HDIS DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HDIS DESIGN CONSULTANT Company: The Home Depot Location: MASSACHUSETTS - VIRTUAL - MA01 Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Sales Operations / GTM Enablement Date Posted: 2025-09-12 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives top-line revenue growth through direct, in-home, and virtual sales consultations for The Home Depot Installation Services (HDIS) division.
• Focuses on consultative selling, needs assessment, and delivering tailored product and service solutions to residential customers.
• Plays a crucial role in customer acquisition through proactive prospecting, relationship building within retail stores, and participation in industry events.
• Requires strong market penetration strategies and the ability to manage a sales pipeline from lead generation to closing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and focus on driving sales, prospecting, and customer acquisition clearly place this role within a Sales Operations or Go-To-Market (GTM) Enablement context, specifically focused on field sales execution and performance. The emphasis on "outside sales" and "travel" indicates a field-based sales role that requires operational support for lead management, quoting, and customer relationship management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct outside sales activities, including in-home and virtual consultations, to present HDIS products and services effectively.
• Assess customer needs, provide individually-tailored product recommendations, and develop customized price quotes to meet client requirements.
• Negotiate sales contracts, present warranty information, and explain financing options to facilitate customer purchasing decisions.
• Complete all required sales contracts and ensure accurate order placement by taking precise measurements using industry-standard methods.
• Proactively generate new leads and acquire customers by prospecting within assigned Home Depot stores and participating in industry events (e.g., Home Shows).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Home Depot store management and associates to increase awareness of HDIS offerings and drive program participation.
• Attend sales and team meetings to refine sales techniques, enhance product knowledge, and align with company sales strategies.
• Manage a sales territory or assigned accounts, ensuring consistent pipeline development and achievement of sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a direct sales function with significant reliance on customer-facing activities and lead generation. This implies a need for robust operational processes to support sales, such as lead routing, CRM utilization, quoting tools, and appointment setting. The role is intrinsically linked to GTM strategy execution at the frontline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of prior in-home or virtual sales experience is preferred.
• Prior experience within the home improvement industry is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in successful lead generation and pipeline management.

Required Skills:

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to close sales, negotiate effectively, and achieve revenue targets.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Proficiency in using CRM systems for lead tracking, customer interaction logging, and pipeline management.
• Prospecting & Lead Generation: Skill in identifying and engaging potential customers through various channels, including in-home visits, store interactions, and event participation.
• Presentation & Communication Skills: Ability to deliver compelling sales presentations, articulate product value propositions, and communicate clearly and professionally with diverse customer bases.
• Product Knowledge & Technical Aptitude: Capacity to quickly learn and understand HDIS product offerings, installation specifications, and related technical details.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust sales approach based on customer needs, market conditions, and feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Quoting & Proposal Generation: Experience using specialized software or tools to create accurate and competitive price quotes and proposals.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financing options and ability to present them effectively to customers.
• Measurement & Specification Skills: Familiarity with taking precise measurements and understanding installation specifications for home improvement products.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (store associates, management) and external customers.
• Technology Proficiency: Comfort with using mobile devices (e.g., iPads), sales applications, and digital tools for sales processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications, particularly "prior in-home or virtual sales experience" and "home improvement industry experience," directly inform the ideal candidate profile. Emphasis on CRM, prospecting, and presentation skills points to a need for candidates with a solid foundation in sales operations and GTM execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable success in achieving and exceeding sales quotas through effective sales process execution.
• Case studies showcasing how specific sales strategies or process improvements led to increased customer acquisition or revenue.
• Examples of customer needs assessment and how tailored solutions were developed and presented.
• Documentation of experience with CRM systems, including lead management, opportunity tracking, and sales forecasting.
• Evidence of managing a sales pipeline, from initial lead engagement to successful closing.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and demonstrate a structured sales process, from prospecting and qualification to needs analysis, proposal, negotiation, and closing.
• Experience in documenting customer interactions, sales activities, and market feedback for reporting and analysis.
• Understanding of how to leverage sales enablement tools and resources to optimize the sales cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a role focused on direct sales and customer acquisition within a large organization like The Home Depot would benefit from candidates who can showcase their sales process and how they've utilized systems to drive efficiency and results. Portfolio examples demonstrating pipeline management and closing success are highly relevant.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided pay range for this position is between $40,000 - $70,000 annually. This range is specific to residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, New York City, Ithaca (NY), Westchester County (NY), and Washington.

Benefits:

• The Home Depot typically offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which may include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Employee Discount on Home Depot Products
  • Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
  • Opportunities for Professional Development and Training

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position. The role requires maintaining 55 hours of open calendar time per week, which includes time for customer appointments, prospecting, and potentially local travel. This indicates a flexible but demanding schedule to accommodate customer availability, often including weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to certain US states and cities. For other locations within Massachusetts, the range would likely be similar or adjusted based on local market conditions. The 55-hour weekly availability expectation is a critical operational requirement for this field sales role, emphasizing proactive customer engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Improvement) Company Size: Large (The Home Depot is one of the largest retailers in the US, with hundreds of thousands of employees globally). Founded: 1978

Team Structure:

• This role reports to a Sales Manager, indicating a structured sales hierarchy.
• The Design Consultant has no direct reports, functioning as an individual contributor.
• Collaboration is expected with Home Depot store associates and management to generate leads and promote HDIS services, requiring strong cross-functional engagement within a retail environment.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes direct customer engagement and relationship-building as key sales methodologies.
• Data-driven approaches would likely involve tracking sales performance, customer acquisition costs, and conversion rates, leveraging CRM data.
• Process optimization would focus on refining the sales cycle, improving lead conversion rates, and enhancing the customer experience during consultations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established retail company, The Home Depot likely has well-defined sales processes and a culture that values customer service, efficiency, and driving sales performance. The integration of HDIS within the retail stores means strong interdepartmental collaboration is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This position represents an entry to mid-level individual contributor role within the sales and GTM operations framework. It focuses on direct customer interaction and sales execution.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to a Sales Manager, who oversees a team of Design Consultants. This structure allows for direct coaching, performance management, and strategic guidance from experienced sales leadership.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Consultant's primary impact is on driving revenue growth for The Home Depot Installation Services. Success in this role directly contributes to the company's top-line performance and market share in the home improvement services sector. Effective sales execution also enhances customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Consultant, Sales Team Lead, or Sales Manager roles.
• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product categories or customer segments within HDIS.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into sales operations, training, or business development roles within The Home Depot organization.
• Skill Development: Continuous training on new products, sales techniques, and technology platforms to enhance performance and career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role provides a clear pathway for individuals looking to build a career in sales and GTM, with opportunities for advancement within a large and stable organization. The emphasis on field sales execution offers practical experience in customer acquisition and revenue generation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is a remote/virtual role with a significant emphasis on field sales (in-home appointments). While there isn't a dedicated office space, the employee is expected to work from a home office setup for administrative tasks and virtual consultations. The core of the work involves travel to customer locations.

Office Location(s):

• The role is based in Massachusetts, specifically designated as "MASSACHUSETTS - VIRTUAL - MA01." This indicates that candidates should reside within or be willing to travel extensively within Massachusetts to serve customers.

Workspace Context:

• The "workspace" is primarily the customer's home or virtual meeting platforms.
• Requires a reliable home office setup with internet access for administrative tasks, training, and virtual client interactions.
• The role necessitates access to reliable transportation for travel to customer appointments and potentially to Home Depot retail locations.

Work Schedule:

• The role demands flexibility, with a requirement to maintain 55 hours of open calendar time per week. This includes evenings and weekends to accommodate customer availability for appointments and prospecting activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "virtual" designation combined with "outside sales" means the employee will be mobile, with their primary work environment being the customer's location. This requires strong self-management, time management, and autonomy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Sales Manager focusing on sales experience, understanding of the sales process, customer interaction examples, and motivation for the role.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: May include role-playing scenarios, a presentation of a sales pitch, or a discussion of how to handle common sales objections or customer needs. This would assess practical sales skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level sales leader to confirm fit and suitability for the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Showcase sales performance with specific metrics (e.g., percentage of quota achieved, customer acquisition numbers, revenue generated).
• Demonstrate Sales Process: Clearly articulate your approach to prospecting, qualifying leads, conducting consultations, overcoming objections, and closing deals.
• Highlight Customer Focus: Provide examples of how you've understood and met customer needs, adapted to different personalities, and built rapport.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Include instances where you've successfully resolved customer issues or adapted your strategy to close a challenging sale.
• Technology Proficiency: Mention experience with CRM systems, sales enablement tools, and any relevant quoting or measurement software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to lead generation and how you build and manage a sales pipeline.
• Practice delivering a concise and compelling sales pitch for a home improvement product or service.
• Think about common sales objections in the home improvement sector and how you would address them.
• Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and schedule when working remotely and traveling for appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their sales process and results, emphasizing their ability to drive revenue and manage customer relationships in a field sales capacity. Quantifiable achievements are crucial for a sales role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a robust CRM such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or a proprietary Home Depot system for managing leads, customer data, appointments, and sales activities.
• Sales Enablement Platforms: Tools for accessing sales collateral, product information, pricing, and potentially proposal generation software.
• Mobile Devices (iPad): Essential for in-home appointments, accessing CRM, presenting digital materials, and completing paperwork.
• Communication Tools: Email, phone, video conferencing (for virtual consultations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reliance on CRM reports for tracking personal sales performance, pipeline health, and conversion rates.
• Potentially use of analytics dashboards to monitor market trends or customer behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• Deep understanding and utilization of CRM functionalities for end-to-end sales process management.
• May involve some basic automation within the CRM for task management or follow-ups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a CRM system and mobile sales tools is paramount. The ability to effectively use technology to manage sales activities and customer interactions is a key requirement for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction in all sales interactions.
• Results-Oriented: Driven by achieving and exceeding sales targets and contributing to company revenue goals.
• Integrity: Conducting business ethically and transparently with customers and colleagues.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with store associates and management to drive HDIS sales.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new products, processes, and market demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Actively collaborates with Home Depot store teams to generate leads and promote HDIS.
• Proactive Communication: Maintains open communication with Sales Manager regarding performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and providing feedback to improve sales techniques and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of independent sales execution and collaborative engagement with internal stakeholders to maximize sales opportunities. A proactive and customer-centric approach is likely highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Territory Management: Effectively managing a sales territory to ensure consistent lead generation and customer engagement.
• Customer Acquisition: Overcoming competition and customer inertia to secure new business.
• Scheduling & Travel: Balancing in-home appointments, prospecting activities, and travel logistics efficiently.
• Product Expertise: Continuously learning and staying updated on a wide range of HDIS products and installation processes.
• Performance Metrics: Meeting demanding sales quotas and performance expectations in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Training: Access to The Home Depot's sales training programs, focusing on consultative selling, negotiation, and product knowledge.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the home improvement industry and market trends through field experience.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced sales leaders and top-performing consultants.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression within The Home Depot's sales and operations structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop strong field sales skills, customer relationship management capabilities, and a deep understanding of the home improvement market, all within a supportive corporate structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to prospecting for new customers in a retail environment or through outside sales."
• "How do you handle a customer who is hesitant about purchasing a product or service that requires a significant investment?"
• "Walk me through your process for conducting an in-home sales consultation, from initial greeting to closing the sale."
• "How do you prioritize your time and manage your schedule when you have multiple customer appointments and prospecting tasks?"
• "What are your strategies for building rapport and trust with customers you meet for the first time?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Home Depot and this specific role as an HDIS Design Consultant?"
• "How do you stay motivated when working independently and traveling to customer locations?"
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with internal teams (e.g., store associates) to achieve a sales goal."
• "How do you measure your own sales success, beyond just meeting quota?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantifiable Results: Prepare specific examples of sales achievements, such as percentage of quota met, average deal size, or number of new customers acquired in a given period.
• Sales Process Narrative: Clearly articulate your step-by-step sales process, highlighting how you identify needs, propose solutions, and close deals.
• Problem/Solution Scenarios: Detail a challenging sales situation you encountered and how you successfully navigated it to achieve a positive outcome.
• Customer Testimonials/Feedback: If available, share positive feedback or testimonials that illustrate your customer service and sales effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their sales methodology, demonstrate how they drive revenue, and articulate their understanding of customer needs and how to meet them. Quantifiable achievements are critical for demonstrating sales impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through The Home Depot's career portal via the provided URL.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in direct sales, customer acquisition, lead generation, and any home improvement industry background. Quantify achievements with specific metrics.
• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of successful sales processes, customer engagement strategies, and quantifiable sales results that align with the responsibilities of a Design Consultant.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse responses to common sales interview questions, focusing on your ability to articulate your sales process, handle objections, and demonstrate customer-centricity.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Home Depot's Installation Services (HDIS) offerings, their market position, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Home Depot hiring organization before making application decisions.