Design Consultant full-time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant (Design Assistant)

Company: Ernesta

Location: Manhasset, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Customer Experience (Revenue Operations focus)

Date Posted: March 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by providing expert design consultation and personalized sales experiences to a discerning clientele.

• Champion the customer journey, ensuring seamless order management and proactive issue resolution to foster loyalty and repeat business.

• Contribute to the evolution of customer experience by refining internal processes and leveraging feedback loops for continuous improvement.

• Act as a brand ambassador, maintaining a visually appealing and on-brand showroom that enhances the customer's perception of Ernesta's design-forward ethos.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Design Consultant" and has strong sales and customer service components, its focus on process improvement, customer journey optimization, and driving revenue through consultative sales aligns it with a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations support function within a retail environment. The emphasis on feedback loops and process establishment is a key indicator of operational responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Sales & Revenue Generation:

  • Proactively engage with showroom visitors and online inquiries to understand design needs and drive consultative sales of custom rugs.
  • Conduct personalized follow-ups with leads and existing customers to nurture relationships and secure sales, directly contributing to revenue targets.
  • Utilize design expertise to upsell and cross-sell, maximizing the value of each customer interaction.

• Customer Experience & Support:

  • Provide exceptional, multi-channel customer support (in-person, chat, text, email, video, phone) that exceeds expectations and builds lasting customer loyalty.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for all customer inquiries, including order tracking, product details, delivery logistics, and issue resolution, ensuring a frictionless experience.
  • Delight customers by going above and beyond to create memorable interactions and foster positive brand advocacy.

• Design Consultation & Expertise:

  • Educate customers on rug selection, including material properties, durability, style, and suitability for various spaces.
  • Advise on spatial planning, floor plan layouts, and custom rug measurements to ensure perfect integration into the customer's home or project.
  • Leverage visualization technologies (e.g., CAD, 3D rendering) to help customers envision their custom rug in their space, enhancing the sales process and decision-making.

• Showroom Operations & Brand Representation:

  • Maintain a meticulously clean, organized, and aesthetically on-brand showroom environment that reflects Ernesta's commitment to design excellence.
  • Ensure all product displays and samples are current, well-presented, and accessible to customers.

• Process Improvement & Feedback:

  • Actively identify opportunities to improve internal sales, customer service, and order fulfillment processes.

  • Establish and maintain clear feedback loops with customers and internal teams to continuously refine operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

  • Document and propose process enhancements to streamline workflows and improve the overall customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a dual focus on direct sales/customer interaction and operational contributions through process improvement and feedback mechanisms. This blend is common in high-growth retail environments where front-line staff are empowered to optimize the customer journey.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Interior Design, Art History, Architecture, or a related creative field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of direct consumer sales and/or account management experience required.

• Proven track record in a customer-facing role, demonstrating an ability to build rapport and drive satisfaction.

Required Skills:

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to consultatively sell, drive revenue, and manage a sales pipeline.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Proficiency in managing customer interactions, follow-ups, and building long-term loyalty.

• Interior Design Knowledge: Passion for and understanding of home décor trends, material selection, and spatial planning principles.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication, active listening, empathy, and relationship-building capabilities across multiple channels.

• Problem-Solving & Judgment: Ability to identify issues, propose creative solutions, and make sound decisions with integrity.

• Technical Proficiency: High level of comfort and proficiency with online software tools, including CRM platforms, Google Suite, and familiarity with 2D/3D design software (CAD, Adobe, 3D rendering).

• Organizational & Time Management: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain high levels of accountability in a fast-paced environment.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Eagerness and ability to identify, establish, and improve internal processes and feedback loops.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design visualization tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or similar 3D modeling software.

• Experience in the custom furnishings or home décor industry.

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and digital customer service tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on technical proficiency with 2D/3D tools and process improvement suggests that candidates with a blend of creative and operational skills will be most successful. The "wear many hats" aspect implies a need for adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving beyond a standard sales role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Showcase at least two examples of successful sales engagements, detailing the customer's needs, your consultative approach, the solutions provided, and the resulting sales outcome (e.g., revenue generated, customer satisfaction score).

• Design Consultation Examples: Present visual examples of your design recommendations, including spatial planning sketches, material boards, or mood boards, demonstrating your ability to translate customer needs into tangible design solutions.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Include a brief description of a process you helped establish or improve in a previous role, outlining the challenge, your proposed solution, implementation steps, and the measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction, improved customer satisfaction).

• Customer Service Excellence: Provide examples or testimonials highlighting exceptional customer service experiences you've delivered, focusing on problem resolution and customer delight.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented workflows, created standard operating procedures (SOPs), or developed training materials for sales or customer service processes.

• Demonstrations of how you have utilized feedback to iterate on and optimize existing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a strong customer-facing component and an explicit requirement for process improvement, a portfolio is critical. It needs to showcase not just design and sales success, but also the candidate's ability to analyze, document, and optimize operational workflows. The emphasis on "feedback loops" and "establishing processes" makes this section particularly important for demonstrating operational aptitude.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $20 - $30 per hour.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided information ($20-$30 per hour) and industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Manhasset, NY area, considering the required experience level (2-5 years) and the nature of the role (consultative sales, customer service, design expertise). Manhasset, NY, being part of the greater New York metropolitan area, typically commands higher wages due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

• Research Methodology: The estimation uses data from reputable salary aggregators for "Sales Consultant," "Design Consultant," and "Retail Sales Associate" roles in the New York metropolitan area, adjusted for the specific experience level and the hybrid nature of the responsibilities (sales, design, operations support).

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Ernesta's custom rugs, allowing employees to enhance their own living spaces.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training in design software, sales techniques, and customer experience best practices.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a 401(k) or similar plan to support long-term financial planning.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for bonuses tied to individual sales performance and overall company success.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Requires a flexible schedule, including weekend and holiday hours, common in retail showroom environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated in the job description. The enhancement here is to provide context for the range based on location and role, and to detail potential benefits that are common for full-time roles of this nature, especially in a design-focused company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce (Home Goods/Interior Design) with a strong retail showroom presence. Ernesta operates within the multi-billion dollar global rug industry, aiming to disrupt it with a design-forward, customer-centric, and affordable custom offering.

Company Size: Small to medium-sized, indicated by the "key hire" and "small but visionary team" language. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but the description implies it's a relatively young, growth-stage company focused on innovation and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• Retail Team: This role is part of the Retail team, specifically working in the Manhasset showroom.

• Reporting: The Design Assistant will likely report to a Showroom Manager or Head of Retail Sales, with close collaboration expected across departments.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close ties with marketing (for lead generation and brand representation), operations/logistics (for order fulfillment and delivery), and potentially product development (for feedback on materials and designs).

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Ernesta prioritizes creating an "enjoyable, frictionless, and affordable experience" for customers, which is central to their operational methodology.

• Data-Driven Improvement: The emphasis on "feedback loops" and "improving internal processes" suggests a commitment to using data and customer insights to drive operational enhancements.

• Innovation & Execution: The team is described as "problem solvers, innovators, and executors," indicating a culture that values both creative thinking and the ability to implement solutions effectively.

Company Website: https://www.ernesta.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a mission-driven, ambitious, and customer-focused culture. For an operations-minded candidate, understanding how this translates into day-to-day processes and team dynamics is crucial. The "small team" aspect means adaptability and a willingness to contribute across functions is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role can be considered an entry-to-mid-level position within the broader "customer experience" or "sales operations" spectrum. It's a foundational role for understanding customer interactions, sales processes, and operational workflows in a growing retail business.

Reporting Structure: The Design Assistant will likely report to a Showroom Manager or a Sales Lead, with direct exposure to senior leadership in a smaller company environment. This provides opportunities for mentorship and visibility.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue through sales and indirect impact through customer satisfaction, loyalty, and process optimization. By identifying and implementing process improvements, the Design Assistant can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the customer journey, contributing to scalable growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Design Consultant, Showroom Manager, or Sales Lead role, taking on more responsibility for team performance and strategic sales initiatives.

• Operations Specialization: Opportunity to transition into a dedicated Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role as the company scales, leveraging deep understanding of customer-facing processes and systems.

• Design Expertise: Deepen expertise in interior design, material science, and visualization technologies, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Process Development: Lead initiatives for process documentation, system implementation, and operational efficiency improvements across customer-facing departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of direct customer interaction and operational contribution. For career growth, candidates should highlight their ability to not only excel in sales and service but also to identify and implement process improvements, which is a key differentiator for advancement into more specialized operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a customer-facing retail showroom environment. This includes a dedicated workspace for design consultation, customer interaction areas, and potentially a back-office area for administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Manhasset, NY. This is a suburban location on Long Island, known for its affluent demographic and upscale retail offerings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual consultations are key, the showroom environment fosters interaction with colleagues, sharing insights and best practices.

• Tools & Technology: Access to design software (CAD, 3D rendering), CRM systems, communication platforms (chat, email, video conferencing), and potentially a rug sample library.

• Customer Interaction Focus: The workspace is designed to facilitate engaging and informative customer interactions, emphasizing a high-touch, personalized experience.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• Must be flexible to work weekends and holidays, which are critical for retail operations and customer engagement. This schedule allows for a balance between dedicated work time and personal life, with potential for mid-week days off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature for a retail showroom is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, customer-centric environment that requires flexibility and a strong presence. The specific location in Manhasset suggests serving a demographic that values high-quality design and personalized service.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest in interior design, and communication skills.

• Showroom Visit & Interview: An in-person interview at the Manhasset showroom. This will likely include a tour, discussion of the role, and behavioral questions to assess fit with company culture and core competencies.

• Design/Sales Challenge: Candidates may be asked to prepare a brief design consultation or sales pitch based on a hypothetical scenario, or demonstrate proficiency with a design tool. This will assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss the candidate's portfolio, focusing on sales achievements, design recommendations, and any process improvement contributions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or founder, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (sales success, design consultation, process improvement). Use clear headings and concise descriptions for each piece.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For sales cases, quantify results with metrics like revenue generated, conversion rates, or customer lifetime value. For design, use high-quality visuals. For process improvement, clearly outline the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcome.

• Highlight Operations Contributions: Specifically call out any instances where you identified inefficiencies, proposed solutions, or documented processes. Use phrases like "streamlined X process," "implemented a feedback loop for Y," or "developed SOPs for Z."

• Tailor to Ernesta: Research Ernesta's brand identity, target customer, and design aesthetic. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills align with their mission and values.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to walk through each piece, explaining your role, the challenges, your approach, and the results. Be ready to answer questions about your decision-making process and your understanding of operations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Practice advising on rug selection based on room type, existing décor, and client preferences. Be ready to discuss materials and their properties.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Prepare a concise, compelling pitch for a custom rug, highlighting Ernesta's unique value proposition. Practice overcoming common objections.

• Process Improvement Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach understanding and improving a customer service or sales workflow within the showroom context. Think about common pain points and how data could inform solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's blend of sales, design, and process improvement, the interview process will likely assess all these facets. A well-curated portfolio that explicitly demonstrates operational contributions will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a modern CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM) for managing customer interactions, sales pipelines, and lead tracking. Proficiency in CRM data management and reporting is essential.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in email clients (e.g., Gmail), instant messaging (e.g., Slack), and video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) for multi-channel customer support.

• Design Visualization Software: Experience with CAD modeling, 3D rendering, or similar tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite for 2D/3D work) to help customers visualize rug placement and design.

• Productivity Suite: Strong command of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Reporting: Ability to generate basic reports on sales performance, customer engagement, and pipeline status.

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel for data analysis, tracking, and basic reporting on customer interactions or process metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Data Management: Ensuring accurate and up-to-date customer and sales data within the CRM.

• Workflow Understanding: Familiarity with how CRM or other tools might support automated customer follow-ups or task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description specifically mentions "innovative technologies to help customers visualize their space i.e CAD modeling, adobe, 3D rendering, etc." and "High level of proficiency working online across multiple software tools". This highlights the need for candidates to be tech-savvy and adaptable to various digital tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A relentless focus on creating an enjoyable, frictionless, and delightful experience for every customer, from initial inquiry to post-purchase support.

• Design Excellence: A deep appreciation for aesthetics, quality, and the transformative power of design in creating happy homes.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to embrace new technologies, experiment with new approaches, and adapt to evolving customer needs and market trends.

• Collaboration & Ownership: A commitment to working effectively with colleagues across teams, taking initiative, and owning tasks and outcomes to drive collective success.

• Efficiency & Process Orientation: A drive to identify and implement improvements that streamline workflows, reduce friction, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasizes working closely with marketing, operations, and potentially product teams to ensure a cohesive customer experience and efficient business operations.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values open communication and constructive feedback, encouraging team members to share insights for continuous improvement.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Team members are encouraged to identify challenges and propose solutions collaboratively, rather than waiting for direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ernesta's stated values ("hungry, hardworking, highly ambitious," "problem solvers, innovators, and executors") heavily influence the ideal candidate profile. For operations professionals, aligning with the "efficiency & process orientation" and "collaboration" values is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales, Design, and Operations: Effectively managing the diverse demands of direct sales, consultative design, and process improvement within a single role.

• Scaling Processes: As a growing company, ensuring that customer service and sales processes remain efficient and effective as the customer base expands.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting and exceeding the high expectations of a discerning clientele in an affluent market, particularly regarding custom products and personalized service.

• Technology Adoption: Staying current with and effectively utilizing evolving design and customer engagement technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in CAD, 3D rendering, and other visualization tools.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Access to training programs focused on consultative selling, objection handling, and closing techniques.

• Customer Experience Best Practices: Learning about industry-leading strategies for customer journey mapping, service excellence, and loyalty programs.

• Operations & Process Optimization: Gaining exposure to and potentially leading initiatives in process documentation, workflow analysis, and operational efficiency improvements.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from experienced sales leaders and potentially company founders in a growth-stage environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges that are inherent to high-growth, customer-facing businesses, particularly those focused on customization and premium experiences. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who can demonstrate both sales prowess and an aptitude for operational improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple competing priorities in a customer-facing role. How did you manage your time and ensure all customers received excellent service?" (Assesses time management, prioritization, and customer focus).

• "How would you approach educating a customer who is unfamiliar with custom rug options and materials?" (Assesses consultative sales, customer education, and product knowledge skills).

• "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their delivery timeline. Walk me through how you would handle this situation to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty." (Assesses problem-solving, empathy, and customer service recovery).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ernesta's mission to make custom rugs accessible and design-focused?" (Assesses alignment with company vision and passion for the product).

• "How do you stay current with interior design and home décor trends?" (Assesses industry passion and continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For sales achievements, use numbers (revenue, conversion rates). For process improvements, use metrics (time saved, errors reduced).

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your role, your actions, and the results.

• Showcase Operational Thinking: Explicitly highlight any projects where you documented a process, improved efficiency, or implemented a feedback mechanism. Use terms like "streamlined," "optimized," "documented," "implemented."

• Connect to Ernesta: Explain how your past experiences and skills directly translate to success in this specific role at Ernesta, referencing their mission and values.

• Be Prepared for Visuals: If your portfolio includes design work, be ready to discuss your design process and choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe for evidence of consultative sales, design acumen, and a proactive approach to operational improvement. Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate these capabilities, particularly those that highlight their ability to contribute to process optimization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned sales and customer experience position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills in sales, customer service, design consultation, and process improvement. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your achievements are quantified.

• Develop Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work in sales, design consultation, and any process optimization initiatives. Focus on demonstrating tangible results and operational contributions.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and skills, particularly how you've contributed to process improvements or streamlined customer journeys. Be ready to discuss your portfolio with enthusiasm and clarity.

• Research Ernesta: Thoroughly review Ernesta's website, social media, and any available press to understand their brand, product, target market, and values. Prepare thoughtful questions about their operations, culture, and growth plans.

⚠️ 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.