Design Consultant (m/w/d), Berlin
π Job Overview
Job Title: Design Consultant (m/w/d)
Company: Reform
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: Sales Operations / Customer Experience
Date Posted: October 27, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level to Junior (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This role is focused on providing exceptional in-person customer experiences within a high-end kitchen design showroom, acting as a key touchpoint for potential clients.
- You will be instrumental in supporting the sales team by capturing initial customer needs, providing preliminary price estimations, and ensuring the showroom environment is welcoming and well-managed.
- The position requires a blend of customer service, sales support, and operational tasks, contributing to the overall efficiency and client satisfaction of the Berlin showroom.
- As a Design Consultant, you will gain exposure to the interior design and architecture industry, working with renowned designers and contributing to a B Corp-certified, internationally recognized company.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and required experience lean towards a customer-facing sales support role with operational elements, rather than a pure design strategy or implementation role. The "m/w/d" indicates an inclusive hiring practice common in Germany. The part-time nature (8-15 hours/week) suggests this role is ideal for students or individuals seeking supplementary employment.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Customer Engagement & Consultation:
- Greet and welcome customers visiting the Berlin showroom, providing an initial point of contact and information.
- Conduct initial consultations to understand customer needs, preferences, and project scopes for custom kitchen designs.
- Clearly articulate Reform's brand values, design philosophy, and product offerings.
- Sales Support & Lead Qualification:
- Capture essential customer information and initial design requirements accurately.
- Utilize internal planning tools to generate preliminary price estimates and proposals.
- Prepare and organize leads and customer information for the dedicated sales team.
- Showroom Operations & Event Support:
- Assist in maintaining the showroom's presentation, ensuring it is clean, organized, and visually appealing.
- Support the planning and execution of showroom events, contributing to setup, guest interaction, and post-event activities.
- Manage showroom inventory and collateral as needed.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with the sales team to ensure a seamless handover of qualified leads and customer information.
- Communicate customer feedback and market insights to the sales and management teams.
- Collaborate with colleagues to manage showroom operations effectively.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to highlight direct customer interaction, operational support within the retail environment, and collaboration with the sales function, aligning with a customer experience and sales support operational focus.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- While a background in Design or Architecture is a plus, it is not a mandatory requirement, indicating a willingness to train candidates with strong transferable skills.
Experience:
- Previous experience in sales or customer service is advantageous, demonstrating a foundational understanding of client interaction and relationship management.
- Experience in a retail showroom environment or a role involving direct customer consultation would be beneficial.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional German and English Proficiency: Fluent in both written and spoken German and English is a non-negotiable requirement for clear and effective communication with a diverse clientele and internal teams.
- Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage with customers, understand their needs, and provide a positive and memorable experience.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal communication, active listening, and the ability to build rapport quickly with diverse individuals.
- Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: High degree of empathy and the ability to understand and respond to customer emotions and concerns effectively.
- Self-Organization & Reliability: Excellent organizational skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and a meticulous, dependable approach to tasks.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive work environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Design/Architecture Acumen: A foundational understanding or keen interest in design principles, interior design, or architecture.
- Sales Acumen: An understanding of sales processes, lead qualification, and consultative selling techniques.
- Familiarity with Planning Tools: Experience using any form of planning, CRM, or design software for estimation or visualization.
- Event Support Experience: Previous involvement in supporting or coordinating events.
π Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on language skills, communication, and empathy, alongside the "plus" for design/architecture background, positions this role as one that values interpersonal skills and a customer-centric approach, with the potential for on-the-job learning in design and sales processes.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Customer Interaction Case Studies: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples of customer interactions where they successfully addressed needs, resolved issues, or contributed to a positive outcome.
- Sales Support Examples: Be ready to describe how you have supported sales processes, such as qualifying leads, gathering information, or preparing clients for a sales consultation.
- Showroom Management Contributions: Prepare to share instances where you contributed to maintaining a professional and inviting retail environment.
- Event Support Experience: If you have experience supporting events, be ready to describe your role and contributions to event success.
Process Documentation:
- Customer Journey Mapping: Ability to articulate understanding of a typical customer journey in a retail showroom setting, from initial inquiry to post-consultation.
- Workflow Adherence: Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures for customer intake, information gathering, and lead handoff.
- Feedback Loop Integration: Understanding the importance of relaying customer feedback and insights to the sales team for process improvement.
π Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and part-time aspect, formal portfolio submission might not be standard. However, candidates must be prepared to speak to relevant experiences and demonstrate an understanding of customer-facing processes and operational support through their interview responses. The focus is on conceptual understanding and practical experience rather than a curated document.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Estimated Range: β¬13 - β¬17 per hour (approx. β¬170 - β¬260 per week for 13 hours)
- Methodology: This estimate is based on typical hourly rates for part-time, customer-facing roles in Berlin, Germany, particularly those involving sales support and specialized environments like design showrooms. Entry-level positions in Germany within this sector often fall within this range. Factors considered include the cost of living in Berlin, the retail/design industry benchmark for part-time work, and the specific responsibilities outlined.
Benefits:
- International & Diverse Team: Opportunity to work within a multinational and inclusive team environment.
- Industry Exposure: Access to and involvement in the exciting and dynamic kitchen design and interior architecture industry.
- Growth Company: Be part of an internationally renowned and rapidly growing company with a strong brand presence.
- Flexible Work: Enjoy flexible, self-organized working hours within the defined part-time framework, allowing for a good work-life balance.
- Responsibility & Autonomy: Significant personal responsibility for your area of work and an environment that encourages and values the contribution of individual ideas.
- B Corp Certified Company: Work for an organization committed to social and environmental responsibility.
Working Hours:
- Part-time: 8β15 hours per week.
- Availability required on Saturdays and occasionally during weekday afternoons or evenings.
π Enhancement Note: The salary is estimated based on German part-time employment standards for customer-facing roles in a major city. The benefits highlight the company's culture, growth potential, and work-life balance aspects, which are attractive for part-time roles.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry:
- Reform operates within the high-end kitchen design and interior architecture sector. This industry is characterized by a focus on aesthetics, functionality, quality craftsmanship, and a discerning clientele. The company bridges the gap between architecture, design, and interior furnishing, emphasizing the kitchen as a central living space. Company Size:
- Reform is a growing international company. While the exact number of employees in Berlin might vary, the overall organization is established and expanding globally, indicating a dynamic yet structured work environment. This size offers the benefits of a recognized brand with potentially more agility and direct impact opportunities than a very large corporation. Founded:
- Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, Reform has rapidly expanded its reach and established a strong reputation for innovative kitchen designs. Its journey from a Danish startup to an international presence, including B Corp certification in 2023, underscores a commitment to growth, quality, and sustainability.
Team Structure:
- Showroom Team: You will be part of the Berlin showroom team, working alongside fellow Design Consultants and Sales professionals.
- Reporting: Likely reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead in Berlin.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with the sales team is central to this role, ensuring a smooth customer journey from initial contact to consultation. There will also be interaction with marketing and operations teams for events and showroom management.
Methodology:
- Customer-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs through personalized consultation and high-quality service.
- Design Innovation: A commitment to pushing the boundaries of kitchen design, working with internationally acclaimed architects and designers.
- Sustainability & Ethics: Demonstrated through B Corp certification, indicating a focus on ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.
- Data-Informed Sales Support: Utilizing planning tools for accurate estimations and providing valuable information to the sales team.
Company Website: https://www.reformcph.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company culture is shaped by its design-forward ethos, international presence, and commitment to sustainability (B Corp). This suggests an environment that values creativity, quality, and ethical practices, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level:
- This role is positioned at an entry-level or junior capacity within the sales and customer experience operations. It's an excellent starting point for individuals looking to enter the design industry or build foundational skills in customer relations, sales support, and retail operations. The part-time nature also makes it suitable for students or those seeking to develop skills alongside other commitments. Reporting Structure:
- You will likely report to the Berlin Showroom Manager or a Senior Sales Associate. This structure provides direct guidance and mentorship. Operations Impact:
- As a Design Consultant, your primary impact will be on the customer experience and sales pipeline efficiency. By providing a welcoming initial contact, capturing accurate information, and preparing leads, you directly influence lead quality and conversion rates. Your role ensures that sales consultants receive well-qualified prospects, allowing them to focus on closing deals, thereby contributing to overall revenue generation. Maintaining the showroom's appeal also impacts brand perception and customer willingness to engage.
Growth Opportunities:
- Specialization in Design Sales: Progress to a full-time Sales Consultant role within Reform, developing expertise in kitchen design sales and project management.
- Skill Development: Gain in-depth knowledge of kitchen design, materials, planning tools, and consultative sales techniques.
- Operations & Management: Potential to move into showroom management or other operational roles within Reform as experience grows.
- Industry Networking: Build valuable connections within the architecture, design, and luxury retail sectors.
- International Exposure: Opportunities may arise to contribute to international projects or gain insights from Reform's global operations.
π Enhancement Note: This role serves as a stepping stone. Growth is envisioned through deepening expertise in sales and design within the company, potentially transitioning to full-time roles or management positions, leveraging the initial operational and customer-facing experience gained.
π Work Environment
Office Type:
- The primary work environment is a high-end, modern kitchen design showroom located in Berlin (KantstraΓe). Showrooms are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing, inspiring, and functional spaces that showcase the company's products and brand identity. Office Location(s):
- KantstraΓe, Berlin, Germany. This location is likely situated in an area that attracts design-conscious consumers, offering good accessibility. Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Atmosphere: You will work closely with sales colleagues, fostering a team-oriented environment focused on client success and showroom efficiency.
- Tools & Technology: Access to Reform's proprietary planning tools for generating price estimates, and potentially CRM systems for customer data management.
- Client-Facing Focus: The workspace is customer-centric, requiring a professional and presentable demeanor at all times. Interactions will primarily be face-to-face with potential clients.
- Aesthetic Immersion: You will be immersed in a visually rich environment showcasing high-quality kitchen designs, fostering an appreciation for design and aesthetics.
Work Schedule:
- Part-time, 8-15 hours per week.
- Specific hours will include Saturdays and occasional weekday afternoons/evenings, offering flexibility around other commitments. This schedule is designed to cover peak showroom traffic times.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its focus on design, client interaction, and collaborative showroom operations. The schedule is structured to accommodate peak customer times while offering flexibility for part-time employees.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening (Phone/Video Call): A brief conversation to assess basic qualifications, language proficiency, availability, and initial cultural fit.
- In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: This will likely be the main interview, conducted at the Berlin showroom. You will meet with a hiring manager (e.g., Showroom Manager or Sales Lead).
- Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific customer interactions, manage showroom tasks, or support the sales team.
- Role-Playing: Potentially a short role-playing exercise to demonstrate customer engagement and communication skills.
- Showroom Tour & Observation: You may be asked to observe the showroom environment and articulate your impressions or suggest improvements.
- Portfolio/Experience Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your relevant past experiences as outlined in your resume, focusing on customer service, sales support, or any design-related background.
- Final Interview (if applicable): A potential follow-up interview with a higher-level manager or HR representative.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Resume as Primary Document: For this role, your resume is your primary "portfolio." Ensure it clearly highlights customer service, sales support, organizational skills, and any design/architecture interests.
- Prepare Anecdotes: Instead of a formal portfolio, prepare specific, concise stories or examples for common interview questions related to customer interaction, problem-solving, teamwork, and reliability. For instance:
- "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer."
- "Describe how you've supported a sales team."
- "How do you ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time?"
- Showroom Awareness: During the interview, demonstrate awareness of the showroom environment, its purpose, and how you would contribute to its success.
Challenge Preparation:
- Customer Engagement Scenarios: Practice how you would greet a customer, ask qualifying questions, and handle initial inquiries about kitchen design.
- Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would address common showroom issues, such as a product display being out of place, a customer waiting too long, or needing to relay complex information to the sales team.
- Brand Alignment: Research Reform's brand, design philosophy, and recent projects. Be prepared to articulate why you are drawn to their specific approach to kitchen design.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely practical and focused on assessing interpersonal skills, communication, and a customer-centric mindset rather than technical design expertise or a formal portfolio. Candidates should focus on articulating relevant experiences and demonstrating enthusiasm for the brand and role.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Planning Tools: Reform likely uses specialized internal software for kitchen design planning and price estimation. Familiarity with any design or CAD software, or even advanced Excel for data organization, can be transferable.
- CRM System: A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is expected for managing customer interactions, leads, and sales pipeline. Experience with systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar is beneficial for understanding data flow and lead management. Analytics & Reporting:
- Showroom Performance Metrics: While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how customer traffic, inquiries, and lead conversions are tracked is useful.
- Internal Reporting: May involve basic reporting on customer interactions or showroom activities to the sales team. CRM & Automation:
- Customer Data Management: The ability to accurately input and manage customer data within CRM systems is crucial for lead tracking and sales follow-up.
- Workflow Adherence: Understanding and following established workflows for lead qualification and handoff to sales.
π Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies the use of design planning software and CRM systems. Candidates with experience in any customer-facing software or planning tools will have an advantage. The emphasis is on using these tools to support sales and customer engagement processes.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer experience and ensuring satisfaction through attentive service and clear communication.
- Quality & Design Excellence: Upholding high standards in presentation, product knowledge, and client interaction, reflecting Reform's commitment to design quality.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve showroom goals and provide a seamless customer journey.
- Integrity & Honesty: Maintaining trustworthy relationships with customers and colleagues, reflecting Reform's B Corp values.
- Efficiency & Organization: Ensuring smooth showroom operations through reliable and organized task management.
Collaboration Style:
- Team-Oriented Showroom: Close interaction with sales consultants and potentially other showroom staff to ensure a cohesive customer experience.
- Open Communication: Encouraged to share insights and feedback with the sales team to improve processes.
- Supportive Environment: The description mentions a motivated and international team, suggesting a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where ideas are valued.
π Enhancement Note: Reform's values emphasize customer satisfaction, design integrity, and ethical conduct, aligning with its B Corp status. The collaborative style within the showroom aims to create a seamless client experience and foster a positive team dynamic.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Multiple Roles: Effectively managing customer greetings, initial consultations, showroom upkeep, and event support simultaneously, especially during busy periods.
- Bridging Design & Sales: Communicating design concepts and preliminary pricing accurately without overpromising or stepping outside the defined scope of the Design Consultant role before sales consultation.
- Managing Customer Expectations: Handling initial inquiries and setting realistic expectations for the design process and pricing.
- Part-Time Constraints: Maximizing impact and learning within a limited number of weekly hours.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Product & Design Expertise: Deepen knowledge of Reform's kitchen systems, materials, and design principles.
- Sales Process Acumen: Learn consultative sales techniques and lead qualification best practices from experienced sales professionals.
- Customer Relationship Management: Develop skills in building rapport, understanding client needs, and managing customer interactions effectively.
- Showroom Operations: Gain hands-on experience in retail showroom management and event support.
- Industry Insights: Exposure to the high-end interior design and architecture market.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a customer-facing, multi-tasking role in a retail environment, particularly for part-time staff. Growth opportunities are focused on skill acquisition within the design, sales, and operations domains.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Customer Interaction Scenarios: "How would you greet a customer entering the showroom who looks hesitant?" or "A customer is asking for a specific price for a kitchen β what would you do?" Be ready to outline your steps, emphasizing listening, gathering information, and directing them to the appropriate sales consultant.
- Sales Support Understanding: "How can a Design Consultant best support the sales team?" Focus on accurate lead qualification, information gathering, and timely handoffs.
- Problem-Solving: "Imagine the showroom is busy, and a customer needs immediate assistance but the sales consultants are all occupied. What would you do?" Highlight your ability to manage the situation, offer initial support, and manage expectations.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Motivation: "Why are you interested in Reform and this specific role?" Connect your passion for design, customer service, and the company's values (e.g., B Corp, international presence).
- Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team." Provide an example showcasing collaboration and support.
- Values Alignment: "What does good customer service mean to you?" Align your answer with Reform's emphasis on quality, design, and creating a positive experience.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences and skills relevant to customer service, sales support, organization, and communication.
- Anecdotal Evidence: For each key responsibility or skill, have a brief, impactful story ready. For example, if discussing customer service, share a specific instance where you went above and beyond. If discussing organization, describe a system you used to manage multiple tasks.
- Enthusiasm for Design: Express genuine interest in Reform's product and design philosophy. Showing you've researched the company and understand their unique selling proposition is key.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, a customer-centric mindset, organizational capabilities, and a genuine interest in Reform's brand and the design industry. Anecdotal evidence will be more valuable than a formal portfolio for this role.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the Workable application link provided.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, communication skills (especially German and English fluency), organizational abilities, and any relevant design or sales support experience. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Key Anecdotes: Develop 2-3 concise stories that exemplify your customer service skills, teamwork, reliability, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to share these during the interview.
- Research Reform: Thoroughly review Reform's website, mission, design philosophy, and recent projects. Understand their position in the market and their B Corp certification.
- Practice Language Skills: Ensure you are comfortable discussing your experience and answering questions fluently in both German and English.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Fluency in German and English is essential, along with experience in sales or customer service being advantageous. A background in design or architecture is a plus, but not mandatory.