Showroom Design Consultant - Evanston

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant Company: JC LICHT Location: Evanston, Illinois, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: January 29, 2026 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving sales and providing expert design consultation for custom window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint selections within a retail showroom environment.
• It requires a blend of sales acumen, customer service excellence, and a keen eye for interior design principles to meet client needs and exceed sales targets.
• The position involves managing the entire sales cycle from initial customer interaction to quote preparation and ensuring customer satisfaction through diligent follow-up.
• Collaboration with in-home service associates is crucial to deliver a seamless and comprehensive client experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Showroom Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements indicate a strong emphasis on sales operations and customer relationship management within a design-focused retail setting. The role is clearly an on-site position requiring direct customer interaction and a focus on driving revenue through product and design sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage showroom traffic and proactively identify customer needs for custom window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint solutions.
• Provide expert color consultation and design recommendations, leveraging product knowledge and understanding of current home fashion trends.
• Cultivate and schedule in-home design consultations from store-based leads, ensuring a smooth transition for potential clients.
• Accurately navigate the Point of Sale (POS) system to prepare detailed and competitive quotes for clients.
• Drive sales performance by actively working towards and exceeding monthly sales goals, contributing directly to revenue generation.
• Maintain exceptional follow-up with clients to secure sales, address inquiries, and ensure overall satisfaction with products and services.
• Collaborate effectively with in-home design associates to ensure optimal client service and project execution.
• Maintain a well-organized and visually appealing showroom display, ensuring product information is readily available.
• Perform light lifting as required for product handling and display maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a direct sales and client-facing role, typical of sales operations within a retail or showroom environment. The focus on "driving sales," "exceeding monthly sales goals," and "cultivating appointments" highlights the revenue-generating aspect of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Post-secondary education in Interior Design, Marketing, or a related field is a plus. Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing sales role, preferably within the home improvement, interior design, or retail sector.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective client engagement and relationship building.
• Proven ability to navigate and utilize a POS system for transactions and quote generation.
• Demonstrated sales aptitude with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Strong follow-up skills to ensure customer satisfaction and close sales opportunities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional team members (e.g., in-home associates).
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by showroom operational needs.
• Basic proficiency in light lifting and material handling.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with custom window treatments, wallcoverings, or paint color consultation.
• Experience in interior design or a related creative field.
• Previous sales experience within the home improvement or design product lines.
• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is explicitly stated as 0-2 years, indicating an entry-level to junior role. The emphasis on "sales experience" and "interior design a plus" suggests that while design knowledge is beneficial, sales ability and customer service are paramount. The requirement for transportation and flexible hours points to a field-based sales support component.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly stated as a requirement for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of past sales achievements, customer service initiatives, or any design-related projects.
• Focus on demonstrating your ability to understand customer needs and translate them into successful sales outcomes.
• Showcase any experience with visual merchandising or product display that contributed to sales.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of a typical retail sales process, including lead generation, consultation, quoting, closing, and follow-up.
• Familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) principles for managing client interactions and sales pipelines, even if not directly managed by the candidate.
• Understanding of how to document customer preferences and requirements accurately for order processing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level sales operations role, a formal portfolio is less common. The emphasis is on demonstrating past achievements and understanding of sales processes. Candidates should be ready to articulate their approach to customer engagement and sales cycle management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour. This is a full-time, on-site position.

Benefits:

• Opportunities for commission and performance-based bonuses tied to sales goals.
• Comprehensive training on JC Licht's extensive product lines, ensuring you can offer expert advice.
• Employee discount on JC Licht products and services.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing company.
• Supportive team environment that fosters a family-like atmosphere.
• Exposure to the exciting world of home fashion, interior design, and color trends.

Working Hours: Full-time, requiring availability for evenings and weekends. Specific daily hours will be scheduled based on showroom operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as an hourly range, common for retail and sales positions. The inclusion of commission and sales goals suggests a performance-driven compensation structure, typical in sales operations. The benefits focus on training and employee discounts, aligning with retail industry standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Paint & Decorating) Company Size: JC Licht operates 57 locations throughout the greater Chicago Land area. This indicates a significant regional presence and a mid-sized company structure. Founded: 1907. With over a century of history, JC Licht has established itself as a trusted name and a long-standing pillar in the Chicagoland community.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a showroom team, likely including a showroom manager, sales associates, and potentially design consultants.
• Close collaboration is expected with "In Home associates," suggesting a multi-channel sales approach (showroom vs. in-home consultations).
• The culture is described as "AUDACIOUS," "radically EXCELLENT," and a "family," emphasizing a strong, positive, and supportive work environment.

Methodology:

• A primary methodology is providing "expert advice and assistance" to customers, rooted in extensive product training.
• The "Make it Happen" credo suggests a proactive, problem-solving, and results-oriented approach to customer service and sales.
• Emphasis on understanding customer needs and delivering solutions that align with the JC Licht premium brand.

Company Website: jclicht.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and extensive network of locations suggest a stable and established retail operation. The emphasis on a family-like culture and "audacious" excellence points to a dynamic and customer-centric environment. The operations context here is rooted in delivering a premium retail experience with a strong sales focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the entry-level to junior consultant stage (0-2 years experience). It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to build a career in sales, design consultation, or retail operations.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Showroom Design Consultant would report to a Showroom Manager or a Sales Manager responsible for the retail location's performance. Collaboration with In-Home associates indicates a cross-functional reporting or working relationship.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on direct revenue generation through showroom sales and lead generation for in-home services. By providing excellent customer service and expert design advice, the consultant contributes to customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and the overall sales performance of the Evanston location.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advance to senior sales consultant roles with higher sales targets and potentially more complex client accounts.
• Design Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific product categories (e.g., custom window treatments) or design styles, potentially leading to specialized consultant roles or in-home design positions.
• Leadership: Progress into showroom management or team lead roles, overseeing sales operations and staff development within a retail location.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into roles within sales operations support, marketing, or customer success, leveraging acquired sales and customer management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within sales and design, with potential for management. The role provides a solid base for understanding retail sales operations and customer journey management in a design-centric industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment, characterized by a high-traffic, customer-facing setting. The space is designed for product display and client consultations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the JC Licht showroom at 2538 Green Bay Road, Evanston, IL 60201. The role also requires the ability to commute to multiple locations, implying potential client site visits or inter-store support.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom environment is collaborative, requiring interaction with colleagues and direct engagement with customers.
• Access to product samples, design resources, and POS systems is essential for daily tasks.
• The atmosphere is expected to be dynamic, with a focus on creating an inspiring and customer-friendly space.

Work Schedule: Requires flexibility, including availability for evenings and weekends. This is typical for retail operations to accommodate customer shopping patterns. The role is full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is customer-centric and fast-paced. The need for transportation to multiple locations suggests that the role extends beyond the showroom floor, encompassing aspects of field sales support.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, sales aptitude, and availability.
• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or showroom manager. This will focus on behavioral questions, sales experience, customer service approach, and understanding of the design/retail industry. Be prepared to discuss your sales philosophy and how you handle customer interactions.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: May involve a scenario-based question about handling a customer inquiry, preparing a quote, or a brief color consultation exercise.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a district manager or senior sales leader to assess cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• If you have any visual examples of past design consultations, sales achievements (e.g., exceeding targets), or even well-presented project proposals, have them ready.
• For this role, focus on demonstrating your ability to understand client needs, present solutions effectively, and articulate the value of products and services.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a client who is unsure about color choices or styles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenarios: Practice answering questions like "How would you approach a customer who walks into the showroom?" or "How do you handle a customer who is hesitant to buy?"
• Product Knowledge: While training is provided, showing initiative in researching window treatments, paint types, or current design trends will be a significant advantage.
• Customer Service: Prepare examples of times you went above and beyond for a customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be standard for a retail sales role, focusing on sales skills, customer service, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their sales potential and enthusiasm for interior design and home improvement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• POS System: Proficiency in using a Point of Sale system for transactions, quoting, and potentially inventory lookup is essential. Specific system names may vary, but the core functionality is key.
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly mentioned as a tool the consultant will manage, understanding CRM principles for client tracking, follow-up, and sales pipeline management is important. The company likely uses a CRM to manage leads and customer interactions.
• Communication Tools: Standard office software (email, calendar) for scheduling and client communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytical responsibilities are minimal, understanding how sales performance is tracked (e.g., individual sales goals, conversion rates) will be beneficial.
• Familiarity with how sales data contributes to showroom performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• The role may involve using specific CRM functionalities for managing leads generated from showroom traffic and scheduling in-home consultations.
• Automation might be present in lead routing or follow-up reminders within the CRM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around the POS system for sales transactions and quoting. A strong understanding of how these tools support the sales process and customer management is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to providing "radically EXCELLENT" service and products, upholding the JC Licht premium brand name.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and ensuring satisfaction through expert advice and personalized service.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members, including in-home associates, to deliver a cohesive customer experience.
• Integrity: Representing the JC Licht brand with professionalism and honesty.
• "Make it Happen" Mentality: A proactive, results-oriented approach to problem-solving and achieving goals.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires strong collaboration with showroom colleagues and in-home service associates.
• Communication is key to ensure seamless handoffs and consistent customer service across different touchpoints.
• A team-oriented approach is valued to support overall showroom success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a strong sense of teamwork, customer dedication, and a drive for excellence, all within a family-oriented atmosphere. This suggests a supportive yet performance-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals in a competitive retail environment.
• Balancing Showroom & In-Home Needs: Effectively managing showroom traffic while also cultivating and preparing for in-home consultations.
• Customer Hesitation: Addressing customer concerns or indecision regarding design choices and purchases.
• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of clients, from contractors to homeowners, each with unique requirements and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Expertise: Extensive training on JC Licht's full range of window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint products.
• Sales Skills Enhancement: Development of consultative selling techniques, negotiation, and closing strategies.
• Design Acumen: Gaining practical experience in color theory, interior design principles, and space planning.
• Industry Trends: Staying updated on the latest home fashion, interior design, and material innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a sales role in a design-oriented retail setting. The growth opportunities are focused on skill development in sales and design, providing a solid foundation for future career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "Describe your approach to engaging a customer who is browsing in a showroom." "How do you handle objections or hesitations from a potential buyer?" "What steps do you take to ensure a customer is satisfied after a purchase?"
• Design Consultation: "How would you help a client choose paint colors for their living room?" "What factors do you consider when recommending window treatments?"
• Goal Achievement: "Tell me about a time you exceeded a sales goal. What strategies did you use?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JC Licht and our products?"
• "Why are you interested in a career in interior design sales?"
• "How do you feel about working evenings and weekends?"
• "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have a portfolio, be prepared to walk through a specific project that highlights your ability to understand client needs and deliver a tailored solution.
• Focus on the process: how you identified the client's problem, what solutions you proposed, and what the successful outcome was (e.g., a sale made, a happy customer).
• Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by X% in my previous role").

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating sales aptitude, customer service skills, a passion for design, and an understanding of the retail sales cycle. Be ready to articulate how you embody the company's "Make it Happen" credo.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JC Licht careers page.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any relevant sales, customer service, or design experience. Use keywords such as "sales," "customer engagement," "consultation," "POS," "retail," and "interior design." Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Portfolio Preparation (Optional but Recommended): If you have any visual examples of design work, sales success stories, or customer service achievements, have them ready to discuss or present. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of client needs and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with JC Licht's product offerings, history, and showroom locations. Understand their brand positioning and "Make it Happen" philosophy.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for common sales and behavioral interview questions. Practice articulating your understanding of the sales process and your ability to provide excellent customer service and design advice.

⚠️ 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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