Kitchen & Bath Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Kitchen & Bath Design Consultant

Company: East Coast Lumber & Building Supply Company, LLC

Location: East Hampstead, NH

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-23

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and customer engagement by providing expert kitchen and bath design consultations.

• Manage client relationships from initial contact through project completion, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Utilize design software and product knowledge to create tailored solutions for homeowners and contractors.

• Maintain accurate client and sales data within the company's Point of Sale (POS) system and lead tracking tools.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless project execution and uphold company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant operational responsibilities related to sales process management, data entry, and lead tracking, positioning it within the broader "Sales & Design Operations" category. The emphasis on understanding client needs, recommending solutions, and following up on leads highlights the operational execution required to support the design and sales functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with homeowners and contractors to thoroughly understand their project needs, budgets, and design preferences for kitchen and bath renovations.

• Recommend and present optimal design solutions, showcasing product features, advantages, and benefits to align with client requirements.

• Manage the entire sales cycle, including proactive follow-up on new and existing leads to schedule consultations and close deals.

• Professionally handle all incoming client inquiries and address any complaints, escalating complex issues to management as needed.

• Accurately input and maintain all lead and scheduling data within the Point of Sale (POS) system and departmental lead sheets.

• Conduct regular follow-up with prospects who have not yet scheduled an estimate or made a purchase to nurture leads.

• Perform on-site field measures and read home blueprints (training provided for qualified candidates) to ensure accurate project planning.

• Utilize the 20/20 CAD design program to create compelling visual representations of proposed kitchen and bath designs (training provided).

• Work collaboratively in a positive team environment with co-workers to achieve departmental and company objectives.

• Maintain a high level of product knowledge across lumber, building materials, and kitchen & bath product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of client-facing sales, design application, and crucial operational tasks like data management and lead follow-up. The willingness to train on blueprints and 20/20 CAD suggests a focus on developing internal talent for these specific operational tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Post-secondary education in design, interior decorating, or a related field is a plus.

Experience: Prior sales experience is preferred, with a strong emphasis on customer service and relationship building. Experience in the building materials or home improvement retail sector is advantageous. Entry-level candidates with exceptional motivation and a drive to learn and sell will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Proficient computer skills for data entry and system navigation.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for client interactions.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple client projects simultaneously.

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design and data.

• Self-motivated personality with a proactive approach to sales and client engagement.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

• Team player mentality with a willingness to collaborate with colleagues. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 20/20 CAD design software.

• Familiarity with reading home blueprints.

• Proficiency in using a tape measure for on-site field measures.

• Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) principles.

• Sales experience in kitchen and bath design or home remodeling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "willing to train the right person" for specialized skills like 20/20 CAD and blueprint reading indicates that the company values core sales aptitude, communication, and a strong work ethic, viewing technical design skills as trainable assets for this operations-focused sales role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio may not be strictly required for an entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past projects, design work, or sales achievements that demonstrate their skills in client engagement, problem-solving, and design visualization.

• Examples of creative problem-solving in client interactions or how you've met challenging client needs in previous roles.

• Documentation of any personal projects or coursework that showcase design sensibilities and spatial reasoning. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach documenting client interactions, lead follow-up activities, and sales progress within a structured system.

• Understanding of workflow design for managing client consultations from initial contact to project completion.

• Ability to articulate how they would ensure data integrity and accuracy when inputting information into the POS and lead management systems.

• Familiarity with process optimization concepts to improve client experience and sales efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role with training offered, the emphasis shifts from a pre-built portfolio to demonstrating potential and understanding of operational processes. Highlighting the ability to learn and adapt to company systems and workflows is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for Kitchen & Bath Design Consultants in the East Hampstead, NH area with 0-2 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $40,000 - $55,000 annually. This range typically includes a base salary plus commission or performance-based incentives, reflecting the sales-driven nature of the role.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with Matching: Provides a retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• Competitive Salary: A base compensation structure designed to be attractive in the local market, supplemented by performance incentives.

• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on lumber and building supplies, as well as kitchen and bath products.

• Health Insurance: Medical coverage options to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off: Accrued paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Profit Sharing: A program where employees share in the company's financial success.

• Vision Insurance: Coverage for eye care and vision needs.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Standard working hours will likely align with retail and business operational needs, potentially including some weekend availability. Flexibility may be required to accommodate client schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for design and sales roles in the building supply sector in New Hampshire, considering the entry-level experience requirement and the provided benefits package. The "Competitive salary" claim in the benefits list supports the inclusion of a base salary range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials & Home Improvement Retail. East Coast Lumber & Building Supply Company operates within a traditional sector, serving professional builders and remodeling contractors as well as individual homeowners. This context implies a focus on product knowledge, reliable service, and building long-term relationships.

Company Size: East Coast Lumber & Building Supply Company, LLC, has been family-owned and operated since 1976. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, its long history and full-service offering suggest a mid-sized operation with established processes and a close-knit team environment. This size often means employees have more visibility and direct impact.

Founded: 1976. The company's founding date signifies decades of experience and stability in the local market, fostering a culture of trust, expertise, and community involvement. This longevity suggests a commitment to long-term customer relationships and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Kitchen & Bath Design team likely consists of consultants who work closely together, sharing client leads and design challenges.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Sales Manager or Department Head, who oversees sales performance, client satisfaction, and operational adherence.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with sales teams, yard staff (for product availability and logistics), and potentially installation or contractor relations departments. Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches for lead management and sales forecasting are implied through the use of POS systems and lead sheets.

• Workflow planning is critical for managing client consultations from initial contact, design, and proposal to closing.

• Automation may be limited to POS and basic CRM functions, with emphasis on manual follow-up and personalized client engagement.

Company Website: https://www.eastcoastlumber.net

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and family-owned nature suggest a culture that values loyalty, craftsmanship, and personal relationships. The operational focus will likely be on efficient service delivery and robust product support, rather than cutting-edge tech implementation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior associate level within the sales and design operations framework. It focuses on executing established sales processes, utilizing provided design tools, and managing client interactions under supervision. The role is foundational for understanding the product lifecycle and customer journey in the building supply industry.

Reporting Structure: The Kitchen & Bath Design Consultant will report to a Sales Manager or Kitchen & Bath Department Lead. This manager will provide guidance on sales strategies, design best practices, operational procedures, and performance feedback. The structure emphasizes mentorship and skill development.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue through sales conversions and indirectly influences customer satisfaction and retention by providing excellent design advice and service. Efficient lead management and accurate data entry are critical operational contributions that support overall business performance and inventory management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advancement to Senior Kitchen & Bath Design Consultant, taking on more complex projects and potentially mentoring junior staff.

• Design Expertise: Developing advanced proficiency in design software and trends, potentially leading to specialized design roles or product development input.

• Operations Management: Transitioning into roles focused on sales operations, CRM administration, or team leadership within the sales department.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into procurement, inventory management, or customer service leadership roles within the broader building supply operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes building expertise within the company's core offerings and operational processes, with potential to move into management or specialized roles as experience is gained.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site within East Coast Lumber's facility, which includes a professional showroom for kitchen and bath design consultations and a retail/yard area for building supplies. This environment offers direct access to product samples and a hands-on understanding of the materials sold.

Office Location(s): East Hampstead, NH. This location serves the local community and surrounding areas, requiring the consultant to be accessible to clients visiting the showroom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The workspace will include a dedicated area for client consultations, featuring design displays, product samples, and workstations equipped with computers for design software and POS systems.

• Product Immersion: Constant exposure to a wide range of building materials, lumber products, and kitchen & bath fixtures, facilitating a deep product knowledge base.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with sales colleagues, management, and potentially yard staff, fostering a supportive and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position. While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be needed to accommodate client appointments, including potential weekend work, which is common in retail and design consulting roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial for client interaction and product immersion, which are key to success in this design and sales capacity. The environment is structured for direct customer engagement and product exploration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess suitability for the role, focusing on communication skills, sales aptitude, and any relevant experience.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or department lead. This interview will assess your personality, motivation, understanding of sales, and basic design concepts. Be prepared to discuss your interest in kitchen and bath design and your approach to customer service.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a practical exercise, such as a role-play scenario demonstrating client consultation skills, or a basic design task using provided software (if training is not fully provided). A tape measure and blueprint reading test might be included.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of qualifications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, since training is offered, focus on showcasing your potential rather than a fully developed portfolio.

• Prepare to discuss any past sales achievements, customer service experiences, or personal design projects that highlight your communication, problem-solving, and aesthetic sensibilities.

• If you have any design work (even personal projects, sketches, or mood boards), be ready to explain your design process and rationale.

• Highlight instances where you've successfully managed client expectations or resolved issues. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of the sales process from lead generation to closing.

• Practice explaining product features and benefits clearly and persuasively.

• Prepare to discuss how you would handle common client objections or requests for discounts.

• Familiarize yourself with the company's offerings by reviewing their website (eastcoastlumber.net) and understanding the types of products they sell.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on training suggests the interview process will heavily weigh personality, coachability, and fundamental sales skills over extensive prior technical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, managing customer accounts, and tracking sales data. Proficiency or quick learning ability is key.

• 20/20 CAD Design Program: A specialized software for kitchen and bath design. While training is offered, familiarity or a strong aptitude for learning design software is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook): Standard tools for communication, data management, scheduling, and general office tasks. Excel will be particularly important for tracking leads and basic sales data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Department Lead Sheet: A manual or digital tool for tracking leads, follow-up activities, and consultation schedules.

• POS System Reporting: Basic sales reports generated from the POS system to monitor performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Basic CRM functionalities within the POS system: For managing customer contact information and sales history.

• Email and Phone Systems: For client communication and follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is relatively standard for a retail building supply business, with a focus on essential sales and design tools. The company's willingness to train on specialized software like 20/20 CAD is a significant point for applicants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring a positive experience from consultation to project completion.

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding honesty in all dealings with clients and colleagues, reflecting the company's long-standing reputation.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working harmoniously with co-workers to share knowledge, support each other, and achieve collective goals.

• Efficiency and Process Adherence: Following established procedures for lead management, sales, and data entry to ensure smooth operations and accurate reporting.

• Product Knowledge and Expertise: Valuing continuous learning about building materials, design trends, and product offerings to provide informed advice.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive and Cooperative: A team environment where members assist each other, share best practices, and contribute to a positive work atmosphere.

• Client-Centric Communication: Emphasizing clear, professional, and empathetic communication with all clients.

• Feedback and Improvement: Openness to constructive feedback from management and peers to refine sales techniques and design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's family-owned history and long tenure suggest a culture that prioritizes relationships, reliability, and a strong sense of community among its employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve for Design Software: Mastering 20/20 CAD and potentially blueprint reading requires dedicated learning and practice.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Balancing the varying budgets, tastes, and technical requirements of both homeowners and professional contractors.

• Sales Quota Pressure: Meeting sales targets and performance metrics within a competitive retail environment.

• Handling Customer Complaints: Effectively resolving issues to maintain customer satisfaction and company reputation.

• Staying Updated: Keeping pace with evolving design trends and new product offerings in the kitchen and bath industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training on 20/20 CAD, blueprint reading, and company-specific sales processes.

• Product Knowledge Development: Continuous learning about lumber, building materials, and kitchen/bath products through internal resources and supplier information.

• Sales Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced sales managers and colleagues to hone sales techniques and negotiation skills.

• Industry Exposure: Potential opportunities to attend local trade shows or supplier events to learn about new products and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a sales and design role, with a particular emphasis on acquiring technical skills. The growth opportunities are clearly defined within the company's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to understand a client's needs that were not clearly stated. How did you uncover their true requirements?" (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and empathy.)

• "Imagine a client wants a high-end kitchen design but has a very limited budget. How would you approach this situation?" (Highlight your ability to present options, manage expectations, and find creative solutions within constraints.)

• "How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple client leads and appointments simultaneously?" (Demonstrate organizational skills, time management, and use of tools like lead sheets and calendars.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in kitchen and bath design, and why East Coast Lumber specifically?" (Research the company's history, values, and product offerings. Connect your interests to their business.)

• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism from a manager or colleague?" (Emphasize your openness to learning and continuous improvement.)

• "Describe your experience working as part of a team. What role do you typically play?" (Showcase your collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to team success.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have any visual work (even sketches or mood boards), be prepared to walk through your design thinking, why you made certain choices, and how you addressed potential client needs.

• For sales experience, prepare a concise "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) example highlighting a successful sales outcome or a time you exceeded expectations.

• Focus on demonstrating your enthusiasm for design, your understanding of customer service, and your capacity to learn and follow operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a proactive, customer-centric attitude, a willingness to learn technical skills, and an understanding of basic sales and operational principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careerplug platform.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, or design-related experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted X customers daily," "Managed Y leads per week"). Emphasize soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have any design work, sketches, or examples of past sales successes, be ready to present them concisely. For this role, focus on demonstrating potential and a strong work ethic.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your motivation for sales and design, your approach to customer interaction, and your willingness to learn specialized software and processes. Practice answering behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the East Coast Lumber & Building Supply Company website (eastcoastlumber.net) to understand their product lines, history, and customer base. This will help you articulate your interest and how you can contribute to their operational success.

⚠️ 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.