Showroom Design Consultant - Geneva/Wheaton

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant

Company: JC LICHT

Location: Wheaton, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Customer Service Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-18

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Client Consultation & Sales: Drive revenue by assisting a diverse clientele, including contractors, designers, and homeowners, in selecting custom window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint colors/finishes. This involves consultative selling and a deep understanding of product offerings.

• In-Home Service Cultivation: Proactively generate leads and schedule in-home consultations from showroom traffic, acting as a crucial touchpoint in the customer journey from initial interest to closing.

• Operational Efficiency: Manage point-of-sale (POS) systems for transactions and quote preparation, ensuring accuracy and timely processing to support showroom operations.

• Brand Representation: Uphold the JC Licht premium brand image and "Make it Happen" credo by delivering exceptional customer service and expert advice at every interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and listed skills lean heavily into sales and customer service within a retail showroom environment. The "operations" aspect is primarily focused on transactional processing, lead generation for in-home services, and contributing to overall sales targets, rather than back-end process optimization or system management typical of a Revenue or Sales Operations role. The operational impact is directly tied to driving sales volume and managing customer interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with walk-in customers to understand their home or business decorating needs, focusing on custom window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint selections.

• Provide expert product knowledge and design advice, leveraging training on JC Licht's extensive product lines to guide customer decisions.

• Cultivate and schedule in-home service appointments from daily showroom traffic, effectively qualifying leads and setting expectations.

• Accurately navigate the POS system to generate quotes, process sales transactions, and manage customer orders.

• Drive individual sales performance to meet and exceed monthly sales goals, contributing directly to the showroom's revenue targets.

• Maintain excellent follow-up with clients to ensure satisfaction, address any concerns, and secure final sales.

• Collaborate effectively with in-home associates to ensure a seamless and superior customer experience from showroom to in-home consultation.

• Perform light lifting as required for product displays or customer assistance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, customer service, and operational tasks within a retail setting. The emphasis on "cultivating appointments for in-home services" and "driving sales to meet monthly goals" indicates a strong sales-driven operational focus. The role requires proactive engagement and a results-oriented approach to manage customer flow and sales pipeline from the showroom floor.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Marketing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in retail sales, customer service, or a design-adjacent field. Prior experience in window treatments, color consultation, interior design, or sales for other home improvement/design product lines is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective client interaction and relationship building.

• Proven ability to drive sales and meet/exceed sales goals.

• Proficiency in navigating POS systems and preparing accurate quotes.

• Strong follow-up skills to ensure customer satisfaction and close sales.

• Ability to work collaboratively with team members.

• Customer-centric approach with a passion for helping clients achieve their design vision.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint color consultation.

• Formal training or certification in interior design.

• Experience in the home improvement or specialty retail sector.

• Ability to interpret customer needs and translate them into product recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize customer-facing skills and sales acumen. While "interior design" is mentioned, the core operational requirement is the ability to manage customer interactions, process transactions, and drive sales within a retail environment. The "operations" aspect is rooted in executing sales processes efficiently and effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Documentation: Examples showcasing your ability to meet and exceed sales targets, potentially including anonymized sales data or testimonials highlighting successful customer engagements.

• Customer Interaction Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you have handled challenging customer inquiries or resolved issues to ensure satisfaction and secure sales.

• Quote Generation Examples: Samples of quotes prepared for custom products, demonstrating accuracy, clarity, and completeness.

• Product Knowledge Demonstration: Evidence of learning and applying product information to guide customer selections effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to describe your approach to engaging a customer from initial greeting to closing a sale, including qualification and upselling techniques.

• POS System Familiarity: Demonstrate understanding of transaction processing, quote generation, and basic reporting functions within a POS environment.

• Customer Follow-Up Strategy: Outline your methods for effective post-sale follow-up to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level sales and design consultant role, a formal "portfolio" might not be as extensive as for a senior operations professional. The focus should be on demonstrating sales aptitude, customer service skills, and a clear understanding of retail sales processes. The "portfolio" here is more about showcasing relevant experience and a proactive approach to sales and customer engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour. This is a commission-based role, meaning base pay will be supplemented by earnings based on sales performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Training: Extensive product and sales training provided by JC Licht, ensuring you have the expertise to excel.

• Commission Opportunities: Potential to earn significantly above the base hourly rate through commission on sales.

• Employee Discount: Discount on JC Licht products, allowing personal enjoyment of their offerings.

• Team Environment: Opportunity to work within a supportive, family-like company culture.

• Career Growth: Potential for advancement within the company for high-performing individuals.

Working Hours: Must be available to work evenings and weekends. This role typically involves a full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with specific hours determined by showroom operational needs and scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is presented as an hourly rate, typical for retail positions. The explicit mention of commission indicates that total compensation is performance-dependent, a crucial factor for sales-oriented roles. The benefits highlight training and earning potential, aligning with entry-level sales positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Paint, Decorating, Window Treatments, Wallcoverings). JC Licht operates within the home improvement and interior design retail sector, a market driven by consumer trends, homeownership, and renovation cycles.

Company Size: Mid-sized (50-200 employees, based on typical industry classifications for companies with around 50+ locations). This size offers a balance between a structured corporate environment and a more personal, family-oriented feel.

Founded: 1907. With over a century of history, JC Licht has established a strong legacy and deep roots in the Chicagoland area, signifying stability, expertise, and a long-standing commitment to customer service.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Teams: Primarily composed of sales consultants, showroom managers, and potentially support staff.

• Reporting Structure: Showroom Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Store Manager.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with in-home service associates is essential for a seamless customer experience. Interaction with other showrooms might occur for knowledge sharing or support.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through expert advice and tailored product recommendations.

• Sales-Driven Operations: Emphasis on achieving sales targets and driving revenue through proactive customer engagement and consultative selling.

• Process Execution: Adherence to established sales processes, POS system usage, and follow-up procedures to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and family-like culture are key differentiators. For operations professionals, understanding this culture means recognizing a potential emphasis on customer relationships, tradition, and a hands-on approach rather than purely data-driven optimization. The "operations" here are very customer-facing and sales-centric.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior-level sales and customer service position. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to build a career in retail sales or the interior design industry.

Reporting Structure: Showroom Design Consultants report to a Showroom Manager, who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and staff management. This structure provides direct supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The primary impact is on direct revenue generation through in-store sales and the successful conversion of showroom traffic into in-home service appointments. The consultant is a key driver of customer acquisition and retention within their designated showroom.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Progress to becoming a senior sales consultant or specialist in a particular product category (e.g., window treatments expert).

• Management Track: Advance into Showroom Manager or Assistant Manager roles, taking on greater responsibility for team leadership, operational oversight, and sales strategy execution.

• In-Home Services: Transition to an In-Home Design Consultant role, focusing on client consultations within their homes.

• Cross-Departmental Transfer: Potential to move into other areas of the business, such as training or operations support, leveraging acquired product and customer knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are primarily within the sales and retail management ladder. The "operations" aspect relates to mastering sales processes and customer management, with potential to move into roles that involve broader operational oversight of a retail location.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom. This is a customer-facing environment designed to showcase products and facilitate sales.

Office Location(s): Geneva and Wheaton, Illinois. These are suburban locations within the greater Chicagoland area, accessible via personal transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The primary workspace is the showroom floor, involving direct engagement with customers.

• Product Display Areas: Familiarity with and ability to utilize product displays for customer demonstrations.

• POS Station: A dedicated area for transaction processing and administrative tasks.

• Collaborative Space: Limited formal collaborative spaces, with interaction primarily occurring on the showroom floor or during team meetings.

Work Schedule: Requires availability for evenings and weekends, reflecting typical retail operating hours. The schedule will be set by management to ensure adequate showroom coverage. Flexibility is expected to meet business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused. Operations professionals accustomed to back-office roles might find this setting more interactive and less analytical. Success hinges on strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple customer needs simultaneously.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Phone/Video Interview: A conversation with a hiring manager to discuss your background, sales experience, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. This is a good opportunity to convey your passion for design and customer service.

• In-Person Interview/Trial: Potentially a session at the showroom where you'll interact with potential colleagues and managers, and may be asked to demonstrate your sales approach, product knowledge, or handle a simulated customer scenario.

• Skills Assessment: May include a brief assessment of your ability to use a POS system or prepare a simple quote.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Sales Achievements: Focus on quantifiable results – how you exceeded sales targets, increased customer satisfaction, or drove revenue.

• Showcase Customer Service Excellence: Provide examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers, resolved issues effectively, or built strong client relationships.

• Demonstrate Design Aptitude: If you have design experience, showcase projects or consultations where you successfully guided clients' aesthetic choices.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate your approach to engaging customers, understanding their needs, and closing sales, particularly in a retail showroom context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice engaging with different customer types (e.g., the indecisive client, the contractor with specific needs, the homeowner seeking inspiration).

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with common window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint types, and be ready to discuss their features and benefits.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Develop a concise and compelling "elevator pitch" about why a customer should choose JC Licht and your consultative services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess sales skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit. A strong emphasis will be placed on your ability to connect with customers and drive sales, rather than deep analytical or process optimization skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, generating quotes, managing customer orders, and potentially basic inventory tracking. Familiarity with retail POS systems is key.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: Likely used for tracking customer interactions, managing leads from in-home service appointments, and follow-up.

• Communication Tools: Standard office software for email, scheduling, and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: While you may not build them, you will likely use reports or dashboards to track your individual sales performance against goals.

• POS System Reporting: Basic reporting capabilities within the POS system to track sales, quotes, and customer data.

CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management: Understanding how to input and manage leads generated for in-home services within the CRM.

• Follow-up Automation: Potentially utilizing CRM features or email templates for automated or semi-automated customer follow-ups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with POS systems and potentially a CRM is crucial for the operational aspects of this role. The focus is on using these tools for transaction processing, sales tracking, and customer management, rather than complex data analysis or system administration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A paramount focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and expert advice.

• "Make it Happen" Credo: A proactive, problem-solving attitude, empowering employees to take initiative and deliver results for clients.

• Teamwork & Family: Emphasis on a supportive, collaborative environment where team members help each other succeed.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to providing high-quality products and outstanding service that reflects the JC Licht premium brand.

• Expertise & Education: Valuing continuous learning and product knowledge to provide the best possible guidance to customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Floor Synergy: Encouraging team members to support each other in assisting customers and managing showroom flow.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with in-home associates to ensure a smooth transition for customers moving from the showroom to an in-home consultation.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is shared constructively to improve customer service and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "audacious" and "radically excellent," suggesting a drive for high performance and innovation within a supportive framework. The "family" aspect implies strong interpersonal relationships and a focus on mutual support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Service: Effectively managing customer interactions, providing design advice, and processing transactions simultaneously to meet sales goals while ensuring a positive customer experience.

• Cultivating In-Home Leads: Proactively identifying and converting showroom traffic into qualified leads for the in-home design service.

• Product Knowledge Mastery: Continuously learning and staying updated on a wide range of window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint products to offer expert advice.

• Working Weekends/Evenings: Adapting to a retail schedule that requires availability during non-traditional business hours.

• Driving Sales Performance: Consistently meeting or exceeding individual sales targets in a competitive retail environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Extensive Product Training: Gain in-depth knowledge of window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint products from leading manufacturers.

• Sales Technique Development: Hone consultative selling skills, customer engagement strategies, and closing techniques.

• Design Consultation Skills: Develop expertise in color consultation and interior design principles applicable to window treatments and wallcoverings.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to progress into leadership roles within showrooms or specialize in specific product areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a retail sales role, emphasizing performance and customer engagement. Growth opportunities focus on skill development within sales and design, with a clear path for career progression within retail management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully persuaded a customer to purchase a product they weren't initially considering." (Assesses sales acumen and consultative selling skills.)

• "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with a product selection you recommended?" (Evaluates problem-solving, customer service, and conflict resolution.)

• "Imagine a customer walks in looking for 'something new' for their living room. How would you approach them and guide them through our offerings?" (Tests your ability to engage, qualify needs, and demonstrate product knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JC Licht and our commitment to customers?" (Shows you've done your research and understand the brand.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our 'Make it Happen' culture?" (Assesses your alignment with the company's core values and work ethic.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: If you have sales data, present it clearly. "I consistently exceeded my monthly sales target by an average of 15%."

• Showcase Customer Impact: Use anecdotes: "I helped a homeowner transform their master bedroom by recommending custom drapes and a complementary wallcovering, resulting in rave reviews and a referral."

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your sales approach, from greeting to closing, explaining how you build rapport and address needs.

• Highlight Learning: If you have less direct experience, emphasize your eagerness to learn and your transferable skills in communication and customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing sales aptitude, customer service skills, and alignment with the company's values. Be ready to articulate your sales process and demonstrate how you can drive revenue and customer satisfaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Showroom Design Consultant position:

• Click the "Apply" button on the Paylocity job posting.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in sales, customer service, and any design-related fields. Use keywords from the job description such as "window treatments," "color consultation," and "POS system." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your "Portfolio" Talking Points: Be ready to discuss specific examples of your sales success, customer service skills, and how you approach design consultation, even if it's from non-traditional roles.

• Research JC Licht: Familiarize yourself with their history, product offerings, and company values (especially the "Make it Happen" credo) to demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Introduction: Be prepared to clearly articulate your interest in the role and how your skills align with the requirements during an initial screening or interview.

⚠️ 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.

---