Part-time Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-time Designer Company: The Container Store Inc. Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Custom Space Design Date Posted: July 24, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearheads custom space design projects, leveraging extensive knowledge of storage and organization solutions to drive sales and enhance customer experience.
• Manages multiple, simultaneous customer projects from inception to completion, ensuring high accuracy, timeliness, and consistent communication.
• Acts as a brand ambassador, modeling exceptional selling and customer service skills while supporting company initiatives and team collaboration.
• Utilizes company tools and adheres to all training, sales, product knowledge, and process philosophies to achieve sales goals and maintain operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Part-time Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a sales-driven role focused on custom solutions, aligning it with a specialized area within retail operations that requires strong client management and project execution skills. The role emphasizes a consultative sales approach within the operations framework of delivering customized customer solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manages and maintains multiple, simultaneous customer projects through all phases with a high level of accuracy, timeliness, and follow-up, ensuring consistent and concise communication.
• Collaborates intimately with customers to design and present projects and customized plans in a clear, professional, and persuasive manner, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Drives sales by efficiently closing deals, cultivating repeat business, and fostering customer referrals through exceptional service and solution-oriented interactions.
• Maintains clear and consistent communication with store managers and support center partners to ensure seamless project completion from initial inquiry through installation, directly contributing to achievement of sales targets.
• Serves as a brand ambassador, enthusiastically supporting company initiatives by modeling professional and productive behaviors to influence store employees and achieve overall store goals.
• Stays current with all The Container Store training programs, selling methodologies, product knowledge, promotions, processes, and philosophies to ensure expert customer interactions and operational adherence.
• Proficiently and consistently utilizes company-provided tools, including CRM systems and email, for efficient project management and communication.
• Actively participates in the daily maintenance and visual presentation of the custom spaces showroom, ensuring an appealing and functional environment for customer engagement.
• Handles cash and other valuables appropriately and securely, adhering to all company policies for financial transactions and asset protection.
• Maintains a safe working and shopping environment by utilizing all available resources and ensuring the safety and security of employees, customers, and company property.
• Assists customers with personal and confidential information related to the company credit card and application processes with discretion and professionalism.
• Performs other requested tasks and duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to operational support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, project management, and operational support typical in a retail environment focused on customizable solutions. The emphasis on communication, accuracy, and customer engagement points towards a need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills, crucial for managing the operational flow of custom projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College degree preferred; demonstrates a foundation for conceptual thinking and problem-solving relevant to design and sales processes.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of sales and clientele experience preferred; indicates a need for proven ability in customer engagement, consultative selling, and relationship building within a retail or service-oriented context. Experience in managing client projects from start to finish is highly valuable.

Required Skills:

• Custom Space Design: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and create personalized storage and organization solutions based on customer needs and space constraints.
• Customer Service Excellence: Proven track record of providing outstanding customer support, building rapport, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the sales and project lifecycle.
• Sales Acumen & Closing: Proficiency in consultative selling techniques, identifying customer needs, presenting solutions effectively, and closing sales to achieve revenue targets.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple, concurrent customer projects, ensuring timely completion, accuracy, and effective follow-up.
• Communication Proficiency: Strong oral and written communication skills for professional interaction with customers, managers, and support teams.
• Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: Focused and meticulous approach to project design, order accuracy, and customer information management.
• Computer Proficiency: Skilled in using essential business software, including Outlook, Word, and a strong understanding of Excel and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to maintain a positive attitude, work with changing business needs, and adapt to new processes and product knowledge.
• Professionalism: Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, embodying the company's brand and values.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Industry Trends: Staying current with trends in custom spaces, home organization, and retail design to inform customer recommendations.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to objectively process information and make strategic, effective decisions in the best interest of customers and the company.
• Salesforce or CRM Proficiency: Advanced skills in using CRM systems to manage customer interactions, track sales pipelines, and maintain client data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design capability, strong sales execution, and meticulous project management. The preference for a college degree and significant sales experience suggests a role that requires not just product knowledge but also strategic thinking and client relationship management, key components in successful operations for specialized retail segments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Examples of past custom space design projects, showcasing the problem identified, the design solution created, and the customer's outcome. Visual aids (renderings, photos) are highly encouraged.
• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of sales performance, such as average deal size, conversion rates, or client retention metrics, demonstrating commercial success.
• Customer Interaction Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how complex customer needs were identified and met, highlighting consultative selling and problem-solving approaches.
• Process Flow Documentation: Visual representations or descriptions of how projects were managed from initial consultation through to completion, demonstrating workflow management and efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and document the end-to-end process for managing custom space design projects, from initial customer contact to final installation.
• Implementation & Tracking: Experience in documenting the steps involved in implementing a design, including order placement, production coordination, and installation scheduling, and how these are tracked.
• Performance Measurement: Methods for tracking project success, customer satisfaction, and sales performance, including key metrics and reporting standards relevant to retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on custom design and project management, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to client engagement, design execution, and sales closure is critical. This aligns with operations standards for project lifecycle management and quality assurance, showcasing an applicant's ability to manage complex, multi-stage processes efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time, hourly position, the pay is described as "Rewarding pay to recognize the value you bring to the team." While specific figures are not provided, typical part-time retail design consultant roles in Raleigh, NC, with 2-5 years of experience, can range from $18-$25 per hour. This estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in the region, considering the specialized nature of custom design services and the retail expertise required.

Benefits:

• Rewarding Pay: Competitive hourly wage.
• Health & Wellness: Competitive health, dental, and vision plans.
• Financial Planning: 401(k) retirement savings plan with investment guidance.
• Employee Resources: Unique "1equals3" website for benefits and company updates.
• Time Off: Competitive sick pay and PTO plan.
• Additional for Full-Time Associates (not applicable to this part-time role but indicative of company philosophy): Life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility support, paid holidays, gym discounts, transportation benefits, significant employee discounts on products and services, service awards, and retirement gifts.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, with schedules that can include daytime, evenings, and weekends. The role requires flexibility to work additional hours based on changing business needs. The expected number of hours is approximately 20 per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package, even for part-time roles, reflects a company commitment to employee well-being and financial security. The detailed mention of full-time benefits provides context on the company's overall employee value proposition. The salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the specified location and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Specialty Retail (Storage & Organization) Company Size: The Container Store is a well-established national retailer, indicating a medium to large organizational structure with a significant employee base across numerous locations. This size suggests robust operational processes and established corporate support functions. Founded: 1978. The company's long history signifies stability and a deep understanding of its niche market, likely translating into well-defined operational procedures and a strong brand identity.

Team Structure:

• Specialized Role: The Part-time Designer operates within a retail store environment, likely reporting to a Store Manager or a designated Design Sales Manager.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role collaborates closely with store associates, management, and potentially support center partners (e.g., for order processing, installation coordination).
• Customer Focus: The team structure is built around providing exceptional customer service and driving sales, with specialized roles like the designer contributing directly to this objective.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Operations are geared towards understanding and fulfilling customer needs for custom organization solutions.
• Sales-Driven Operations: Processes are designed to support and drive sales, from initial consultation to project completion and customer satisfaction.
• Data Utilization: While not explicitly detailed, the mention of CRM and sales goals implies a data-informed approach to performance tracking and decision-making.

Company Website: www.containerstore.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long-standing presence in a niche market suggests a culture that values expertise, customer focus, and operational excellence. The team structure likely supports a collaborative environment centered on achieving sales targets and delivering high-quality custom solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents an entry-to-mid level role within specialized retail operations, focusing on consultative sales and custom project management. It offers a direct path to impacting customer satisfaction and revenue generation within a retail setting.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or a Senior Design Consultant/Manager, providing direct oversight and guidance on sales performance, project management, and adherence to operational standards.

Operations Impact: The designer directly influences customer acquisition and retention by providing tailored solutions that meet specific organizational needs. Success in this role contributes significantly to store-level sales targets and the company's overall revenue and reputation in the custom organization market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to become a Senior Designer or specialize in specific product lines or design challenges, taking on more complex projects.
• Sales Leadership: Progression into sales management roles, leading a team of designers and contributing to broader sales strategy and operational planning.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into other operational areas within the retail environment, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or customer service management, leveraging transferable skills.
• Training & Development: Continuous learning opportunities in product knowledge, design trends, and sales techniques, supported by the company's training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear pathway for growth within a specialized retail operations segment. The emphasis on sales and customer-centric solutions provides a strong foundation for developing skills in client management, project execution, and revenue generation, which are transferable to various leadership and operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Store Environment. The role operates within a physical retail location, specifically within the custom spaces showroom area. Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina, with the specific address being 4601 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The workspace is designed for client consultations, presentations, and the detailed planning of custom solutions. It is expected to be well-organized, visually appealing, and equipped with necessary design tools and product samples.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: While focused on individual client projects, the environment fosters collaboration with store colleagues and management to ensure seamless service delivery and achievement of store-wide objectives.
• Technology Integration: Access to company-specific software, CRM systems, and potentially design visualization tools is integral to daily operations.

Work Schedule: Part-time, requiring flexibility to work various shifts including daytime, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate customer availability and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, client-facing, and requires a blend of individual focus on design and sales tasks, alongside team collaboration within a retail setting. The emphasis on maintaining showroom visual standards is a key aspect of the operational responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.
• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of sales experience, customer service philosophy, and understanding of custom design principles. May include behavioral questions to gauge fit with company values.
• In-Person Interview/Assessment: This stage likely involves a practical assessment or role-play scenario, potentially including a mock design consultation or presentation of a portfolio. It will also assess fit with the store team and overall company culture.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Clearly outline your approach to understanding a client's needs, developing a design concept, and presenting the final solution. Use visual aids extensively.
• Quantify Achievements: Include specific data points where possible, such as sales figures, conversion rates, or customer satisfaction scores, to demonstrate impact.
• Highlight Client Management: Provide examples of how you built rapport, managed expectations, and handled challenging client situations.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: If possible, show examples of how you've used CRM or design software to manage projects or present solutions.
• Tailor to The Container Store: Research The Container Store's brand, products, and design philosophy. Showcase projects that align with their style and offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Be prepared for a scenario where you need to consult with a "customer" (interviewer) to understand their needs and propose a custom space solution.
• Sales Pitch: Practice articulating the value proposition of your design and closing the sale, focusing on benefits and addressing potential objections.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design challenges or customer complaints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, focusing heavily on practical sales and design skills, customer interaction, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates a systematic approach to design, sales, and project completion will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce): Essential for managing customer relationships, tracking leads and sales opportunities, logging interactions, and maintaining client project details. Proficiency in CRM operations is critical for sales pipeline management and customer data integrity.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Outlook: For professional communication, scheduling, and calendar management.
  • Word: For creating proposals, client communication, and documentation.
  • Excel: For data analysis, sales tracking, and potentially basic project planning.
• Company-Specific Design Software/Tools: While not named, The Container Store likely uses proprietary software or specific design applications for creating custom space plans and visualizations. Familiarity with similar design or visualization tools is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Ability to access and interpret reports generated from the CRM or other sales systems to track performance against goals.
• Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with visual dashboards for monitoring key sales and project metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Management: Skills in maintaining accurate and organized customer records within a CRM.
• Workflow Automation: Understanding how CRM and other tools automate aspects of the sales and project management process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems and standard office productivity tools is essential. Given the role's nature, familiarity with design visualization software or the ability to quickly learn proprietary systems would be highly advantageous for effective project execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer First: A core value that drives all interactions and decisions, ensuring customer needs are met with personalized solutions and exceptional service.
• Passion for Organization: A deep appreciation for the benefits of organization and a commitment to helping customers achieve it.
• Team Focus: Emphasis on collaboration, mutual support, and working together to achieve shared goals, reflecting a strong internal culture.
• Authenticity & Fun: Encouraging genuine interactions and a positive, enjoyable work environment.
• Life-Changing Impact: A belief in the transformative power of organization to improve customers' lives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Expectation to work effectively with colleagues across different store functions and potentially with corporate support teams to ensure seamless project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and respectful communication to share project updates, address challenges, and provide feedback.
• Shared Goal Orientation: Working collaboratively towards common objectives, such as achieving sales targets, maintaining store standards, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in customer-centricity and a passion for organization. The emphasis on team focus and authenticity suggests a supportive work environment where collaboration and positive relationships are highly valued, impacting how operational tasks are approached and executed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing the demands of several simultaneous customer design projects, each with unique requirements and timelines, requires robust time management and organizational skills.
• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving sales goals in a competitive retail environment, while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Adapting to Customer Needs: Quickly understanding diverse customer lifestyles, preferences, and budget constraints to create optimal, personalized solutions.
• Keeping Pace with Product Knowledge: Staying updated on a wide range of storage and organization products, including new releases, features, and benefits.
• Remote Collaboration: Coordinating with support center partners or installation teams effectively to ensure smooth project execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in custom space design principles, materials, and application techniques.
• Sales Skill Enhancement: Access to ongoing sales training, coaching, and workshops to refine consultative selling and closing techniques.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about the extensive product catalog, enabling more comprehensive and tailored customer solutions.
• Operational Process Familiarization: Gaining insight into broader retail operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer service protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to hone critical skills in sales, project management, and customer relations within a specialized retail context. Addressing challenges proactively through continuous learning and adaptation will be key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a custom space for a client. What are the key steps you take from initial consultation to final proposal?"
  • Preparation: Focus on a structured, customer-centric approach. Detail how you uncover needs, assess space constraints, explore product options, and present solutions. Mention tools used.
• "How do you handle a situation where a client is undecided or has specific, challenging requirements for their space?"
  • Preparation: Emphasize active listening, patience, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how you've managed objections, offered alternatives, and guided clients to a decision.
• "Tell me about a time you exceeded a sales target or a customer service expectation. What did you do, and what was the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify achievements and highlight your initiative and impact.
• "What do you know about The Container Store and our approach to custom organization solutions? Why are you interested in this role?"
  • Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, products, and brand identity. Connect your skills and passion to their specific offerings and culture.
• "How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple client projects simultaneously?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your time management strategies, how you assess urgency and importance, and your methods for staying organized.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with The Container Store's Foundation Principles (matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused, life-changing).
• Consider how you would contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment in a retail setting.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a compelling story about the client, the challenge, your solution, and the positive outcome.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visual aids are high-quality and clearly illustrate your design concepts and the final result.
• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects. Be prepared to answer questions in detail.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly show how you moved from understanding the client's needs to delivering the final solution, highlighting your project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the sales cycle, consultative design, and customer service, all within the context of The Container Store's unique brand and operational model. A well-curated portfolio is crucial for showcasing practical skills and achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Container Store's careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best custom space design projects, sales achievements, and client management skills. Tailor examples to showcase how you've solved organization problems and driven sales.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your sales experience, customer service background, and any relevant design or project management responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions. Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process and sales approach.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Container Store's mission, values, products, and current initiatives. Understand their commitment to customer service and organization solutions to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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 before making application decisions.