Part-time Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-time Designer Company: The Container Store Inc. Location: Alpharetta, Georgia, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Sales & Design Date Posted: 2026-01-06 Experience Level: 2-5 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing expert custom space design solutions, leveraging deep knowledge of storage and organization products to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction.
• It involves managing multiple customer projects from inception to completion, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and clear communication throughout the sales cycle.
• The position requires strong selling skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service, acting as a brand ambassador for The Container Store's unique offerings.
• Responsibilities include collaborating with customers to present customized plans, closing sales, and building repeat business through consistent follow-up and professional interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a retail environment but carries significant design and project management responsibilities, bridging sales and specialized client services. The part-time nature suggests a focus on client engagement during peak hours or specific project needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain multiple simultaneous customer design projects, ensuring high accuracy, timeliness, and meticulous follow-up.
• Collaborate closely with customers to design and professionally present customized space solutions and project plans.
• Execute efficient sales processes, effectively closing deals and fostering repeat and referral business through exceptional client experiences.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with Store Managers and Support Center partners to ensure seamless project completion, from initial inquiry through to installation, in order to achieve sales goals.
• Act as a brand ambassador, enthusiastically supporting all company initiatives by modeling professional and productive behaviors for store employees to achieve overall store objectives.
• Stay current with all The Container Store training, selling methodologies, product knowledge, promotions, processes, and philosophies when interacting with customers, Customer Support Department (CSD), store employees, and Installation partners.
• Proficiently and consistently utilize company-provided tools and email for communication and project management.
• Actively participate in the daily maintenance and visual presentation of the custom spaces showroom.
• Handle cash and other valuables appropriately and securely, adhering to company policies.
• Maintain a safe working and shopping environment, utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety and security of employees, customers, and property.
• Assist customers with confidential personal information related to the Company credit card and application process.
• Consistently arrive promptly for all assigned shifts and maintain flexibility for additional hours based on changing business needs.
• Maintain discretion regarding all confidential and sensitive company and customer information.
• Perform other requested tasks and duties as assigned by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, project management, client relations, and operational store duties. The emphasis on "multiple, simultaneous customer projects" suggests a need for strong organizational and time management skills, crucial for operations-adjacent roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College degree preferred, providing a foundation in design principles, business acumen, or related fields.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of sales and clientele experience, demonstrating a proven track record in customer engagement and revenue generation.

Required Skills:

• Custom Space Design Expertise: Deep understanding of storage and organization solutions and products to create tailored customer plans.
• Clientele & Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage clients, understand their needs, present solutions, and close sales effectively.
• Project Management: Skill in managing multiple, simultaneous customer projects from start to finish with accuracy and timeliness.
• Communication Proficiency: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with customers, internal teams, and management.
• Computer Literacy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and knowledge of Excel and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools (e.g., Salesforce).
• Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Focused and meticulous approach to design, project management, and administrative tasks.
• Professionalism: Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, embodying the company's brand values.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible schedules, including days, evenings, and weekends, and adapt to changing business needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Trend Knowledge: Familiarity with current trends in custom spaces and the broader retail industry.
• CRM System Experience: Direct experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms for client management and sales tracking.
• Visual Merchandising: Experience in showroom maintenance and visual presentation of retail spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 2-5 years of sales and clientele experience, coupled with a preference for a college degree, indicates a role that values practical sales skills alongside a foundational understanding of design or business principles. Proficiency in CRM tools is a key indicator of the operational systems expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse custom space design projects, demonstrating a range of client needs and solution types.
• For each project, clearly articulate the client's initial problem or goal, the design process undertaken, and the final implemented solution.
• Include high-quality visuals (renderings, photos of completed projects) to illustrate design concepts and outcomes.
• Quantify achievements where possible, such as increased storage efficiency, time savings for the client, or customer satisfaction scores.
• Detail your specific role and contributions within each project, especially if working as part of a larger team.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of a structured design and sales process, from initial client consultation and needs assessment to proposal, sale, and post-installation follow-up.
• Evidence of managing project timelines, coordinating with different stakeholders (e.g., installation teams, support center), and maintaining clear communication channels.
• Examples of how you utilize CRM or other sales tools to track client interactions, project status, and sales performance.
• Insights into how you gather feedback and iterate on your design processes to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the core responsibilities of managing multiple projects, collaborating with customers on designs, and closing sales strongly imply that candidates will need to demonstrate their capabilities. This section infers the type of evidence that would be most compelling for this role, focusing on tangible outcomes and process management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position, the pay is described as "rewarding" and intended to recognize the value brought to the team. Based on industry standards for part-time retail design roles with 2-5 years of experience in Alpharetta, GA, a competitive hourly rate would likely range from $18 to $25 per hour. This estimate considers the specialized design skills, sales responsibilities, and the cost of living in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• For All Associates (Part-time & Full-time):
  • Rewarding pay structure.
  • Competitive health, dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with investment guidance through Fidelity.
  • Access to a unique "1equals3" website for benefits and company updates.
  • Competitive sick pay and Paid Time Off (PTO) plan.
• Additional Benefits for Full-time Associates (Not applicable to this Part-time role unless specified otherwise):
  • Life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
  • Parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support.
  • Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and transportation benefits.
  • Significant employee discounts on products, custom spaces, and services.
  • Service awards and retirement gifts.
  • Participation in Employee Resource and Affinity Groups.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position with flexible scheduling that can include daytime, evenings, and weekends. The role requires commitment to assigned hours and flexibility to work additional hours based on business needs. An estimated 20 hours per week is typical for such roles, though this can vary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical part-time retail sales and design roles in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta, factoring in the specialized skills required. The benefits listed are a mix of those available to all associates and those exclusively for full-time roles, as specified in the original text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Specialty Retail – Storage and Organization. The Container Store is a unique national retailer solely dedicated to storage and organization solutions. Company Size: The Container Store is a large retail organization with numerous physical locations across the United States. While exact current employee numbers fluctuate, it operates as a significant employer in the retail sector, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes. Founded: 1978. With over four decades of history, The Container Store has established itself as a market leader, building a strong brand identity and a deep understanding of its niche. This longevity suggests a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• Sales & Design Team: This role is part of a retail store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or a designated leader for the Custom Spaces department. The team structure emphasizes collaboration among sales associates, designers, and support staff to achieve store-wide sales and customer service goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Part-time Designer will collaborate with various internal departments, including Store Management, Customer Support Center (CSD), and Installation partners, to ensure seamless project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Company Initiatives: Associates are expected to actively support and model company-wide initiatives, fostering a cohesive and driven work environment.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The core methodology revolves around understanding individual customer needs and providing tailored, creative solutions that improve their quality of life.
• Solution-Oriented Selling: The emphasis is on selling comprehensive solutions rather than just individual products, requiring a consultative sales approach.
• Process Adherence: Maintaining consistency in training, selling, product knowledge, and operational processes is paramount to delivering a standardized, high-quality customer experience.

Company Website: www.containerstore.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built on specific "Foundation Principles" (matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused, life-changing) that influence all relationships and business aspects. This implies a company that values a strong, positive, and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents an entry to mid-level role within the retail sales and design specialization. It's an excellent stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in consultative sales, interior design, or retail management. Reporting Structure: The Part-time Designer will typically report to a Store Manager or a designated department leader within the retail store. This structure provides direct mentorship and performance feedback within a localized team setting. Operations Impact: While primarily a sales role, the Part-time Designer has a significant impact on revenue through direct sales and customer project management. Their ability to drive sales, foster repeat business, and ensure customer satisfaction directly contributes to the store's and the company's overall financial performance and brand reputation. The efficiency and accuracy in managing projects also impact operational workflows and customer experience metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales & Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in custom space design, advanced sales techniques, and client relationship management, potentially leading to senior designer or lead sales associate roles.
• Retail Management Path: With demonstrated leadership and operational understanding, potential progression into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, overseeing broader store operations and team management.
• Cross-Functional Opportunities: Potential to move into roles within the Customer Support Center, visual merchandising, or corporate training departments, leveraging acquired product and customer knowledge.
• Continuous Learning: The company emphasizes staying current with training and product knowledge, providing ongoing development for associates to enhance their skills and career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as more than just a sales position; it's about being an "expert in custom space design." This suggests a development path that values specialized skills and consultative selling, offering growth beyond basic retail sales.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment, specifically within The Container Store's physical locations. The role involves working in a customer-facing setting that includes sales floors, custom spaces showrooms, and back-of-house areas. Office Location(s): The primary work location is the retail store at 2740 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009. The Container Store operates numerous locations nationwide.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Showroom: A significant portion of the role involves interacting with customers in the custom spaces showroom, which is designed to showcase organization solutions. This requires maintaining a visually appealing and organized workspace.
• Collaborative Retail Floor: The associate will work alongside other sales associates, managers, and support staff, fostering a team-oriented environment focused on customer service and sales achievement.
• Tools & Technology: The workspace is equipped with company tools, including POS systems, computers for design software and CRM, and communication devices.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is part-time and flexible, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. This arrangement allows for integration with personal schedules but requires reliability and availability during assigned times. The nature of retail often means working during peak customer hours, which can include weekends and evenings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature is critical, emphasizing the customer-facing and in-person collaboration aspects. The workspace is dynamic, requiring adaptability between customer interactions, project planning, and general store maintenance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or virtual screening to assess basic qualifications, interest, and availability.
• In-Person Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion with the Store Manager or department lead to evaluate sales skills, customer service approach, and design aptitude. Expect behavioral questions related to past sales and customer interactions.
• Design/Sales Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present a hypothetical design solution for a common organizational problem or walk through a simulated sales scenario to assess their problem-solving and presentation abilities.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or HR representative to confirm cultural fit and address any remaining questions.
• Background Check: Standard procedure for retail roles, especially those involving cash handling and customer trust.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Storytelling: Your portfolio should visually tell the story of each project. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the value of your designs (e.g., space saved, time reduced, client satisfaction).
• Process Clarity: Briefly outline your design process for each project, highlighting your problem-solving approach and how you collaborated with clients.
• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase skills most relevant to custom space design and consultative sales.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key highlights and your specific contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research The Container Store's product lines, design philosophy, and commitment to organization.
• Practice Common Scenarios: Prepare for scenarios involving common organizational challenges (e.g., small closet, cluttered kitchen, home office setup).
• Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse how you would approach a customer, identify their needs, propose a solution, and handle objections.
• Time Management: Be mindful of time constraints during any practical exercises or presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only sales skills but also design thinking and customer engagement capabilities. A portfolio, even if informal (e.g., a collection of past projects or conceptual designs), would be highly beneficial to demonstrate practical design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in design software relevant to space planning and visualization is expected. While specific software isn't named, candidates should be comfortable with tools that allow for 2D/3D renderings and layout creation.
• CRM Systems: Experience with Customer Relationship Management tools, such as Salesforce, is explicitly mentioned. This is crucial for tracking customer interactions, managing leads, and monitoring sales pipelines.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Outlook (communication), Word (documentation), and knowledge of Excel (data analysis, basic tracking) is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, the ability to use CRM data for sales tracking and understanding customer behavior is important. This might involve generating basic reports on sales performance or project pipelines.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Salesforce or similar platforms are key for managing client relationships, sales cycles, and project statuses.
• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Outlook for email and scheduling.
• Internal Tools: The company likely uses proprietary internal systems for inventory, project management, and communication, requiring adaptability to learn new platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite indicates a baseline technical requirement. Familiarity with design visualization tools would be a significant advantage, even if not explicitly listed as a hard requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving customer problems through expert design and exceptional service.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, managers, and support teams to achieve shared goals and create a positive work environment.
• Authenticity & Passion: Bringing genuine enthusiasm for organization and design, and embodying the company's unique brand personality.
• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining personal organization and efficiency in managing projects and contributing to a well-organized store environment.
• Life-Changing Impact: Believing in the transformative power of organization and striving to improve customers' lives through thoughtful solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Enthusiastic: The company culture encourages a positive and energetic atmosphere where team members support each other's success.
• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves adhering to established processes for sales, design, and customer service to ensure consistency.
• Knowledge Sharing: Associates are encouraged to share insights and best practices, particularly regarding product knowledge and customer interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Foundation Principles" (matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused, life-changing) are central to its culture and are expected to be embodied by all employees. This emphasis on core values shapes how teams interact and operate.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing time and priorities across numerous customer projects simultaneously in a part-time capacity.
• Meeting Sales Goals: Consistently achieving sales targets in a competitive retail environment while maintaining high customer service standards.
• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Designing solutions for a wide range of organizational challenges and client preferences.
• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with an extensive product catalog, new trends, and company processes in a dynamic retail setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Expertise: Deepening knowledge of The Container Store's comprehensive product lines and advanced space organization techniques.
• Consultative Sales Skills: Developing sophisticated client engagement and sales closing strategies.
• Retail Operations: Gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of retail store operations, from customer service to visual merchandising.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to progress into leadership roles within the retail store or explore other departments within The Container Store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a customer-facing, sales-driven role with design responsibilities. The growth opportunities emphasize skill development within the retail and design sectors, aligning with the company's focus on expertise and customer solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you successfully managed multiple client projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize and ensure each client received adequate attention?" (Focus on your project management, prioritization, and communication skills.)
• "Describe your approach to understanding a customer's unique organizational needs and translating that into a design solution." (Highlight your consultative sales process, active listening, and creative problem-solving.)
• "How do you handle objections from a customer who is hesitant about a particular solution or price point?" (Demonstrate your ability to understand concerns, reframe value, and close sales effectively.)
• "What interests you specifically about The Container Store and this Part-time Designer role?" (Research the company's mission, values, and unique selling proposition. Connect your passion for organization and design to their brand.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody The Container Store's Foundation Principles (matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused, life-changing) in your work?" (Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in previous roles.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive workplace." (Emphasize collaboration, support, and a proactive attitude.)
• "How do you stay motivated to achieve sales goals, especially in a part-time capacity?" (Showcase your drive, results-orientation, and understanding of sales targets.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best Work: Choose 3-4 projects that best represent your design skills, client management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client's challenge, your proposed solution, the implementation process, and the successful outcome.
• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about what you did, especially if it was a team effort.
• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality images or renderings. If you don't have formal project photos, consider creating conceptual designs for common organizational problems to showcase your thinking.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you ensured customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will be crucial. For this role, demonstrating a blend of sales acumen, design thinking, and a customer-centric approach will be key to interview success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Container Store's careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in sales, customer service, project management, and any design-related work. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom space design," "clientele experience," "sales goals," and "customer service." Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Managed a portfolio of X simultaneous client projects," "Increased sales by Y% through consultative design").
• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a portfolio of design work (even informal sketches or conceptual layouts for organizational challenges), have it ready to present or describe during the interview process. Focus on demonstrating your ability to solve problems visually and efficiently.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral questions by rehearsing responses using the STAR method, focusing on examples that showcase your sales skills, project management capabilities, and customer-centric approach. Practice articulating your understanding of The Container Store's brand and values.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review The Container Store's website, focusing on their product offerings, design philosophy, Foundation Principles, and commitment to organization. Understand their unique market position and how this role contributes to their overall mission.

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