Design Consultant part-time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant (Part-Time)

Company: Ernesta

Location: Manhasset, NY, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Sales Operations / Customer Experience / Design Consultation

Date Posted: March 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of an industry-defining customer experience within a retail showroom environment, focusing on custom rug sales and client satisfaction.

• Drive revenue growth through proactive customer outreach, personalized design consultations, and expert product knowledge, contributing directly to Go-To-Market (GTM) sales objectives.

• Act as a crucial customer champion, managing the entire client lifecycle from initial inquiry through post-purchase support, ensuring seamless order management and delivery logistics.

• Leverage and learn innovative visualization technologies to empower customers in their design decisions, enhancing the overall sales process and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant overlap with Sales Operations and Customer Experience functions. The emphasis on driving sales, customer follow-up, and managing order-related matters indicates a need for operational efficiency and a structured approach to client interactions, fitting within a GTM operations framework. The "part-time" nature suggests a focus on direct client-facing activities and potentially flexible support for key sales periods.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Set the benchmark for customer experience and sales performance within the retail showroom, aligning with GTM strategies and revenue targets.

• Proactively engage with potential and existing customers through various channels (in-person, chat, text, email, video, phone) to drive sales and foster loyalty.

• Deliver expert-level design and product guidance, advising customers on rug selection, material properties, custom measurements, and spatial planning to meet their aesthetic and functional needs.

• Maintain showroom presentation standards, ensuring a clean, organized, and on-brand environment that enhances the customer's perception and shopping experience.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries and order-related issues, including order tracking, product details, and delivery logistics, ensuring swift and satisfactory resolution.

• Generate and implement customer feedback loops to identify areas for process improvement within sales, operations, and customer service functions.

• Utilize and learn visualization technologies such as CAD modeling, Adobe Suite, and 3D rendering to help customers visualize their space with custom rugs, supporting the sales cycle.

• Build and nurture strong customer relationships, exceeding expectations to create memorable experiences that drive repeat business and positive referrals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, consultative design, and operational support. The emphasis on "setting the industry standard," "driving sales through customer follow-up," and "maintaining feedback loops to improve internal processes" points to a need for a candidate who can not only sell but also contribute to building scalable operational processes within a growing retail environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in a consumer-facing role is essential.

Required Skills:

• Customer Consultation & Sales: Proven track record in direct consumer sales, consultative selling, and an ability to drive revenue through customer engagement and follow-up.

• Interior Design Acumen: Passion for interior design and home décor, with a strong understanding of current trends and aesthetic principles.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Demonstrated ability to build trust, rapport, and long-term relationships with customers across multiple communication channels.

• Spatial Planning & Material Selection: Expertise in advising customers on floor plan layouts, material choices, and custom rug measurements.

• Order Management & Logistics: Proficiency in managing customer inquiries related to order status, product details, and delivery coordination.

• Digital Proficiency: High level of comfort and skill working online across various software tools, including CRM systems, communication platforms (Zoom, chat, text), Google Suite, and potentially 2D/3D visualization tools.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, empathy, and the ability to connect with diverse customer personalities.

• Problem-Solving & Judgment: Solutions-oriented mindset with sound judgment, business sense, and high integrity, capable of offering creative solutions.

• Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple customer interactions and tasks efficiently.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Enthusiasm for establishing and improving internal processes and creating feedback loops.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design software and spatial planning tools (e.g., CAD, Adobe Suite, 3D rendering software).

• Experience in the home décor or custom furnishings industry.

• Account management experience with a focus on customer retention and loyalty.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years of experience in a consumer-facing role" and "2+ years of direct consumer sales and/or account management experience" clearly define the minimum experience threshold. The emphasis on digital tools, process improvement, and customer relationship management aligns with the operational aspects of a sales and customer experience role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Showcase examples of successful sales cycles, demonstrating your ability to guide customers from initial interest to purchase, highlighting consultative sales techniques and customer satisfaction outcomes.

• Customer Experience Examples: Provide instances where you exceeded customer expectations, resolved complex issues, or created memorable experiences, illustrating your commitment to customer delight.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Document any instances where you identified an operational inefficiency and proposed or implemented a solution, showcasing your ability to enhance workflows and customer journeys.

• Design Consultation Examples: If possible, include examples of how you've advised clients on design choices, spatial planning, or material selection, demonstrating your aesthetic judgment and product knowledge.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document customer interactions, sales processes, and feedback mechanisms to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

• Highlight experience in creating or adhering to standardized processes for order management, customer inquiry resolution, and showroom operations to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Showcase an ability to analyze customer feedback and operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on customer experience and sales within a growing company, a portfolio should emphasize tangible results and process contributions. Demonstrating how candidates have improved customer journeys, increased sales through consultative approaches, and contributed to operational efficiency will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 - $30 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling: Opportunity to work part-time, with specific weekend and Monday/Tuesday availability required.

• Employee Discount: Potential for discounts on Ernesta's custom rug products.

• Professional Development: Exposure to innovative technologies (CAD, 3D rendering) and opportunities to learn about the custom rug industry.

• Creative Environment: Work in a role that combines sales, design, and customer service in a visually appealing retail showroom.

• Impactful Role: Opportunity to be a key player in shaping customer experience for a growing company.

Working Hours: Part-time hours, with mandatory availability on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Exact weekly hours may vary but will be a component of a standard full-time equivalent for scheduling purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $20-$30 per hour for a part-time role in Manhasset, NY, is competitive for a position requiring sales, design consultation, and customer service expertise. Manhasset, NY, is an affluent area, and the cost of living is high, justifying this hourly rate for experienced individuals. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for roles involving direct sales, customer support, and design advisory services in high-cost-of-living metropolitan areas.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings / E-commerce / Interior Design. Ernesta operates within the multi-billion dollar global rug industry, aiming to disrupt it with a focus on custom-cut, design-forward, and affordably priced rugs. This positions them as an innovator in a traditional market.

Company Size: Small but visionary team. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Employees are likely to wear multiple hats and collaborate closely across departments.

Founded: Year not specified, but the description suggests a relatively young, growth-oriented company.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "Retail team" and specifically the "Retail Showroom" in Manhasset, NY.

• The Design Assistant will likely report to a Showroom Manager or Retail Operations Lead.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Relentlessly focused on creating beautiful, simple solutions and delightful experiences for customers.

• Data-Driven Improvements: Emphasis on maintaining feedback loops to improve internal processes, suggesting a commitment to iterative development and optimization.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies (CAD, 3D rendering) to enhance the customer experience and sales process.

• Execution-Oriented: The team is described as "hungry, hardworking, and highly ambitious" problem solvers and executors.

Company Website: ernesta.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as ambitious, customer-focused, and innovative, with a strong emphasis on execution. For operations professionals, this means an environment where process improvements are valued, and there's an opportunity to significantly influence how customer interactions and sales operations are managed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level position within a customer-facing operations context. It's ideal for individuals with foundational sales and customer service experience looking to specialize in design consultation and gain exposure to retail operations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Assistant will report to management within the Retail Showroom team, likely a Showroom Manager or Retail Lead. This structure offers direct mentorship and oversight from experienced retail professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on customer acquisition and retention, contributing to revenue generation and brand loyalty. By providing excellent design advice and seamless service, the Design Assistant influences customer satisfaction and the company's reputation. Their feedback on processes is crucial for operational improvement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in interior design, custom furnishings, and sales within the rug industry.

• Process Development: Opportunity to contribute to refining sales processes, customer service protocols, and showroom operations as the company scales.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and process improvement contributions, there could be pathways to senior design consultant roles, showroom management, or even roles within broader customer operations or GTM strategy teams.

• Technology Adoption: Gaining hands-on experience with visualization tools like CAD and 3D rendering can open doors to roles in design technology and e-commerce operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for this role lies in developing specialized expertise within the interior design and custom furnishings space, alongside contributing to the operational framework of a growing retail business. The emphasis on process improvement suggests a path toward operational leadership if the candidate demonstrates strategic thinking and execution capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom. This environment is customer-facing, designed to be visually appealing and conducive to product exploration and consultation.

Office Location(s): Manhasset, NY. This is a specific, on-site location, requiring physical presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves direct interaction with customers and likely collaboration with other showroom staff, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to relevant sales, CRM, communication, and design visualization tools will be provided to support daily tasks and customer interactions.

• Customer Interaction Focus: The workspace is set up to facilitate personalized consultations, product demonstrations, and a high-touch customer experience.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with mandatory availability on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. This schedule is designed to cover peak retail traffic and initial business days, requiring flexibility from the employee.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in a retail showroom means the work environment is dynamic, customer-centric, and visually oriented. Operations professionals in this setting need to be comfortable with direct client interaction and managing the flow of physical and digital information within a sales context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess relevant experience in sales, customer service, and design.

• Phone/Video Interview: An opportunity to discuss your background, motivations, and understanding of the role. Expect questions about your sales approach, customer service philosophy, and passion for interior design.

• In-Person Showroom Interview: This will likely involve a practical assessment, such as a mock design consultation or a scenario-based question about handling customer inquiries. You may be asked to demonstrate your comfort with the showroom environment and interaction style.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Sales Achievements: Quantify your sales successes with metrics (e.g., revenue generated, conversion rates, average deal size).

• Showcase Customer Experience Excellence: Include examples of positive customer feedback, testimonials, or case studies detailing how you resolved issues or created exceptional experiences.

• Demonstrate Design Acumen: If you have design-specific projects, showcase them, explaining your creative process and how you addressed client needs.

• Process Improvement Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you improved a workflow, implemented a new tool, or contributed to operational efficiency.

• Tailor to Ernesta: Research Ernesta's brand, products, and customer base. Frame your portfolio contributions to align with their mission and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Practice delivering a design consultation, focusing on active listening, needs assessment, product recommendation, and closing techniques.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions involving challenging customer situations, order issues, or design dilemmas. Focus on your problem-solving approach and communication strategy.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about potential improvements to a retail showroom sales process or customer service workflow that you could propose.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing both sales acumen and customer service skills, with a strong emphasis on how candidates can contribute to Ernesta's customer-centric model. A portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results, process thinking, and a passion for design will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Essential for managing customer interactions, tracking sales pipelines, and nurturing leads (specific CRM not listed, but proficiency in common platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar is beneficial).

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in multi-channel communication tools including email, chat, SMS, video conferencing (e.g., Zoom), and potentially internal collaboration tools.

• Google Suite: Expected proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar) for daily tasks, reporting, and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Ability to access and interpret sales data, track performance metrics, and contribute to sales forecasting.

• Customer Feedback Platforms: Experience with tools or methods for collecting and analyzing customer feedback to drive process improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• Visualization Software: Experience or willingness to learn design tools such as CAD modeling, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and 3D rendering software for customer visualization.

• Order Management Systems: Familiarity with systems that track orders from placement through delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not detailed, the description implies a need for proficiency in standard CRM and communication platforms, as well as a willingness to learn specialized design visualization software. A strong operational candidate will be able to adapt quickly to new technologies and leverage them for sales and customer service efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Delight: A core value focused on exceeding customer expectations and creating memorable experiences, directly impacting brand loyalty and revenue.

• Design Excellence: A passion for beautiful design and high-quality products, driving the company's mission and influencing customer choices.

• Efficiency & Simplicity: Striving to make the custom rug buying experience enjoyable, frictionless, and affordable, requiring streamlined processes and clear communication.

• Collaboration & Execution: A team that is hungry, hardworking, and works together to solve problems and deliver results, emphasizing a proactive and results-oriented approach.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to improve offerings and customer engagement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with other showroom staff and potentially remote teams to ensure a cohesive customer journey from initial contact through order fulfillment.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for sharing feedback to continuously improve internal processes and customer experience.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Working together to address customer needs and operational challenges efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize customer-centricity, design passion, and efficient execution. For operations professionals, embodying these values means focusing on process optimization that enhances the customer journey, driving sales through effective collaboration, and maintaining a high standard of quality and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Service: Effectively managing both direct sales targets and high-quality customer support in a part-time capacity.

• Learning Visualization Tools: Rapidly acquiring proficiency in design software (CAD, 3D rendering) to effectively assist customers.

• Process Establishment: Contributing to the development and refinement of sales and operational processes in a growing company where best practices may still be evolving.

• Customer Expectations Management: Meeting and exceeding the design aspirations and logistical requirements of a diverse customer base.

• Weekend & Holiday Coverage: Adapting to a work schedule that includes mandatory weekend and Monday/Tuesday shifts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of interior design principles, material science (rugs), and home décor trends.

• Sales & Consultation Skills: Enhance consultative selling techniques, objection handling, and customer relationship management.

• Technology Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with advanced design visualization tools, CRM systems, and e-commerce platforms.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Learn how to identify, analyze, and implement improvements to sales and customer service operations.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain insights into different facets of a growing e-commerce and retail business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the dynamic nature of a growing retail business and the specific demands of a design-focused sales role. Growth opportunities are strong for individuals looking to build expertise in a niche market and contribute to operational scaling.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you exceeded a customer's expectations in a sales or service role. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your customer-centric approach and problem-solving skills).

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how would you apply that knowledge to advise a customer selecting a custom rug?" (Assess your design passion and consultative ability).

• "Imagine a customer is unsure about the best rug size for their living room. Walk me through how you would help them decide." (Prepare for a mock spatial planning consultation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ernesta and our mission to make custom rugs accessible?" (Research Ernesta's website and value proposition).

• "How do you approach building rapport and trust with customers, especially across different communication channels?" (Highlight your interpersonal and CRM skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Your Impact: For sales roles, always include metrics (e.g., revenue, conversion rates). For service roles, highlight customer satisfaction scores or positive feedback.

• Tell a Story: Structure your examples as mini case studies: Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR method).

• Focus on Process: Explain not just what you did, but how you did it, and how your actions led to a positive outcome. This is critical for operations-minded roles.

• Showcase Adaptability: If you have experience with different tools or processes, highlight your ability to learn and adapt.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of sales drive, exceptional customer service, design sensibility, and an operational mindset. Be ready to discuss specific examples that highlight these skills and your potential to contribute to Ernesta's growth and customer experience goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in direct consumer sales, account management, customer service, and any design-related roles. Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics wherever possible, focusing on revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and process improvements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of successful sales consultations, instances of exceptional customer service, any design-related work, and any contributions to process improvements. Be ready to articulate the "why" and "how" behind your actions and their results.

• Research Ernesta: Understand their brand, mission, product offerings, and target customer. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific company culture and values.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you would present your experience and portfolio, focusing on clear, concise communication and highlighting your ability to drive sales while ensuring customer delight.

⚠️ 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.