product knowledge and sales techniques to close deals.

• Build and nurture a client base through exceptional customer service, proactive follow-up, and relationship management.

• Process customer orders accurately, coordinate deliveries, and manage post-sale follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product lines, design trends, and industry best practices.

• Participate in store merchandising, including maintaining price cards and ensuring the cleanliness and presentation of assigned showroom areas.

• Actively participate in company-sponsored charity events and green initiatives, embodying the company's community-focused values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities blend direct sales, consultative design, and operational tasks. The emphasis on "in-home design services" and "drawing unique floor plans" signifies a need for spatial reasoning and visualization skills beyond typical retail sales. The requirement to participate in "price card maintenance" and "light duty vacuuming and dusting" indicates a hands-on approach within the showroom environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of exceptional customer service experience.

• Commission-based sales experience in "big ticket" items (e.g., home furnishings, automotive, recreational vehicles, appliances) is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Ability to build rapport, understand needs, and provide world-class customer experiences.

• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive sales, meet targets, and manage a commission-based compensation structure.

• Design Sensibility: Understanding of interior design principles, style selection, color theory, and space planning.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for effective client interaction and order processing.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying customer needs and proposing tailored home furnishing solutions.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new products, technologies, and sales methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• In-Home Sales Experience: Proven track record of successful sales consultations conducted at clients' residences.

• CRM Proficiency: Familiarity with customer relationship management systems for tracking leads and customer interactions.

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Design Software: Proficiency in tools for creating floor plans and visualizations.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple client projects from initial consultation through to delivery.

• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of how to present products effectively in a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement for "2 years of exceptional customer service" combined with "big ticket top writer commission sales experience preferred" suggests a need for candidates who can handle complex sales cycles and high-value transactions. The preference for degree holders in design or business indicates a desired balance between creative and analytical skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Documented examples of successful sales engagements, highlighting customer needs, solutions provided, and sales outcomes (revenue generated, deal size).

• Design Project Examples: Visual representations of past design projects, including floor plans, mood boards, or 3D renderings, demonstrating style selection and space planning abilities.

• Customer Testimonials/References: Evidence of strong customer satisfaction and positive feedback from previous clients.

• Process Improvement Contributions (Optional but Recommended): Any instances where you identified and implemented improvements to sales processes or customer service workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Cycle Management: Ability to articulate and demonstrate a structured approach to managing the sales cycle from lead generation to closing and post-sale follow-up.

• In-Home Consultation Process: Outline your methodology for conducting effective in-home consultations, including needs assessment, space measurement, and solution presentation.

• Order Processing & Delivery Coordination: Demonstrate understanding of the steps involved in accurate order entry, inventory management, and delivery scheduling, emphasizing meticulous follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples of their sales success and design work. This role blends sales and design, so showcasing both aspects through case studies or project examples will be critical for demonstrating proficiency. The emphasis on "meticulous accuracy and follow up" in order processing suggests a need for candidates who can manage operational details rigorously.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Guaranteed Base: $20 - $24 per hour (against commissions).

• Training Salary: $50,000 annual salary during the initial training period.

• Commission Potential: Top performers can expect to earn $75,000 - $100,000+ annually after the training period.

• Bonus Opportunities: Immediate bonus opportunities are available.

Benefits:

• Part-Time & Full-Time Employees (minimum 20 hours/week):

  • 401(k) Employee Contribution Plan with Employer Match.
  • Employee Discount on HOM Furniture products.
  • Discounts on computers, cell phone plans, and other services.
  • Career advancement opportunities and fully paid training programs.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Full-Time or Modified Full-Time Employees (32+ hours/week):

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Insurance Plans.
  • Employer-paid Life Insurance.

Working Hours:

• Flexible scheduling options are available, including evenings and weekends, with set schedules determined to balance work and personal life.

• Full-Time: 40-hour schedule.

• Modified Full-Time: 32-36 hour schedule.

• Part-Time: Up to 28 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is a hybrid model, offering a guaranteed hourly rate that is offset by commissions, plus a higher guaranteed salary during training. This structure is common in high-ticket sales roles and suggests that the company values both a stable income base for new hires and significant earning potential for successful sales consultants. The flexibility in scheduling, including set schedules, is a notable benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings Retail

Company Size: 501-1,000 Employees (Estimated based on typical retail operations)

Founded: HOM Furniture is a locally owned, privately held company. (Specific founding date not provided, but implies established local presence).

Team Structure:

• The sales team operates with a "Design Consultant" model, blending sales expertise with design consultation.

• Consultants are goal-oriented and driven, with a culture of mutual support and shared success.

• Reporting lines likely involve a Sales Manager or Showroom Manager overseeing a team of Design Consultants.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Sales: Focus on building trust and rapport to understand and fulfill customer home furnishing needs.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing customer style preferences and space measurements to create personalized design solutions.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on meticulous order processing, accurate delivery management, and continuous improvement in customer experience.

• Community Engagement: Active participation in charity events and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability ("Green Initiatives").

Company Website: homfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes its local ownership and community involvement, which can translate to a more personalized and employee-centric work environment compared to larger, publicly traded corporations. The "Green Initiatives" highlight a commitment to sustainability, potentially appealing to environmentally conscious candidates. The "HOM away from home" sentiment suggests a positive and supportive internal culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Sales & Design Role

This role is positioned as a key client-facing position within the retail operations of HOM Furniture. It requires a blend of sales proficiency, design aptitude, and customer service excellence. Success in this role typically leads to opportunities for specialization or advancement within the sales hierarchy.

Reporting Structure:

Design Consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or Showroom Manager. This structure provides direct oversight, coaching, and performance management, crucial for a commission-driven role. Collaboration with other departments ensures a holistic understanding of the business operations.

Operations Impact:

Design Consultants directly impact revenue generation through sales. Their ability to understand customer needs and provide effective design solutions influences customer satisfaction, repeat business, and brand loyalty. Efficient order processing and delivery coordination are critical operational aspects that contribute to the company's overall efficiency and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Potential to become a senior Design Consultant, specializing in specific product categories (e.g., kitchens, outdoor furniture) or client segments.

• Sales Leadership: Progression into roles such as Assistant Sales Manager or Sales Manager, overseeing a team of consultants and driving sales performance for a store or department.

• Design Leadership: Opportunities to move into lead designer roles, store visual merchandising, or product development based on design expertise.

• Training and Development: HOM Furniture offers paid training programs and career pathing, indicating a commitment to employee skill development and internal promotion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit mention of "career advancement opportunities and paid training" is a significant draw for candidates looking for long-term growth. The hybrid nature of the role (sales + design) offers diverse pathways for career development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom and In-Home Client Visits

The primary work environment is a large, well-maintained retail showroom designed to showcase home furnishings. A significant portion of the role involves conducting client consultations within customers' homes.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: 204 17th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

• In-Home Consultations: Within the Rochester area and potentially surrounding regions served by the Rochester store.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom: A dynamic retail environment requiring constant engagement with customers and products. This involves standing, walking, and presenting products. The space is designed to be visually appealing and inspiring for customers.

• In-Home: Requires professional conduct, adaptability to different home environments, and the ability to visualize furniture placement and style within a client's existing space.

• Technology: Access to showroom technology, potentially design software, and communication tools for order processing and client interaction.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in the showroom, sharing best practices, and supporting team sales goals.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible scheduling options are available, including evenings and weekends, which are peak times for retail sales.

• Set schedules are provided to ensure work-life balance. Options include Full-Time (40 hours), Modified Full-Time (32-36 hours), and Part-Time (up to 28 hours).

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of showroom and in-home work requires excellent time management and the ability to transition between different professional settings. The flexible yet set scheduling system aims to provide structure and predictability for employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Application review and potential phone screen to assess basic qualifications, customer service experience, and interest in sales/design.

2. First Interview: Typically with a Sales Manager, focusing on sales experience, customer service philosophy, understanding of commission-based roles, and initial design interest. May involve behavioral questions.

3. Skills Assessment/Second Interview: This stage might include a presentation, a design challenge, or an in-depth discussion of sales strategies. Candidates may be asked to present examples of past work (portfolio) or discuss how they would approach specific design scenarios.

4. In-Home Simulation (Optional): A role-playing exercise simulating an in-home consultation to assess practical application of skills.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 strong examples that showcase your best work in both sales success and design capability.

• Quantify Sales Achievements: For sales examples, highlight revenue generated, average deal size, conversion rates, or customer retention metrics.

• Visualize Design Solutions: For design projects, include clear images, floor plans, and brief descriptions of the client's needs and how your design addressed them.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to client consultations, from initial contact to final delivery, emphasizing customer-centricity and attention to detail.

• Tailor to HOM Furniture: If possible, align your examples with the style and price point of HOM Furniture's offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle objections, upsell products, or close a sale with a hesitant customer.

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical room and a customer profile, then asked to select furniture and create a basic layout. Focus on understanding the client's needs and presenting a cohesive design.

• Customer Service Scenario: Prepare to describe how you would handle a difficult customer or a delivery issue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their sales drive and their design aptitude. A portfolio, even if informal (e.g., a slideshow, a well-organized PDF), will be crucial for showcasing design skills. Understanding the company's product range and target customer will be beneficial for interview preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: For lead management, customer tracking, sales pipeline management, and activity logging. (Specific CRM not mentioned, but common in sales roles).

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing sales transactions, managing inventory, and generating receipts.

• Design Software: Potentially including CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp) or specialized interior design software for creating floor plans and visualizations.

• Communication Tools: Email, internal messaging platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams), and phone systems for client and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools to track individual and team sales metrics, commission earnings, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Inventory Management Systems: To check product availability and track stock levels.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Database: Centralized repository of customer information, purchase history, and preferences.

• Order Management Systems: To streamline the process of order entry, confirmation, and tracking through to delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names are not listed, proficiency in CRM systems is highly probable given the commission sales focus. Familiarity with design visualization tools would be a strong asset, even if the company provides its own proprietary software or training.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing world-class customer experiences and building lasting relationships based on trust.

• Goal Orientation: Driven by sales targets and commission potential, fostering a competitive yet supportive sales environment.

• Passion for Service: A genuine desire to help customers find the ideal solutions for their homes.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging team members to support each other's success and contribute to a positive "HOM away from home" atmosphere.

• Sustainability & Community: Commitment to environmental responsibility (green initiatives) and active participation in local charity events.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with sales management, operations, delivery teams, and potentially marketing to ensure a seamless customer journey.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share product knowledge, design tips, and sales strategies.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback for continuous improvement in sales techniques and customer service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value both individual drive for sales success and a collective commitment to customer satisfaction, community, and sustainability. This blend suggests an environment where ambitious individuals can thrive while contributing to a positive company ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Fluctuations: Managing variable income based on sales performance requires strong financial discipline and consistent effort.

• Handling Objections and Rejection: As with any sales role, consultants will encounter customer objections and may face sales that do not close. Developing resilience is key.

• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively merging the consultative aspect of design with the drive for sales closure can be challenging.

• In-Home Sales Logistics: Managing appointments, travel, and presenting in diverse home environments requires flexibility and professionalism.

• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with evolving design trends, product lines, and sales technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Product Training: HOM Furniture offers paid training on their entire product catalog, ensuring deep product knowledge.

• Sales Methodology Training: Instruction on the company's unique customer-focused sales solution approach.

• Design Skills Development: Training in room planning, design elements (color, patterns), and potentially computer-aided design.

• Project Management Skills: Learning to manage the entire customer project from consultation to delivery.

• Career Pathing: Structured opportunities for advancement within sales, design, or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company actively invests in training and career development, mitigating some of the challenges by equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed and grow.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully upsold a customer or persuaded them to purchase a higher-value item. What was your approach?" (Focus on sales techniques, understanding customer needs, and value proposition).

• "Walk me through your process for conducting an in-home design consultation, from initial greeting to closing the sale." (Highlight structured approach, questioning techniques, and presentation skills).

• "How do you handle a customer who is hesitant or has objections about a particular product or its price?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, empathy, and negotiation skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HOM Furniture and our commitment to community and sustainability?" (Research the company website, focus on their values).

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment, especially in a commission-driven sales setting?" (Emphasize collaboration, support, and shared goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your most impressive sales achievement or design project.

• Tell a Story: For each example, explain the situation, your actions, and the results (quantifiable sales outcomes and successful design solutions).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals for design projects. For sales, use metrics and descriptions of customer satisfaction.

• Connect to HOM Furniture: Explain how your skills and experience align with the company's offerings and customer base.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and how you achieved specific results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will assess not only your sales skills but also your design eye and your ability to represent the HOM Furniture brand professionally and enthusiastically. Demonstrating a genuine interest in interior design and home furnishings will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service achievements, commission sales success (mentioning "big ticket" items if applicable), and any design or space planning experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio (digital or physical) showcasing 2-3 of your strongest sales and design projects. Be ready to discuss your process and results.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HOM Furniture's product lines, store locations, and their stated values regarding customer service, community involvement, and sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common sales, customer service, and design-related interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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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