Made Home Design Consultant - Sheffield Home (N111818)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Made Home Design Consultant - Sheffield Home (N111818)

Company: Next Plc

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S9 2YL, United Kingdom

Job Type: Part time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-to-Market)

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires a proactive and creative individual to act as a key point of contact for customers seeking home design solutions, bridging the gap between customer aspirations and product offerings.

• The consultant will be instrumental in driving revenue through personalized design advice, consultation services, and direct sales engagement, contributing to the overall Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy.

• A strong emphasis is placed on exceptional customer service and consultative selling, ensuring a seamless and inspiring customer journey from initial contact to final design proposal.

• The position involves a blend of in-home or virtual consultations, leveraging design expertise to meet sales targets and earn additional bonuses, directly impacting the company's sales performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Made Home Design Consultant," the responsibilities and emphasis on sales targets, customer acquisition, and driving revenue through direct client interaction align it with a Sales Operations or Go-to-Market (GTM) support role, focusing on the client-facing sales execution aspect. The "Made" aspect suggests a specific product line or service offering within Next Plc's broader retail operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct personalized in-home or virtual consultations to understand customer needs, preferences, and project scopes for home design projects.

• Develop and present creative, functional, and budget-conscious design proposals, leveraging product knowledge and interior design expertise.

• Clearly communicate product lead times, pricing, potential costs, and payment terms to customers, ensuring transparency and managing expectations.

• Engage with customers on the salesfloor, providing outstanding customer service and design advice to drive immediate sales and lead generation.

• Actively work towards and achieve individual sales targets, with the opportunity to earn additional performance-based bonuses, contributing to overall revenue goals.

• Maintain a safe and professional environment during all customer interactions, whether in-home or virtual.

• Collaborate with internal teams, as needed, to ensure smooth order processing, delivery, and customer satisfaction post-consultation.

• Stay updated on current interior design trends, product offerings, and company policies to provide the most effective and relevant advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the sales-driven nature of the role, emphasizing target achievement, revenue generation, and the consultative selling process, which are core to GTM and sales operations functions. The client-facing aspect is crucial for understanding customer needs that inform future product development and marketing strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related creative field is advantageous but not strictly required if equivalent practical experience can be demonstrated.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing sales role, interior design, or a related consultative position. Experience in retail environments, particularly within home furnishings or decor, is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in color and furnishings selection with a natural flair for interior design.

• Excellent listening skills to accurately identify and interpret customer needs and preferences.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport and guide customers through the design process.

• Ability to generate functional, inspiring, and budget-friendly design ideas.

• Proactive and self-motivated approach to work and sales target achievement.

• Flexibility to adapt working hours to suit customer availability and business needs.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and host virtual meetings effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for tracking customer interactions and sales pipeline management.

• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools to present proposals.

• A portfolio showcasing previous interior design projects or styling successes.

• Understanding of retail sales metrics and performance indicators.

• Experience working within a structured GTM or sales operations framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical design skills, customer engagement, and sales acumen. The inclusion of a driving license and car ownership is a practical on-site requirement, differentiating it from purely remote roles. The preference for CRM and sales metrics points towards an understanding of sales operations principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that visually demonstrates your interior design capabilities, including examples of color palettes, furniture arrangements, and overall room transformations.

• Case studies or detailed project descriptions that highlight your process for understanding client needs, developing design solutions, and managing project constraints (e.g., budget, space limitations).

• Evidence of effective communication with clients, showcasing how you presented proposals, managed feedback, and ensured client satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a process documentation role, candidates are expected to understand and follow established company processes for customer consultations, sales reporting, and client management.

• Familiarity with documenting customer requirements and design choices accurately to ensure seamless order fulfillment.

• Ability to articulate your personal design process, demonstrating logical workflow from initial client brief to finalized design concept.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on client consultation and sales, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis is on visual representation of design work and the client engagement process, aligning with GTM's need to translate customer needs into actionable sales opportunities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided AI salary data and the specified working hours (12 hours per week), the estimated hourly rate falls between £8.03 and £12.21 GBP. For a part-time role of 12 hours per week, this translates to an approximate annual salary range of £4,999 to £7,570 GBP, depending on the specific hourly rate and any potential bonus earnings.

Benefits:

• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance and achievements.

• Significant discounts on NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap, and Victoria's Secret products (when purchased through Next).

• Discounts on partner brands and Branded Beauty products.

• A generous working wardrobe allowance (optional, conditions apply) to purchase clothes for work.

• Early VIP access to sale stock, offering an advantage on popular items.

• Access to a wide range of deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers via an online benefits platform.

• Discounts at company Staff Shops.

• Eligibility for the Sharesave scheme, allowing participation in company growth.

• Access to a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services.

• Life assurance coverage for peace of mind.

• Option to register for a discounted health plan for employees and their families.

• Financial Wellbeing services to support financial health.

• Apprenticeship opportunities (England stores only) for skill development and qualification.

• Direct to Work service for convenient online and in-store item collection.

• Access to Support Networks for empowerment and mutual celebration.

• Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships through Wellhub, including app access and PT sessions.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position requiring 12 hours per week, specifically on Thursdays from 14:30 to 21:00 and Fridays from 14:30 to 21:00.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from the provided AI data, which suggests an hourly wage fitting for entry-level retail and design consultation roles in the UK. The extensive list of benefits provided by Next Plc is a significant draw for candidates, particularly in a part-time capacity, offering substantial value beyond base compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Fashion, Home Furnishings, and Lifestyle Products). Next Plc is a prominent FTSE-100 company, indicating a stable and well-established corporate environment with a significant market presence in the UK and internationally.

Company Size: Over 35,000 employees across the UK and Ireland, with a global online presence. This indicates a large, complex organization with established operational structures, offering potential for diverse career paths and internal mobility.

Founded: Next Plc has a long history, evolving into a major retail force. This history suggests a culture that balances tradition with innovation, adapting to market changes and consumer demands. The "MADE" brand likely represents a more contemporary or specialized offering within the larger Next ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• The "Made Home Design Consultant" role likely operates within a store-based retail team, reporting to a Store Manager or a specific Department Manager for Home Furnishings.

• Collaboration will be primarily with fellow sales colleagues, store management, and potentially support staff for logistics and customer service.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary data analyst role, understanding customer preferences and sales data from consultations is key to adapting strategies and informing future product/marketing efforts.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The consultant will manage their own schedule of consultations, aiming for efficiency in home visits and virtual meetings to maximize customer reach and sales.

• Automation & Efficiency: While direct automation might be limited for this role, leveraging virtual meeting tools and efficient communication strategies contributes to operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/ and https://www.made.com/ (assuming "MADE" is a distinct brand or acquisition by Next).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Next Plc as a major player in retail, offering stability and a broad operational scope. The "MADE" branding suggests a focus on design-led products, requiring consultants to have a strong aesthetic sense and understanding of customer-centric design solutions, which is vital for GTM strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior associate level within the GTM/Sales execution spectrum. It provides foundational experience in direct customer consultation, sales, and brand representation.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will likely report to a Store Manager or a designated Home Department Manager within a physical Next retail location. This structure provides direct oversight and mentorship from experienced retail leadership.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation through personalized sales consultations and customer engagement. The insights gathered from customer interactions can also indirectly influence GTM strategies by highlighting popular trends, customer pain points, and product demands, feeding back into marketing and product development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progression could involve becoming a senior Design Consultant, specializing in specific product categories, or taking on team leadership responsibilities within the store.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities exist to deepen expertise in interior design, sales techniques, and customer relationship management. Next Plc's extensive benefits, including apprenticeships and training programs, support continuous learning.

• Leadership Potential: Successful consultants can potentially move into supervisory or management roles within retail operations, or explore opportunities in other GTM functions like sales support, account management, or visual merchandising, leveraging their customer and sales experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this client-facing sales role can serve as a stepping stone within a large retail organization like Next Plc. It emphasizes the development of core sales and customer service skills that are transferable to various operations and GTM functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a physical Next retail store, specifically within the "MADE Home" section, and also involves client homes or virtual meeting spaces. This offers a dynamic, customer-centric setting.

Office Location(s): The specific location is the NEXT MEADOWHALL HOME store in Sheffield (S9 2YL). This is a physical retail environment where customer interaction is paramount.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The retail store setting necessitates collaboration with colleagues, sharing responsibilities, and supporting team goals to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Consultants will likely utilize in-store POS systems, potentially a CRM for managing client leads and consultations, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams) for remote client interactions.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with store management and fellow sales associates is expected, fostering a supportive team dynamic focused on achieving collective sales targets and customer satisfaction.

Work Schedule: The schedule is part-time, with fixed hours on Thursdays and Fridays (14:30 - 21:00). This provides structure while accommodating individuals seeking supplementary employment or specific work-life balance needs. The evening hours are typical for retail to capture after-work customer traffic.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the practical work environment, emphasizing the blend of in-store retail operations and external client engagement. The fixed part-time schedule is a key characteristic.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Online Assessment: Candidates must first complete an online assessment, which includes a "Working with Numbers" assessment and a "Retail Scenarios" assessment. Successful completion within the last 6 months is required.

• Application Review: Applications matching the job criteria will be reviewed by the in-store recruitment team.

• Initial Interview: Selected candidates will be invited for an initial interview to discuss their suitability, experience, and alignment with the role. This stage will likely assess communication skills, design flair, and customer service aptitude.

• Potential Second Interview/Practical Assessment: Depending on the process, there may be a follow-up interview or a practical assessment to evaluate design consultation skills, potentially involving a mock consultation or portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Impact: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, showcasing high-quality images of your design work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to work with color, furnishings, and create inspiring spaces.

• Process Clarity: For each project, clearly articulate your design process: understanding client needs, conceptualization, proposal development, and execution. Highlight how you managed client expectations and delivered successful outcomes.

• Targeted Content: Select projects that align with the type of work expected for a home design consultant at Next/MADE. Emphasize functionality, budget-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal.

• Quantifiable Results: If possible, include any quantifiable results, such as client satisfaction ratings, budget adherence, or successful sales conversions stemming from your design proposals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present typical retail or design consultation scenarios. Think about how you would handle challenging customer requests, budget limitations, or conflicting design opinions.

• Numerical Reasoning: Brush up on basic numerical skills, as indicated by the "Working with Numbers" assessment. This might include calculating discounts, profit margins, or area measurements.

• Design Philosophy: Be ready to articulate your personal design philosophy, your approach to understanding client needs, and how you stay updated on design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section breaks down the application process, emphasizing the specific online assessments required and providing actionable advice for portfolio preparation and interview success, tailored to a design and sales role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: For processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing product information.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: Likely used for tracking customer leads, consultation schedules, design preferences, and sales pipeline management. This is crucial for effective sales operations and GTM follow-up.

• Virtual Meeting Platforms: Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar for conducting remote design consultations and client meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Internal company systems for tracking individual sales performance, target achievement, and bonus calculations.

• Basic Data Interpretation: Ability to understand sales figures, customer feedback, and potentially stock availability data to inform consultations and sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Essential for managing customer interactions and sales processes.

• Communication Tools: Email clients, internal messaging systems (e.g., Slack, Teams chat) for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred to support a retail sales environment with a consultative element. CRM is highlighted as a key tool for sales operations and GTM pipeline management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring client satisfaction through personalized design solutions.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and exceed sales targets, contributing directly to the company's revenue and growth.

• Creativity & Flair: Encouraging innovative design ideas and a passion for interior aesthetics.

• Proactivity & Flexibility: A willingness to take initiative, adapt to customer needs, and work flexibly to meet business demands.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive team environment within the store.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Primarily within the store team, collaborating with colleagues on salesfloor coverage, customer assistance, and operational tasks.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to feedback from management regarding sales performance and customer service, and contributing to process improvements within the store.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing design ideas, product knowledge, and customer insights with fellow consultants and management to elevate the team's overall effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred based on the nature of a retail sales role combined with a design consultancy, emphasizing customer focus, sales drive, and teamwork within a physical store environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales Targets and Creative Consultation: Effectively meeting sales quotas while dedicating sufficient time and creativity to personalized design consultations.

• Managing Diverse Customer Expectations: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project scopes, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

• Remote Consultation Effectiveness: Ensuring that virtual consultations are as impactful and persuasive as in-home visits, requiring strong digital communication skills.

• Staying Current with Trends and Products: Continuously learning about new design trends, product lines, and stock availability to provide relevant and up-to-date advice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining hands-on experience in sales, customer relationship management, and retail operations.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue further certifications in interior design or sales through company-supported programs or external courses.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced store managers and senior sales associates within Next Plc's retail structure.

• Product Specialization: Developing deep expertise in the "MADE" product range and home furnishing categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential hurdles for the role and the learning pathways available, connecting them to skill development within a retail and GTM context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Approach: "Describe your process for consulting with a client to understand their home design needs and preferences." Be prepared to walk through your methodology from initial contact to proposal.

• Sales & Target Alignment: "How do you balance providing excellent customer service and creative design advice with the need to meet sales targets and earn bonuses?" Highlight your proactive sales strategies.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a client wants a high-end look but has a limited budget. How would you approach this situation?" Focus on budget-friendly alternatives and creative solutions.

• Handling Objections: "What if a client is hesitant about a design suggestion or a product's lead time? How would you address their concerns?" Demonstrate your communication and persuasion skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this Made Home Design Consultant role at Next Plc?" Connect your passion for design, sales, and customer service to the company's offerings.

• Team Fit: "How would you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment in our store?" Emphasize your teamwork and proactive approach.

• Adaptability: "This role involves both in-home and virtual consultations. How do you adapt your approach for different client interaction methods?" Showcase your flexibility and tech-savviness.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, tell a story: the client's initial brief, your design concept, the challenges you faced, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Focus: Highlight key visuals that demonstrate your design skills – color palettes, furniture arrangements, and overall aesthetic.

• Process Explanation: Clearly explain your design process and how you ensured client satisfaction and met project goals, including budget and timeline considerations.

• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to emphasize aspects most relevant to the "MADE Home" brand and Next Plc's retail offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a hybrid sales and design role, focusing on practical skills, client management, and the specific requirements of the application process at Next Plc.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio (if requested as part of the application or for interview) specifically highlights your experience in home design, color consultation, and working with furnishings. Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to create functional, inspiring, and budget-conscious spaces.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize customer service, sales achievements, design flair, and any experience with in-home or virtual client consultations. Use keywords like "Design Consultant," "Interior Design," "Customer Service," "Sales Targets," and "Client Consultation."

• Assessment Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for the online "Working with Numbers" and "Retail Scenarios" assessments. Practice numerical problems relevant to retail (discounts, percentages) and consider how you would respond to common retail customer service scenarios.

• Company Research: Research Next Plc and the "MADE" brand to understand their product offerings, design aesthetic, and customer base. This will help you articulate your interest and demonstrate cultural fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

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