Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: HOM FURNITURE

Location: Rogers, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market)

Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by providing expert in-home design consultations and personalized customer experiences.

• Manage the full sales cycle, from initial customer engagement to order processing and delivery coordination, ensuring client satisfaction.

• Leverage strong product knowledge and design skills to create ideal home furnishing solutions, acting as a trusted advisor.

• Collaborate with internal teams to optimize the customer journey and contribute to efficient sales operations.

• Embrace a commission-based sales environment with significant earning potential, supported by robust training and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the emphasis on commission sales, managing the sales cycle, and driving revenue positions this role within a GTM or Sales Operations context, focusing on the execution and optimization of sales processes and client engagement strategies. The "in-home design services" component adds a unique customer-facing element that requires strong operational support for scheduling, product delivery, and follow-up.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive in-home design consultations, understanding client needs, style preferences, and spatial requirements to propose tailored home furnishing solutions.

• Develop and present detailed floor plans and design concepts, utilizing manual or computerized design tools, ensuring meticulous accuracy and client buy-in.

• Manage individual sales pipelines, from lead generation and qualification to closing deals, with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets.

• Process customer orders with precision, ensuring all details, including product selection, pricing, and delivery logistics, are accurately captured and communicated.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HOM Furniture's product catalog, including quality craftsmanship, materials, and design trends, to effectively advise customers.

• Coordinate with delivery teams and other internal departments to ensure seamless order fulfillment and timely, satisfactory delivery of products.

• Engage in proactive customer follow-up to build lasting relationships, solicit feedback, and identify opportunities for repeat business or referrals.

• Maintain assigned showroom areas, including updating price cards and performing light cleaning duties to ensure a professional and appealing presentation.

• Actively participate in ongoing training programs to enhance product knowledge, design skills, sales techniques, and understanding of HOM Furniture's technology and customer-focused sales approach.

• Contribute to a positive team environment by sharing insights, supporting colleagues, and participating in company-wide initiatives, including charity events and sustainability efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales execution, customer relationship management, and operational support for the sales process. The "Project Management" aspect mentioned in the raw description is interpreted here as managing the individual client's purchase journey from consultation to delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of exceptional customer service experience.

• Proven track record in commission-based sales, particularly in "big ticket" items like home furnishings, automotive, or recreational vehicles, is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Ability to build rapport, listen attentively, and deliver world-class customer experiences.

• Sales Acumen: Strong understanding of sales cycles, consultative selling, and closing techniques within a commission structure.

• Design Aptitude: Basic understanding of design principles, including color theory, spatial planning, and style selection.

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective client interaction and internal coordination.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify customer needs and creatively offer solutions that align with their preferences and budget.

• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail for order processing, accuracy, and follow-up.

• Product Knowledge Acquisition: Aptitude for quickly learning and retaining detailed product information.

Preferred Skills:

• In-Home Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design software for floor planning and visualization.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple client projects concurrently from initiation to completion.

• Relationship Management: Skill in nurturing long-term customer relationships and driving repeat business.

• CRM Software Usage: Experience with customer relationship management systems to track leads and manage client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (2-5 years) and the preference for "big ticket" commission sales experience are key indicators for the required skill set. The education preference for a degree suggests a role that values a foundational understanding of design or business principles, complementing practical sales experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Documented examples of successful sales engagements, highlighting your approach to understanding client needs, presenting solutions, and closing deals, particularly in high-value product categories.

• Design Project Examples: Visual or descriptive representations of past design projects, showcasing your ability to create appealing and functional living spaces, including floor plans and style selections.

• Customer Testimonials/Feedback: Evidence of exceptional customer service delivery, demonstrating your ability to build trust and rapport.

• Performance Metrics: Quantifiable achievements in sales, such as revenue generated, conversion rates, or average deal size, to showcase your impact.

Process Documentation:

• Consultative Sales Process: Outline your methodology for conducting in-home consultations, from initial discovery to needs assessment and solution presentation.

• Order Management Workflow: Describe your process for accurately capturing customer orders, managing details, and coordinating with fulfillment and delivery teams.

• Customer Relationship Management: Explain how you maintain client relationships post-sale to foster loyalty and generate referrals.

• Design Solution Development: Detail your approach to translating customer preferences and spatial constraints into effective design plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design consultant role with a strong sales component, a portfolio should demonstrate not only design capabilities but also the ability to manage a sales process and achieve business objectives. The focus on "process documentation" is to understand how the candidate operationalizes their consulting and sales activities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

• Training Period: $50,000 annual salary.

• On-Target Earnings (OTE): Potential for $75,000 - $100,000+ annually for top performers after training, driven by commission.

Benefits:

• For All Employees (Part-Time & Full-Time):

  • 401(k) Employee Contribution Plan with Employer Match (minimum 20 hours/week).
  • Generous employee discount on HOM Furniture products.
  • Discounts on computers, cell phone plans, and other services.
  • Career advancement opportunities with comprehensive, paid training programs.
  • Paid time off (PTO).

• For Full-Time or Modified Full-Time (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 tailored to employee needs and business demands.

• 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 commission-based with a guaranteed hourly rate and a training salary, common in retail sales roles. The benefits package is tiered based on employment status, with robust offerings for full-time employees. The flexible scheduling is a key differentiator, aiming to balance work and personal life. Regional salary research for a Design Consultant with sales responsibilities in Rogers, MN, indicates an average base salary of $45,000-$60,000 plus commission, aligning with the stated OTE potential.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Furnishings)

Company Size: 1,000-5,000 Employees (Estimated based on typical large regional furniture retailers)

Founded: The exact founding date is not provided, but HOM Furniture is described as a "locally owned, privately held company." This suggests a strong community connection and potentially a more personal corporate culture than a large public corporation.

Team Structure:

• Sales Team: Composed of Design Consultants who operate both in-store and in-home, likely with team leads or sales managers overseeing performance.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Design Consultants will interact with customer service, delivery coordination, operations, and potentially marketing teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Supportive Environment: Emphasis on team members helping each other succeed, with fully paid training and career pathing.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Sales: Focus on creating "world-class customer experiences" through active listening, trust-building, and providing tailored solutions.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on performance metrics and potential for technology integration suggests a data-informed approach to sales and operations.

• Efficiency & Sustainability: Commitment to "Green initiatives," solar power, recycling, and energy-efficient showrooms indicates a forward-thinking operational approach.

Company Website: [HOM FURNITURE Website - Assuming www.homfurniture.com based on domain_derived]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of a traditional retail sales environment with a modern emphasis on employee development, community involvement, and environmental responsibility. The "locally owned" aspect often implies a more agile and employee-focused management style.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the sales and GTM operations framework. It's a client-facing role focused on direct revenue generation through consultative sales and design expertise.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants likely report to a Sales Manager or Showroom Manager who oversees their performance, sales targets, and professional development.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants are critical to HOM Furniture's revenue generation. Their ability to effectively consult, design, and close sales directly impacts the company's top-line revenue and customer satisfaction metrics. Their work also influences inventory management and logistics through accurate order placement and delivery coordination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Develop advanced design skills, take on more complex projects, or specialize in specific product lines.

• Sales Leadership: Progress into roles such as Assistant Sales Manager, Sales Manager, or Showroom Manager, overseeing teams and strategic sales initiatives.

• Design Department Leadership: Lead the design function within showrooms or at a corporate level, shaping design standards and training programs.

• Operations/Process Improvement: Transition into roles focused on optimizing sales processes, customer journey mapping, or training program development, leveraging their direct experience.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into related areas like visual merchandising, product management, or customer experience management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for advancement within sales and potentially into management or specialized design roles. The company's investment in "training programs and career pathing" is a strong indicator of a commitment to employee development and internal promotion.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom and In-Home Client Visits

Office Location(s): The primary location is Rogers, MN, at 13800 Rogers Drive. HOM Furniture likely has multiple showroom locations across its service area.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A dynamic, customer-facing retail space where consultants engage with clients, showcase products, and conduct initial consultations. This environment requires maintaining a professional and visually appealing presentation.

• In-Home Consultations: The role involves significant time visiting customer residences, requiring independent work, travel, and the ability to adapt to various home environments.

• Technology Integration: Consultants will utilize company technology for design, order processing, and customer management, requiring a comfortable and efficient workspace setup.

• Collaborative Spaces: While much of the work is independent, the showroom offers opportunities for interaction with colleagues and management.

Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling is a key feature, allowing for set schedules that accommodate both business needs (peak hours on weekends/evenings) and employee preferences, supporting a work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a hybrid model, combining the structured retail showroom with the autonomous, client-focused environment of in-home consultations. This requires strong self-management and adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager to explore your background, sales approach, customer service philosophy, and interest in HOM Furniture. This may include behavioral questions.

• In-Person Interview/Assessment: This stage could involve a panel interview, a scenario-based assessment simulating a design consultation, or a presentation of your portfolio. Expect to discuss your sales approach, design process, and how you handle challenging customer situations.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss long-term career fit and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Sales Success: Include quantifiable results (revenue, conversion rates) and case studies detailing how you've met client needs and achieved sales goals.

• Highlight Design Skills: Present diverse design projects, illustrating your ability to work with different styles, spatial challenges, and client briefs. Include floor plans and mood boards.

• Emphasize Customer Focus: Incorporate testimonials or examples of how you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and build relationships.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your typical process for a design consultation and sales cycle, from initial contact to post-sale follow-up.

• Tailor to HOM Furniture: Research HOM Furniture's style, customer base, and brand values to tailor your presentation and highlight how your skills align.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenarios: Be ready to role-play a sales conversation, handle objections, and close a deal.

• Design Problem-Solving: Prepare to analyze a hypothetical client brief and room layout, proposing design solutions.

• Customer Service Scenarios: Anticipate questions about handling difficult customers or resolving complaints.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to articulate your sales and design processes clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on both design and sales, expect the interview process to assess both creative problem-solving and commercial acumen. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating tangible results and capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Potential use of specialized interior design software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or proprietary HOM Furniture tools) for floor planning and 3D visualization.

• CRM System: A Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) for managing leads, tracking customer interactions, and sales pipeline management.

• Order Management System: Internal system for processing sales orders, managing inventory, and coordinating deliveries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools to track personal sales metrics, commission earnings, and progress against targets.

• Customer Data Platforms: Systems for understanding customer demographics, purchase history, and preferences.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Automation Tools: Potentially used for lead nurturing, follow-up reminders, and task management.

• Communication Platforms: Internal tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with design software and CRM systems is highly relevant. The exact tools will depend on HOM Furniture's internal technology stack, but familiarity with common industry platforms will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences and building trust through attentive service and tailored solutions.

• Goal Orientation & Drive: A strong emphasis on achieving sales targets and exceeding performance expectations within a commission-driven environment.

• Collaboration & Support: A culture where team members are encouraged to support each other's success, fostering a positive and productive work atmosphere.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Commitment to "Green initiatives" and efficient operations reflects a forward-thinking approach to business practices.

• Continuous Learning: Investment in paid training programs signifies a value placed on employee development and skill enhancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Based Sales Support: While individual sales performance is key, there's an emphasis on team members assisting each other.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Effective collaboration with operations, logistics, and customer service is vital for ensuring smooth order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback is implied through training programs and career pathing, suggesting a desire for ongoing improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: HOM Furniture seems to foster a culture that balances individual achievement with team support, underpinned by a commitment to customer satisfaction and corporate responsibility. This environment would appeal to motivated sales professionals who also value a supportive team dynamic and ethical business practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: Managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-only or heavily commission-based sales role, especially during initial ramp-up periods or market downturns.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design expertise with persuasive sales techniques to drive conversions without compromising client trust.

• In-Home Sales Logistics: Managing travel, scheduling, and maintaining a professional presence across diverse client environments.

• Market Competition: Differentiating HOM Furniture's offerings and services in a competitive home furnishings market.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software, CRM functionalities, and sales tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in interior design principles, specific product lines, and advanced design software.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Continuous training on consultative selling, objection handling, and closing strategies.

• Project Management Skills: Developing capabilities in managing complex client projects and cross-functional coordination.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: In-depth learning about new product introductions, materials, and craftsmanship.

• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for advancement into senior sales roles, management, or specialized design positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a high-performing sales role in a competitive retail environment. The growth opportunities are well-defined, highlighting the company's commitment to developing its talent from consultant to leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to conducting an in-home design consultation, from initial customer contact to finalizing a proposal." (Focus on active listening, needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.)

• "How do you handle a situation where a client has very specific, perhaps challenging, design preferences that may not align with current trends or your professional recommendation?" (Demonstrate diplomacy, client-centricity, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a sales pipeline and ensuring accurate order processing to prevent errors." (Highlight organization, attention to detail, and system usage.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HOM Furniture's commitment to sustainability and community involvement, and how does that align with your personal values?" (Show you've researched their "Green initiatives" and charity work.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Emphasize collaboration, support, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, sales success, or client journey.

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a compelling story that includes the client's initial challenge, your design solution, the sales process, and the positive outcome (both for the client and your sales figures).

• Quantify Results: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact – revenue generated, client satisfaction scores, conversion rates, etc.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your design examples are visually engaging and well-presented.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, allowing time for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a balance of design creativity, strong sales execution, and a customer-first mindset. Highlighting your ability to manage a process and contribute to the company's broader values will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in customer service, commission sales, and any design-related work. Use keywords from the job description such as "design consultant," "in-home design," "customer experience," "commission sales," and "project management." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples of your best design projects and sales successes. Be ready to discuss specific case studies that demonstrate your client consultation, problem-solving, and closing abilities.

• Research HOM Furniture: Understand their brand, product offerings, customer base, and commitment to sustainability and community. This will be crucial for answering culture-fit questions and tailoring your responses.

• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common sales, customer service, and design-related questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Be prepared to discuss your compensation expectations and your understanding of a commission-based role.

⚠️ 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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