Showroom Design Consultant / Customer Service

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant / Customer Service

Company: Florida Tile

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Customer Service / Operations Support

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid of direct client engagement, sales generation, and essential showroom operations support, focusing on driving revenue through expert design consultation and efficient customer service.

• You will be instrumental in managing the showroom's visual appeal and product presentation, ensuring a premier customer experience that aligns with Florida Tile's brand standards.

• The position requires proactive client outreach and relationship management within the Architecture & Design (A&D) trade, as well as supporting broader sales team initiatives.

• This role demands strong operational acumen to assist with daily branch tasks, including order processing, inventory management, and financial reconciliation, ensuring smooth day-to-day business functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and requirements suggest a role that blends sales, customer service, and operational support within a showroom environment, rather than a pure design role. The emphasis on "Operations and Support" tasks indicates a need for individuals comfortable with back-office functions and showroom maintenance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Sales:

  • Develop and nurture a robust client base within the Architecture & Design (A&D) trade through in-person meetings, phone, and digital communication.
  • Proactively identify and pursue new sales opportunities and channels, expanding Florida Tile's market reach.
  • Promote the branch showroom as a primary selection and collaboration hub for the A&D community, including organizing and hosting trade events.
  • Effectively qualify customers and their pricing structures to maintain the integrity of Florida Tile's pricing policies.

• Showroom Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the showroom's aesthetic appeal by ensuring all displayed products are up-to-date, accurately labeled, and merchandised to create a user-friendly and informative environment.
  • Support branch staff with daily operational tasks, including but not limited to, processing customer orders, managing customer callbacks, and assisting with daily deposits and invoicing.
  • Assist in inventory receiving, locating products, and maintaining accurate stock levels to support sales and operational efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Coordinate sales efforts with the Outside Sales Representative (OSR) and Branch Commercial Sales Specialist (BCSS) teams through regular meetings and proactive lead sharing.
  • Collaborate with branch staff to ensure seamless customer service delivery and efficient workflow management.

• Administrative Support:

  • Process customer orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring all details are captured and communicated to relevant departments.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Branch Operations Manager (BOM), Branch Manager (BM), or Regional Manager (RM) to support overall branch performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on revenue generation through client interaction and sales, alongside critical operational duties that ensure the showroom functions effectively. This blend is common in smaller branches or specialized retail environments where individuals wear multiple hats.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 months of experience in retail or sales is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Sales & Client Management: Proven ability in inside sales techniques, developing and maintaining client relationships, and proactively identifying sales opportunities.

• Customer Service Excellence: Strong capabilities in assisting customers, handling inquiries, and processing orders efficiently and accurately.

• Operational Proficiency: Aptitude for multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, assisting with daily operational tasks such as invoicing and inventory.

• Technical Competency: Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and SAP.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective client and team interaction.

• Logistics & Mobility: Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to travel to local customers.

• Showroom Management: Ability to maintain and merchandise a showroom effectively, ensuring product displays are current and appealing.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in the tile or flooring industry.

• Formal education or strong demonstrated knowledge in interior design or marketing.

• Familiarity with CRM systems beyond SAP for customer and lead management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for SAP proficiency, coupled with the need for sales and operational support, suggests that candidates with a background in B2B sales environments or wholesale distribution that utilize ERP systems will be well-suited. The "minimum of 12 months" experience indicates an entry to mid-level role, with the "plus" points for industry or education pointing towards a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running with specialized knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Documentation: Showcase examples of sales targets achieved, client acquisition strategies, and revenue growth generated in previous roles. Quantifiable metrics are crucial.

• Client Engagement Case Studies: Present instances where you successfully advised clients on product selection, leading to successful sales and positive customer feedback, particularly in design-oriented contexts.

• Operational Efficiency Examples: If applicable, provide examples of how you streamlined order processing, improved inventory accuracy, or contributed to the smooth functioning of a retail or showroom environment.

• System Utilization Examples: Demonstrate your proficiency with tools like SAP by outlining specific tasks or processes you managed within the system, such as order entry, inventory checks, or customer data updates.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of understanding or contributing to the design of efficient workflows for customer service, sales processes, or showroom operations.

• Order Management Process: Ability to articulate and demonstrate a structured approach to order processing, from initial inquiry to final fulfillment, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.

• Merchandising & Display Standards: Show examples or describe your approach to maintaining visually appealing and informative product displays that enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a traditional "operations portfolio" might not be strictly necessary, but demonstrating past successes in sales, customer service, and any operational support through clear examples and metrics will be highly valued. The ability to articulate processes related to sales, order management, and showroom upkeep is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and an Employee Wellness Program.

• Insurance: Employer-Paid Short and Long-Term Disability, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, and Supplemental Life and AD&D options.

• Retirement: 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer-Provided Matching contributions.

• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement program to support continued learning.

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may vary and could include weekend availability, as is common in retail showroom environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from national averages for similar roles, adjusted for the cost of living and average compensation trends in the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area. Benefits are listed as provided in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials (Ceramic Tile Manufacturing & Distribution). Florida Tile operates within a competitive market, serving both wholesale and retail channels, with a strong emphasis on design and quality for architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners.

Company Size: Florida Tile is a significant player in the industry, suggesting a company size that offers stability and structured processes while potentially allowing for individual impact. The specific size (e.g., 250-1000 employees) would imply a well-established operational framework.

Founded: Founded in 1954, Florida Tile has a long history in the industry, indicating a stable company with established operational practices and a deep understanding of the market and customer needs.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of a local branch team, likely reporting to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with the immediate branch staff (e.g., other sales consultants, operations support) and external sales representatives (OSR/BCSS).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: Utilizing customer data, sales trends, and market information to inform sales strategies and client outreach.

• Process-Oriented Operations: Adhering to established procedures for order processing, inventory management, and customer service to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client needs and providing expert advice and support to foster long-term relationships and drive repeat business.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and established presence suggest a culture that values reliability, quality, and customer relationships. The operational side likely benefits from proven systems, but there's also an expectation for individuals to contribute to maintaining and improving showroom presentation and customer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level contributor, bridging direct sales, customer service, and operational support. It's an excellent entry point into the building materials or design industry for those with sales and customer-facing experience.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Branch Manager, Showroom Manager, or similar leadership role within the specific branch location. This provides direct mentorship and oversight.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts branch revenue through sales generation and indirectly through efficient operations and excellent customer service, which contribute to customer retention and positive brand perception. Maintaining the showroom's appearance also upholds brand standards and influences purchasing decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Potential to advance into a dedicated Outside Sales Representative (OSR) or Account Executive role, focusing solely on client acquisition and larger accounts.

• Showroom Management: Progression to a Showroom Manager or Branch Manager position, with increased responsibility for P&L, team leadership, and strategic operations.

• Design Expertise: Deepening knowledge in tile and interior design, potentially leading to specialized design consultant roles or advanced product training.

• Operations Management: Opportunity to move into a more focused Branch Operations Manager role, overseeing all back-end processes and logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of sales and operations provides a well-rounded foundation. Growth within Florida Tile would likely involve specializing in sales, taking on management responsibilities, or deepening technical product/design knowledge.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment, which is typically bright, modern, and designed to showcase product lines effectively. It's a client-facing space that requires a professional and welcoming atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina. The specific branch location will be in a commercial or accessible retail area within the Raleigh metropolitan region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working closely with a small, dedicated branch team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility.

• Client-Focused Space: The primary workspace is the showroom floor, requiring constant interaction with clients and maintaining a professional appearance.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, a functional workstation, and necessary software (Microsoft Office, SAP).

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely with some flexibility required to accommodate client appointments and showroom operational needs. Weekend work may be a requirement, with potential for compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The showroom environment necessitates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to varying client needs and showroom traffic. The role demands a balance between focused administrative tasks and dynamic client interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, motivations, and suitability for the role. Expect questions about your sales experience, customer service philosophy, and familiarity with relevant tools like SAP.

• In-Person Interview: This stage will likely involve an interview at the Raleigh showroom. You may meet with the Branch Manager and potentially other team members. Be prepared to discuss your experience in detail, showcase your understanding of interior design principles (if applicable), and demonstrate your customer service approach.

• Skills Assessment/Showroom Exercise: You might be asked to conduct a mock client consultation, present a product selection, or discuss how you would handle specific customer scenarios or operational challenges within the showroom.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a regional manager or senior leader to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Sales Success Stories: Prepare 2-3 concise examples of successful sales you've closed, highlighting your approach, the client's needs, and the positive outcome. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Design Consultation Approach: If you have design experience, be ready to walk through how you would guide a client through tile selection, considering aesthetics, functionality, budget, and project scope.

• Operational Contributions: If you have operational experience, describe a time you contributed to process improvement, inventory accuracy, or efficient order fulfillment.

• SAP Proficiency: Be ready to articulate specific tasks you've performed in SAP related to sales order entry, inventory management, or customer data management. If you don't have SAP experience but have used other ERP systems, highlight transferable skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Client Scenario: Anticipate a scenario where a client is indecisive, has a tight budget, or has specific technical requirements for tile installation. Prepare your consultative approach.

• Showroom Merchandising: Think about how you would assess and improve the visual merchandising of a tile showroom to enhance customer engagement and sales.

• Operational Problem-Solving: Consider common showroom operational issues (e.g., stock discrepancies, order errors) and how you would address them systematically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, assessing both client-facing skills and operational aptitude. Demonstrating a blend of sales acumen, design sensibility (even if basic), and an understanding of operational efficiency will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP: Essential for order processing, inventory management, customer data, and potentially financial transactions. A solid understanding of SAP modules relevant to sales and distribution is critical.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and basic reporting, and Outlook for communication is expected.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While SAP may handle some CRM functions, familiarity with dedicated CRM platforms for lead tracking and customer management would be beneficial, even if not explicitly required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Reporting: Ability to pull basic reports from SAP for sales figures, inventory levels, and customer data.

• Excel for Analysis: Using Excel for basic data manipulation, creating simple charts, and analyzing sales performance or inventory trends.

CRM & Automation:

• SAP Order Processing: Core function for managing sales orders from entry to fulfillment.

• Potential for Marketing Automation Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, if the branch engages in email marketing or customer outreach campaigns, familiarity with such tools could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: SAP is the cornerstone technology for this role. Candidates with direct SAP experience will have a significant advantage. If SAP experience is limited, highlighting experience with other robust ERP systems and demonstrating a quick learning ability for new enterprise software is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through expert advice, efficient service, and a welcoming showroom experience.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding Florida Tile's pricing policies, maintaining ethical sales practices, and presenting a professional image.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working cohesively with branch staff and sales teams to achieve common goals, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: Striving for precision in order processing, inventory management, and daily operational tasks to minimize errors and maximize productivity.

• Innovation & Improvement: Being open to new sales approaches, design trends, and operational enhancements that can benefit the branch and the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with sales representatives (OSR/BCSS) and branch operations personnel to ensure a unified approach to customer service and sales.

• Feedback Exchange: Participating in team meetings and discussions to share insights, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on products, design trends, or operational best practices with colleagues to foster a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Florida Tile's stated commitment to treating people fairly and respectfully, along with its emphasis on equal opportunity, suggests a culture that values respect, inclusivity, and merit-based progression. The emphasis on teamwork and customer focus is paramount in a client-facing sales and operations role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Operations: Effectively managing time between client consultations, sales activities, and essential operational duties like order processing and showroom maintenance.

• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive tile and flooring market by differentiating Florida Tile's offerings and service.

• Client Decision-Making: Assisting diverse clients (architects, contractors, homeowners) with complex design choices and material selections under varying budgets and timelines.

• System Proficiency: Mastering SAP and other relevant systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency in all transactions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise in Florida Tile's extensive product lines, including technical specifications, installation requirements, and design applications.

• Sales Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to attend sales training, learn advanced consultative selling techniques, and potentially develop B2B sales strategies.

• Design Trends and Application: Staying abreast of interior design trends, color palettes, and emerging tile technologies to provide cutting-edge advice.

• Operational Process Improvement: Gaining hands-on experience in branch operations, understanding supply chain dynamics, and contributing to workflow optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a practical learning environment where candidates can develop a versatile skill set applicable to various functions within the building materials and design industries. The challenges presented are common in customer-facing operational roles and offer significant growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales & Consultation:

  • "Describe a time you successfully guided a client through a complex purchasing decision. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on consultative sales and client needs assessment).
  • "How would you approach a client who is unsure about their design choices or budget constraints in a tile showroom?" (Assess problem-solving and client management skills).
  • "What strategies would you use to proactively build and maintain relationships with architects and designers in the Raleigh area?" (Evaluate business development and networking skills).

• Operations & Systems:

  • "Walk me through your experience with SAP or similar ERP systems. What specific functions have you performed?" (Gauge system proficiency and transferable skills).
  • "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with competing demands, such as a client consultation and an urgent order processing request?" (Assess time management and prioritization).
  • "What steps would you take to ensure the showroom is always well-merchandised and reflects the brand's quality?" (Evaluate attention to detail and operational standards).

• Company & Culture:

  • "What interests you about Florida Tile and the building materials industry?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: For sales roles, always use numbers. "Increased client base by 15%" or "Exceeded sales targets by 10%."

• Showcase Process: For operational aspects, briefly outline the steps you took to solve a problem or improve a process.

• Highlight Client Interaction: Use examples that demonstrate your ability to understand client needs and provide solutions, whether in sales or service.

• System Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your comfort level with SAP or similar systems, even if it's through transferable skills from other enterprise software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Be ready to select a few tile samples and present them as if to a client, explaining their features, benefits, and suitability for a hypothetical project.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a common showroom issue, like a customer complaint about a delayed order or a product defect.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong blend of salesmanship, customer-centricity, and operational diligence. Highlighting specific achievements with quantifiable results and articulating a clear understanding of how sales and operations intertwine will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8acda1104433d5a30144467820160810&id=8a7885a89d930819019daaed275342f7&source=&lang=en

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your retail sales, customer service, and any experience with ERP systems (especially SAP, if applicable). Quantify achievements in sales performance and operational efficiency.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of successful sales engagements, client advisory scenarios, and any contributions to operational improvements or showroom merchandising. Focus on results and your role in achieving them.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions. Practice articulating your experience with sales techniques, customer service, and operational tasks.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Florida Tile's product lines, history, and company values. Understand their position in the market and their commitment to design and quality.

⚠️ 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.