Made Home Design Consultant - Sheffield Home (N122336)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Made Home Design Consultant

Company: Next Plc

Location: Sheffield, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / GTM (Go-to-Market) - Customer Experience & Sales Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing expert home design consultation services, directly impacting customer satisfaction and sales conversion within the retail environment.

• It involves a blend of creative interior design expertise and exceptional customer service to guide clients through their home styling journey.

• The position is part-time, requiring a specific shift pattern, and offers opportunities for bonus earnings based on performance targets.

• Success in this role hinges on understanding customer needs, translating them into design proposals, and managing client relationships effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Made Home Design Consultant," operates within a retail context and focuses on customer engagement and sales support rather than traditional revenue operations functions like pipeline management or forecasting. The "GTM" aspect is in the direct customer-facing sales and experience delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Advise customers on their specific home design requirements, translating their ideas into actionable design proposals.

• Conduct in-person or virtual consultations to suggest creative and functional interior design solutions tailored to customer needs and budgets.

• Utilize design flair and active listening skills to accurately identify customer preferences and lifestyle needs.

• Clearly communicate product lead times, associated costs, and design proposal details to customers.

• Achieve sales and consultation targets, with the opportunity to earn additional bonus payments based on performance.

• Maintain a safe and professional environment for both customers and self during all client interactions, whether in-home or virtual.

• Support all company policies, procedures, and maintain a positive attitude towards work and team collaboration.

• Organize and host virtual meetings effectively when required for remote consultations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a direct customer-facing sales and design advisory function. While not a typical "operations" role in the sense of back-end process optimization, it is crucial for the Go-to-Market strategy by directly influencing customer acquisition and retention through design expertise and service.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational requirements are listed, suggesting a focus on practical skills and experience over formal qualifications.

Experience: Entry-level candidates with relevant experience in design, customer service, or retail are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in interior design or a related field is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in color and furnishings, with a natural flair for interior design.

• Excellent listening and communication skills to understand and articulate customer needs effectively.

• Ability to generate functional, inspiring, and budget-conscious design ideas.

• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.

• Flexibility and proactivity in scheduling and adapting to customer availability.

• Comfort and proficiency in organizing and hosting virtual meetings.

• Possession of a full driving license and ownership of a car for in-home visits. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for managing client interactions and sales pipelines.

• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools to present proposals.

• Sales experience with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

• Knowledge of retail sales processes and customer engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a driving license and car ownership indicates a significant portion of the role involves in-home client visits, a key differentiator for this "design consultant" aspect. The "retail scenarios assessment" mentioned in the application process further solidifies the retail sales and customer interaction focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not explicitly required, candidates with a portfolio showcasing interior design projects, mood boards, or case studies demonstrating their design process and client engagement are highly recommended.

• The portfolio should ideally highlight how design solutions met customer needs, budget constraints, and delivered aesthetic appeal.

• Examples of successful client consultations or collaborative design processes would be beneficial. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal process for client consultation, from initial needs assessment to final proposal delivery.

• Demonstrating an understanding of how to document client preferences, site conditions (if applicable), and design rationale is important.

• Familiarity with processes for managing product information, lead times, and pricing is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and retail focus, a formal "portfolio" might not be a strict requirement. However, the ability to articulate one's design process and showcase relevant work through examples will be critical during interviews and potential assessments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided AI data suggests a salary range of £8.28 - £12.71 per hour. This is based on the National Living Wage (for those over 23) and potentially higher rates for more experienced individuals or specific roles within the company. Given the part-time nature and the specific shift, it aligns with entry-level retail positions.

Benefits:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap, and Victoria's Secret products (when purchased through NEXT).

• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty.

• 60% off a generous (optional) working wardrobe allowance for work attire (minimum 6-week contract).

• Early VIP access to sale stock.

• Access to over 3,500 retailers through an online benefits platform for hot deals and exclusive offers.

• Discounts at Staff Shops.

• Sharesave scheme.

• Access to a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services.

• Life assurance.

• Discounted health plan for you and your family.

• Financial Wellbeing tools: Save, track, and enhance financial wellbeing.

• Apprenticeship opportunities (England stores only).

• Direct to Work: Discounted online and in-store purchases with next-day collection.

• Support Networks: Access to Network Groups for empowerment and celebration.

• Wellhub: Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, including apps and PT sessions.

Working Hours: 6.50 hours per week, specifically on Thursdays from 09:00 to 16:00. This is a fixed part-time schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on UK minimum wage laws and general retail industry standards for part-time roles. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting Next Plc's commitment to employee well-being and financial security. The specific shift hours are non-negotiable for this particular application.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Fashion, Home Furnishings, and More). Next Plc is a major FTSE-100 UK retailer known for its extensive product range and strong online presence, operating in fashion, home, and beauty sectors. The "MADE" brand specifically focuses on home design and furniture.

Company Size: Over 44,000 employees globally, making it a large, established retail organization. This implies structured processes, clear career paths, and a robust operational framework.

Founded: Next Plc was founded in 1982. This long history suggests stability, a well-understood business model, and a mature corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within the retail store's sales or design advisory team, reporting to a Store Manager or a Department Manager.

• Collaboration will occur with sales colleagues, stock teams, and potentially other design specialists.

• Cross-functional collaboration may extend to online teams or regional management for reporting and strategy alignment. Methodology:

• Customer-centric approach, prioritizing service and sales conversion.

• Data-driven decision-making, evidenced by the online assessments and performance targets.

• Emphasis on process adherence and brand standards across all customer interactions.

Company Website: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/ and https://www.made.com/ (for the MADE brand context)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's size and established nature mean that operational processes are likely well-defined. For this role, understanding and adhering to these processes, while also demonstrating creativity and customer focus, will be key. The inclusion of the MADE brand highlights a specific focus on interior design and home furnishings within the larger Next Plc umbrella.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an entry-level, customer-facing position within the retail operations and GTM framework. It's focused on direct customer interaction, sales support, and providing specialized design advice.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a Store Manager or Department Manager, with potential oversight from regional management or the MADE brand division.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the customer experience and sales revenue through personalized design consultations. Successful consultations lead to increased sales, customer loyalty, and positive brand perception for the MADE brand within Next Plc.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in interior design, furniture styling, and customer relationship management.

• Sales Progression: Potential to advance into more senior sales roles, team leadership, or specialized design positions within the MADE brand or other Next Plc divisions.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to gain experience in other areas of retail operations or customer service within the broader Next Plc organization.

• Training: Access to company-provided training on product knowledge, design principles, sales techniques, and customer service best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, Next Plc's scale offers potential for internal mobility and career development. Demonstrating strong performance in customer service, sales, and design can open doors to more advanced opportunities within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates primarily within a retail store environment (NEXT Meadowhall Home) and potentially customer homes or via virtual platforms.

Office Location(s): NEXT Meadowhall Home, Vulcan Road, Tinsley, Sheffield, S9 2YL. This is a physical retail location.

Workspace Context:

• The retail store environment requires adaptability, customer engagement, and the ability to work effectively on the sales floor.

• In-home visits necessitate professionalism, punctuality, and the ability to work independently in a client's personal space.

• Virtual consultations require a professional setup for online meetings.

• Collaboration with in-store colleagues will be a regular part of the role.

Work Schedule: Fixed part-time schedule of 6.5 hours per week, specifically Thursdays from 09:00 to 16:00. This offers a predictable work pattern but limited flexibility outside of these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending in-store customer engagement with potential off-site client interactions. Candidates must be comfortable with both environments and the specific, fixed schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Online Assessment: Candidates must complete a "Working with Numbers Assessment" and a "Retail Scenarios Assessment." These are crucial screening steps.

• Application Review: Successfully completed assessments are reviewed against job criteria.

• Initial Interview: Candidates matching the criteria will be contacted for an initial interview to discuss their suitability and background.

• Further Interviews/Assessments: Depending on the role and candidate progression, there may be subsequent interviews or practical assessments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• If you have a portfolio, prepare to walk the interviewer through 1-2 key projects that best showcase your design process, client engagement, and problem-solving skills.

• Focus on projects where you successfully translated a client's needs into a functional and aesthetically pleasing design within constraints (budget, space).

• Be ready to articulate your design rationale and the impact of your recommendations.

• For this role, highlight any experience with customer service or sales alongside your design work. Challenge Preparation:

• The "Retail Scenarios Assessment" will likely present hypothetical customer interactions or operational challenges. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle difficult customers, resolve service issues, or meet sales targets.

• For the "Working with Numbers Assessment," brush up on basic arithmetic, percentage calculations, and interpreting sales data or reports.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would balance creative design tasks with sales objectives and customer service expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The online assessments are a critical gatekeeping step. Candidates must ensure they have not failed these assessments in the last 6 months. The retail scenarios assessment is key for evaluating practical, on-the-ground problem-solving abilities relevant to customer service and sales.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Likely used for processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and accessing product information.

• CRM Software: Used for managing customer interactions, tracking sales leads, and maintaining client records. (Specific software not mentioned, but a standard retail CRM is probable).

• Communication Tools: Email, phone, and potentially internal messaging systems for team communication.

• Virtual Meeting Platforms: For conducting remote design consultations (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To track individual and store sales targets, conversion rates, and bonus earnings.

• Product Information Management (PIM) Systems: To access details on available products, stock levels, pricing, and lead times.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Essential for managing client relationships, follow-ups, and personalized communication.

• Design Software/Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with interior design visualization tools or software could be beneficial for creating proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies the use of standard retail sales and customer management systems. Proficiency in basic digital communication and potentially virtual meeting platforms is expected. The "Working with Numbers" assessment suggests some level of data interpretation will be required, likely within sales reporting tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing exceptional customer service and satisfaction is paramount.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home design solutions.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Results Orientation: Driving sales and achieving performance targets through expert consultation and service.

• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards of conduct, appearance, and communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be collaborative within the store team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive store atmosphere.

• Close collaboration with customers throughout the design process, building rapport and trust.

• Potential collaboration with regional teams or the MADE brand management for feedback and strategy alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Next Plc's culture likely emphasizes efficiency, customer satisfaction, and a strong work ethic. For this role, balancing creative input with the practical demands of retail sales and customer service is key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Sales Targets: Effectively merging personal design flair with the need to meet specific sales goals and customer budget constraints.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Handling diverse customer tastes, budgets, and timelines, ensuring satisfaction while remaining realistic.

• Adapting to Diverse Environments: Comfortably consulting in various customer homes or effectively engaging clients through virtual platforms.

• Time Management: Efficiently managing consultation appointments, follow-ups, and administrative tasks within limited working hours.

• Staying Updated: Keeping abreast of current interior design trends, product lines, and company offerings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn about new product lines, materials, and design techniques relevant to home furnishings.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Access to company-provided training to refine sales pitches, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening understanding of the MADE product range to provide informed recommendations.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized design roles within Next Plc.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for customer-facing roles that blend service with sales and specialized expertise. The growth opportunities are grounded in developing both soft skills (customer service, sales) and hard skills (design, product knowledge).

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer with a design challenge. What was their need, your solution, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, creativity, and client satisfaction).

• "How do you approach understanding a customer's personal style and translating it into design recommendations?" (Focus on listening skills, empathy, and design process).

• "Imagine a customer has a very limited budget but wants a significant home update. How would you advise them?" (Focus on resourcefulness, budget management, and creative solutions).

• "How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a design proposal?" (Focus on conflict resolution, communication, and service recovery). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the MADE brand and Next Plc?" (Demonstrate research into the company's offerings and values).

• "Why are you interested in a part-time role with this specific Thursday schedule?" (Explain your availability and suitability for the fixed hours).

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends?" (Showcase passion and commitment to the field). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have a portfolio, prepare a concise presentation (3-5 minutes) of your strongest design project.

• Clearly articulate the client's brief, your design process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome, emphasizing how you met the client's needs.

• Be ready to discuss how your design approach aligns with the MADE brand's aesthetic and customer-centric values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for the "Retail Scenarios Assessment" is crucial. Think about how you would embody the company's values of customer service, design flair, and results orientation in hypothetical situations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.

• Crucially, complete the online "Working with Numbers Assessment" and "Retail Scenarios Assessment" as these are mandatory screening steps. Ensure you haven't failed them in the last 6 months.

• Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any design or styling background, and your ability to work effectively in a retail or client-facing environment.

• If you have a portfolio, prepare to discuss specific projects that demonstrate your design skills and client interaction capabilities.

• Research Next Plc and the MADE brand to understand their product offerings, target audience, and brand ethos, especially regarding home design.

⚠️ 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.