Showroom Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant

Company: Florida Tile

Location: Charlotte, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market)

Date Posted: September 23, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales by assisting architects, contractors, and homeowners in selecting tile products, leveraging consultative sales techniques.

• Develop and nurture a robust trade client base through proactive outreach, in-house meetings, and digital communication channels to foster long-term relationships and recurring revenue.

• Act as a brand ambassador, promoting the branch showroom as a premier selection center for the Architecture & Design (A&D) community through events and personalized client engagements.

• Collaborate closely with the Outside Sales Representative (OSR) team to share leads, market intelligence, and coordinate sales efforts, ensuring a unified go-to-market strategy.

• Maintain showroom integrity and visual appeal by ensuring all displayed products are current, accurately labeled, and merchandised effectively to enhance the customer experience and drive purchasing decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Showroom Design Consultant," the core responsibilities strongly lean into sales and operations support within a retail/distribution environment. The role requires direct sales engagement, client relationship management, and operational tasks related to showroom upkeep and order processing, aligning it with a Sales Operations and GTM focus rather than pure design. The experience level is inferred from the "minimum of 12 months retail or sales experience" and the absence of requirements for extensive design education or advanced operational expertise, suggesting an entry-level to junior position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Sales & Business Development:

  • Proactively identify and pursue new sales opportunities and channels within the Charlotte market and surrounding areas.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with architects, interior designers, contractors, and discerning homeowners to drive specification and purchase of Florida Tile products.
  • Conduct in-house client consultations, providing expert advice on tile selection, application, and design trends to meet project needs and aesthetic preferences.
  • Execute targeted outreach campaigns via phone, email, and in-person visits to expand the trade client base and generate qualified leads.
  • Effectively communicate and uphold Florida Tile's pricing policies, ensuring accurate qualification of customers and application of appropriate price templates to protect profit margins.

• Showroom Management & Operations:

  • Maintain an impeccably merchandised showroom, ensuring all samples are current, accurately labeled, and attractively displayed to create an inviting and informative selection environment.

  • Support branch operations by assisting with daily tasks such as processing customer orders, generating invoices, receiving and locating inventory, and contributing to daily deposit procedures.

  • Coordinate with the Branch Manager/Assistant Branch Manager/Regional Manager (ABM/BM/RM) to ensure smooth daily operations and efficient customer service delivery.

  • Facilitate and support showroom events and promotions designed to engage the A&D trade and increase showroom traffic and brand visibility.

  • Assist the Outside Sales Representative (OSR) team by sharing leads, providing customer insights, and coordinating on-site client visits or product demonstrations as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the dual nature of the role: direct sales engagement and essential operational support. Emphasis is placed on client interaction, lead generation, and showroom presentation, which are critical for GTM success in a product-focused business. The operational support duties are framed within the context of enabling sales and maintaining efficient branch operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Further education in marketing or a design-related field is a plus. Experience:

• Minimum of 12 months of experience in retail sales or a direct sales capacity.

• Experience within the tile or flooring industry is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability in inside sales techniques, lead generation, and closing sales.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven track record of developing and maintaining client relationships, particularly within a trade or professional services context.

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for client consultations, internal coordination, and order processing.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple client interactions, and maintain showroom order.

• Technical Proficiency: Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for communication and basic data management.

• System Navigation: Familiarity with ERP or CRM systems, with specific experience in SAP being a significant advantage.

• Professionalism: Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to travel to local customers.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Sensibility: An eye for interior design principles and an understanding of aesthetic trends in tile and flooring applications.

• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience with tile and flooring products, installation methods, and industry specifications.

• SAP Expertise: Direct experience with SAP for order processing, inventory management, or customer data.

• CRM Software: Experience with other Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for tracking leads, opportunities, and customer interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to highlight both the essential requirements and the desirable attributes. The "0-2 years" experience level is inferred from the minimum 12 months of retail/sales experience and the "plus" for design education, indicating a role that values practical sales skills and offers room for development in design and industry-specific knowledge. SAP proficiency is noted as a strong preference given its mention in the qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Documented examples of successful sales engagements, highlighting client needs, solutions provided (tile selections), and outcomes achieved (e.g., project secured, revenue generated).

• Clienteling Examples: Evidence of proactive client outreach, follow-up strategies, and relationship-building initiatives that led to repeat business or increased sales volume.

• Showroom Presentation: A brief presentation or visual examples demonstrating how you would merchandise and maintain a showroom to be inviting, informative, and sales-conducive.

• Order Processing Workflow: A conceptual outline or case study illustrating your understanding of order processing, from initial inquiry to fulfillment, emphasizing accuracy and customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Process Flow: Ability to articulate a basic sales process from lead generation to closing, including key touchpoints and qualification criteria.

• Customer Service Protocols: Understanding of best practices for handling customer inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive post-sale experience.

• Showroom Maintenance Standards: A clear approach to keeping a showroom visually appealing, organized, and stocked with up-to-date product information and samples.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be standard, but candidates will be expected to articulate their sales process, client management approach, and understanding of showroom operations. The "Portfolio Essentials" are framed as areas to be prepared to discuss or demonstrate during the interview process, emphasizing practical application of skills rather than formal documents.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Showroom Design Consultants or Junior Sales roles in Charlotte, NC, with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is $40,000 - $55,000. This range typically includes a base salary with potential for commission or performance-based bonuses tied to sales targets. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match.

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

• Work-Life Balance: Excellent Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

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

• Employee Perks: Employee Discount Program on Florida Tile products.

• Wellness Initiatives: Employee Wellness Program to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligned with standard business operating hours for the showroom. This may include some weekend rotation or extended hours during peak periods or for special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Charlotte, NC area, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the position (sales-focused with operational duties). This estimate is derived from general labor market data and industry salary surveys for retail sales and showroom consulting positions. The benefits listed are directly from the provided job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials / Manufacturing & Distribution (Ceramic & Porcelain Tile)

Company Size: Florida Tile is a significant player in the tile industry, likely falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category for the building materials sector. This implies a structured organization with established processes and a broad customer base.

Founded: Founded over sixty years ago, Florida Tile has a long-standing history and established reputation in the market, indicating stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Team: This role is part of a local branch showroom team, likely including a Branch Manager (BM), Assistant Branch Manager (ABM), and potentially other sales and support staff.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with the Outside Sales Representative (OSR) team, who focus on larger accounts and field sales, and potentially with internal design or product development teams.

• Reporting: The Showroom Design Consultant typically reports to the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager, who oversees daily showroom operations and sales performance.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes innovation and quality, suggesting a focus on meeting customer needs and delivering high-quality products.

• Sales-Driven Operations: Operations are geared towards supporting sales efforts, from showroom presentation to efficient order processing and inventory management.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the mention of SAP and the need to protect pricing integrity imply a structured approach to data management and sales tracking.

Company Website: floridatile.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is built upon the provided description of Florida Tile's history, industry position, and stated values. The team structure and methodology are inferred from the typical organizational setup of a tile distributor with both showroom and outside sales functions, emphasizing the collaborative and sales-supportive nature of operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior position within the sales and GTM function. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to build a career in sales, customer relations, or potentially specialized areas within the building materials industry.

Reporting Structure: The Showroom Design Consultant will report to the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager, working closely with them and the Outside Sales Representative (OSR) team. This structure provides direct mentorship and exposure to sales leadership and field sales strategies.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue generation through showroom sales and contributes to operational efficiency by supporting branch tasks and maintaining showroom standards. The consultant's ability to drive sales and enhance the customer experience is crucial for the branch's overall performance and the company's market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Advancement: Progression to an Outside Sales Representative (OSR) role, managing a dedicated territory and larger client accounts.

• Specialization: Development into a Senior Showroom Consultant or a specialist in specific product lines (e.g., commercial projects, high-end residential).

• Management Track: Potential to move into Assistant Branch Manager or Branch Manager roles, overseeing operations and sales teams.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to leverage showroom and sales experience in areas like customer service management, account management, or product training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the typical progression paths available within a company like Florida Tile for a role starting in showroom sales and operations support. The emphasis is on building foundational sales skills, product knowledge, and operational understanding, which are transferable to more advanced sales and management positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is primarily on-site within a Florida Tile branch showroom. This is a customer-facing retail and distribution space.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC. This specific location will serve as the primary work base, with potential for local travel to client sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The showroom is designed to be a dynamic space where clients interact with products. It requires a balance of independent work (client consultations, order processing) and collaborative efforts with branch staff and the OSR team.

• Product-Centric Technology: Access to product samples, display areas, and potentially digital design tools or product visualization software. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SAP is expected for daily tasks.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with branch management, sales colleagues, and customers. The environment fosters relationship-building and teamwork to achieve sales targets and maintain operational standards.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. This role may require flexibility, including potential weekend work or extended hours, especially during promotional periods or for client events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the realities of a showroom setting within the building materials industry, highlighting the blend of customer interaction, sales responsibilities, and operational tasks. The need for flexibility in scheduling is also noted, common in retail and sales-oriented environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the requirements, focusing on sales experience and relevant skills.

• Phone/Video Interview: An introductory conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in the role, and general fit with Florida

Tile's culture.

• In-Person Interview: This stage typically involves meeting with the Branch Manager and potentially the Outside Sales Representative (OSR). You may be asked to:

  • Present a Sales Scenario: Discuss how you would approach a specific client (e.g., a contractor needing a large order, a homeowner seeking design advice).
  • Showcase Showroom Acumen: Explain how you would maintain and present the showroom, highlighting your understanding of merchandising and customer experience.
  • Discuss Operations Support: Describe your approach to assisting with daily branch operations like order processing or inventory.
  • Demonstrate SAP/Microsoft Office Knowledge: Be prepared for questions about your proficiency with these tools.

• Final Interview/Offer: A potential final discussion with regional management or senior leadership, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Sales Success Stories: Prepare 2-3 concise examples of successful sales interactions. Focus on the challenge, your actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., sales volume, client retention).

• Client Management Approach: Be ready to articulate your strategy for building and maintaining relationships with trade clients, including how you generate leads and follow up.

• Showroom Vision: Have a clear, brief explanation of how you would approach showroom merchandising and customer engagement to maximize sales potential.

• Operational Awareness: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of essential branch operations such as order entry, inventory basics, and customer service protocols.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to speak about your experience with Microsoft Office and SAP, providing examples of how you've used them in previous roles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical customer or operational challenges. Practice responding with a structured approach: identify the problem, propose solutions, and explain the expected outcome, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Product Knowledge Integration: While not expected to be an expert initially, demonstrate an eagerness to learn about tile products and their applications.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Florida Tile's product lines, history, and values to articulate why you are a good fit for their organization and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is detailed to guide candidates on what to expect and how to best prepare. The emphasis on "portfolio" is interpreted as the ability to articulate and demonstrate practical sales and operational skills, rather than requiring a formal portfolio document.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily communication, reporting, and basic data management (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• SAP: Key for order processing, inventory management, customer data, and potentially pricing. Proficiency in SAP is a significant advantage.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly named, Florida Tile likely uses a CRM system for managing leads, tracking customer interactions, and sales pipeline management. Candidates should be comfortable with similar systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Sales Reports: Ability to understand and contribute to reports generated from SAP or other internal systems related to sales performance, customer activity, and inventory.

• Microsoft Excel: For basic data analysis, tracking personal sales metrics, and generating simple reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Order Management Systems: Core function of SAP or a similar ERP system for processing sales orders efficiently.

• Communication Platforms: Email (Outlook), phone systems, and potentially internal messaging or collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology are directly extracted from the "Qualifications" section of the job description, with SAP and Microsoft Office highlighted as critical. General CRM and reporting tool familiarity is assumed given the sales and operational nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on assisting customers (architects, contractors, homeowners) by providing excellent service and product solutions.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding Florida Tile's pricing rules, maintaining a professional demeanor, and ensuring the showroom reflects quality and reliability.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with branch staff and the outside sales team to achieve collective goals and support overall branch operations.

• Innovation & Quality: Contributing to a company that leads through innovation and consistently delivers high-quality products, implying a drive for continuous improvement.

• Efficiency: Supporting daily branch operations and maintaining an organized showroom to ensure smooth workflows and a positive customer experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with the OSR team and branch staff, necessitating clear communication and shared responsibility for sales targets and customer satisfaction.

• Service-Oriented Interactions: Daily interactions with customers will be consultative, aiming to understand their needs and provide tailored tile solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing leads, market insights, and best practices with colleagues to foster a supportive and productive sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are synthesized from the company's introductory statement ("make a difference and have fun"), its history of innovation, and the explicit responsibilities of the role (customer assistance, sales, operations support, teamwork). The emphasis is on a customer-centric, collaborative, and professional environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Operations: Effectively managing direct sales responsibilities while also supporting essential daily branch operational tasks can be demanding.

• Client Acquisition & Retention: Developing a consistent pipeline of new trade clients and retaining existing ones in a competitive market requires persistent effort and strong relationship-building skills.

• Product Knowledge Depth: Quickly acquiring comprehensive knowledge of Florida Tile's extensive product lines, their applications, and technical specifications to effectively advise clients.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the demands of a busy showroom, managing multiple client interactions and operational tasks simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Access to Florida Tile's product training programs to become an expert in ceramic and porcelain tile offerings.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and client management strategies.

• Industry Insights: Gaining a deep understanding of the architecture, design, and construction industries through daily interaction with professionals.

• Operational Acumen: Developing practical experience in retail operations, inventory management, and order processing.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways to advance into more senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized areas within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent demands of a dual-responsibility role (sales + operations) in a customer-facing environment. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development and career advancement within the company's structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building a client base within the Architecture & Design (A&D) community. What methods would you use to identify and engage potential trade clients?" (Focus on lead generation, networking, and follow-up strategies.)

• "How would you handle a situation where a contractor is unhappy with a tile selection they previously made, and they are requesting a change or a discount?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, customer service, and understanding of pricing policies.)

• "Walk me through how you would prepare the showroom for a special event aimed at designers. What steps would you take to ensure it's inviting and showcases our products effectively?" (Highlight merchandising, organization, and event support skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Florida Tile, and what do you know about our company and products?" (Show research on their history, product lines, and market position.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a team environment within a busy branch showroom?" (Emphasize collaboration, willingness to support colleagues, and a positive attitude.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks or priorities simultaneously. How did you ensure all responsibilities were met?" (Assess multitasking and organizational skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Sales Success Story Structure: For any sales examples, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "increased sales by 15%," "secured a $10,000 order").

• Showroom Vision: Be prepared to briefly explain your philosophy on showroom design and merchandising – focus on customer flow, product visibility, and creating an inspiring environment.

• Tool Proficiency Examples: When discussing Microsoft Office or SAP, provide specific examples of how you used these tools to improve efficiency, manage data, or solve a problem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe for key competencies like sales strategy, customer service, operational awareness, and cultural fit, aligning with the role's requirements. Preparation tips focus on actionable advice for demonstrating these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Showroom Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Click the provided link to submit your resume and any requested information through the Paycor career portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your retail/sales experience, customer service achievements, any design-related education or interests, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and SAP (if applicable). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your "Portfolio" Discussion Points: Be ready to discuss your sales approach, client management strategies, showroom presentation ideas, and operational support capabilities, using specific examples.

• Research Florida Tile: Familiarize yourself with their product catalog, company history, mission, and values to articulate your genuine interest and alignment with their culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, especially those related to sales scenarios, customer service, and multitasking, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating problem-solving skills.

⚠️ 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.