Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Tilebar | Soho Studio LLC

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales and client satisfaction by providing expert design consultation and product recommendations.

• Manage the end-to-end sales cycle, from initial client engagement and quoting to order fulfillment and CRM tracking.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with a diverse clientele, including homeowners, designers, architects, contractors, and installers.

• Act as a brand ambassador, embodying Tilebar's values and commitment to exceptional customer service in all interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant Revenue Operations and Sales Operations implications. The focus on CRM usage, order management, sales process adherence, and client relationship management positions this as a key contributor to the sales pipeline health and revenue generation. The "Design" aspect is the product focus, but the underlying function is sales execution and client lifecycle management within a retail showroom environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Consultation:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for residential and trade clients, providing personalized service and expert advice.
  • Address client inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally to ensure a seamless and satisfying experience.
  • Curate material selections and recommend ideal tile and stone products for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.
  • Create custom room packages and design boards that align with client needs, desires, and aesthetic visions.

• Product Knowledge & Expertise:

  • Maintain an in-depth understanding of Tilebar's extensive product offerings, brand values, and current industry trends.
  • Effectively communicate product features, benefits, and applications to clients, guiding them towards the best solutions.
  • Stay updated on new product introductions, installation methods, and evolving design trends within the tile and stone industry.

• Sales & Order Management:

  • Manage the complete sales process, from initial client consultation and quoting to processing purchase orders and sample requests.
  • Ensure all sales activities, client interactions, and order details are accurately logged and tracked within the designated CRM system.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely and efficient order processing, fulfillment, and delivery, maintaining clear communication channels.

• Relationship Building & Brand Ambassadorship:

  • Establish and nurture long-lasting client relationships to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.
  • Consistently represent Tilebar's brand image, culture, and commitment to exceptional customer service in all interactions.
  • Uphold company values and contribute positively to the showroom's operational standards and team environment.

• Operational Support:

  • Work closely with the local showroom team to ensure adherence to all brand standards and operational procedures.

  • Assist with showroom maintenance, sample organization, and presentation to maintain an inspiring and professional environment.

  • Participate in occasional market events, training sessions, or showroom openings as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct client-facing sales, consultative design advice, and crucial back-end operational tasks like order management and CRM utilization. This indicates a need for individuals who can balance client relationship management with process adherence and data integrity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of direct sales or customer service experience, with a strong preference for backgrounds in retail, luxury sales, or showroom environments.

Required Skills:

• Client Engagement & Consultative Selling: Proven ability to engage clients, understand their needs, and guide them through product selection using consultative selling techniques to meet and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a dedicated customer-first mindset essential for driving client satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.

• Product & Design Acumen: Ability to develop and maintain in-depth product knowledge, effectively present and recommend materials, and create compelling design solutions (e.g., design boards, room packages).

• Sales Process & Order Management: Proficiency in managing the full sales cycle, including quoting, order processing, sample requests, and ensuring accurate data entry within CRM systems.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities for effective interaction with diverse clients, internal teams, and industry professionals.

• Operational Proficiency: Tech-savvy with frequent use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint); familiarity with CRM systems is crucial.

• Problem-Solving & Math Skills: Strong aptitude for problem-solving, quoting, pricing, and managing order details accurately.

• Time Management & Multitasking: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and multitask in a fast-paced showroom environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific CRM systems such as SalesPad, Magento, or Salesforce.

• Familiarity with logistics and supply chain processes to ensure smooth order fulfillment.

• Knowledge of tile, stone, and flooring materials, including product applications and industry trends.

• Experience in interior design or a related creative field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for individuals who can bridge the gap between sales execution and operational efficiency. Proficiency in CRM and understanding of order fulfillment processes are critical, indicating that this role is not purely transactional sales but involves contributing to the operational health of the sales pipeline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of client projects where you provided design consultation and curated material selections, highlighting the problem statement, your solution, and the client's outcome.

• Include case studies demonstrating successful sales cycles, particularly those involving complex client needs or multiple product recommendations.

• Present evidence of your ability to manage sales processes, including sample quoting, order tracking, and client communication logs (anonymized where necessary).

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow optimization in a sales or retail environment, particularly in managing client inquiries from initial contact through order fulfillment.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained process documentation related to sales procedures, order entry, or client service protocols.

• Showcase your ability to adapt to and follow established operational processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency in showroom operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a "Design Consultant" role in a sales-driven environment like Tilebar inherently requires a portfolio that demonstrates not just design aesthetic, but also sales process management, client relationship handling, and operational execution. Candidates should prepare to showcase how they manage client journeys and contribute to efficient sales operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 per year (Base Salary)

Incentives:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for employee discounts on Tilebar products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in design and sales.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position requiring flexibility to work retail hours, including weekends, evenings, and special events as needed.

• Standard workweek is approximately 40 hours, with potential for adjusted schedules based on showroom traffic and client demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $60,000-$65,000 for a Design Consultant with 3-5 years of experience in Richmond, VA, is competitive for the market. This range reflects a solid base salary for a role that also includes commission potential. The inclusion of commission incentives is a key component of the total compensation strategy for sales-focused roles in retail showrooms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials / Home Furnishings / E-commerce Retail. Tilebar operates within a dynamic market that blends interior design, luxury retail, and online sales, requiring a sophisticated approach to customer experience and product presentation.

Company Size: Tilebar is a growing company, indicated by its presence in multiple locations and its sophisticated online and physical showroom infrastructure. This suggests a company that is established but still agile, offering opportunities for impact.

Founded: Tilebar was founded with a vision to revolutionize the tile shopping experience. Its history is rooted in providing an inspiring, curated, and technically advanced omnichannel approach, setting it apart from traditional tile retailers.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Team: The Design Consultant will be part of a local showroom team, likely including a Showroom Manager, other Design Consultants, and potentially support staff for inventory and logistics.

• Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Showroom Manager or a Sales Manager, who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and client engagement.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with internal departments such as sales support, marketing, customer service, logistics, and e-commerce teams to ensure a seamless customer journey and efficient order fulfillment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Client Engagement: Utilizing CRM data to understand client preferences, track sales interactions, and personalize recommendations.

• Process Optimization: Focusing on streamlining the sales cycle from initial contact to post-purchase follow-up to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Omnichannel Experience: Integrating the online and in-store experiences to provide a consistent and elevated customer journey, leveraging digital tools alongside personal consultation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Tilebar's position as an omnichannel retailer that emphasizes curated product and personalized service is key. This context helps frame the Design Consultant role as a critical interface between the company's brand promise and the client's experience, requiring a blend of sales acumen, design sensibility, and operational diligence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level position within the sales and client engagement spectrum of Tilebar's operations. It requires foundational sales and customer service skills, with opportunities to develop specialized knowledge in design and product management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead. This provides direct mentorship and performance feedback, with clear lines of communication for operational and sales-related guidance.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue generation through sales and customer acquisition. They also influence customer retention and brand loyalty by providing exceptional service and design expertise. Their effective use of CRM and adherence to sales processes contribute to the overall health and efficiency of the sales operations pipeline.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific product lines (e.g., luxury tile, natural stone) or client segments (e.g., high-end residential, commercial developers).

• Sales Leadership: Progress to roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Assistant Showroom Manager, or Showroom Manager, taking on more responsibility for team performance and operational oversight.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into roles within sales operations, client success, account management, or even product merchandising, leveraging acquired client and product knowledge.

• Continued Learning: Access to ongoing training on new products, design trends, sales techniques, and CRM best practices to enhance skill sets and career trajectory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Consultant often involves deepening expertise in sales and design, then potentially moving into leadership or specialized operational roles within the sales organization. Emphasizing the "operations" aspect of sales management and client lifecycle is key for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a professional, high-end retail showroom. This space is designed to showcase Tilebar's extensive product collection, featuring curated displays, sample areas, and client consultation spaces.

Office Location(s): Richmond, VA. The showroom is situated in a location accessible to both residential clients and trade professionals, likely in an area conducive to retail traffic and professional services.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The showroom fosters a collaborative atmosphere where consultants work alongside colleagues, sharing insights and supporting each other to meet client needs and sales goals.

• Tools & Technology: The workspace is equipped with necessary tools for design consultation, including product samples, design software (potentially), computers with CRM access, and communication devices.

• Client Interaction: The environment is highly interactive, involving direct, face-to-face consultations with clients, requiring excellent presentation skills and a welcoming demeanor.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires flexibility to work standard retail hours, which typically include weekends, evenings, and potentially some holidays or special events.

• A 40-hour workweek is standard, but schedules may vary based on showroom traffic, client appointments, and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The showroom environment is crucial. It's a blend of retail sales floor and consultative design studio. This requires consultants to be comfortable with both customer-facing sales interactions and the operational aspects of maintaining a professional and inspiring display space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• First Interview: Typically a conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss your experience