SHOWROOM DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SHOWROOM DESIGN CONSULTANT

Company: Mohawk Industries (Dal-Tile)

Location: Burr Ridge, Illinois, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / Customer Experience / Retail Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-4 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving sales and enhancing customer experience by providing expert interior design and flooring product selection advice within a showroom environment.

• The Showroom Design Consultant will manage daily showroom operations, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for both customers and design teams, directly impacting sales conversion and customer satisfaction.

• Key responsibilities include maintaining showroom aesthetics, managing sample inventory, coordinating events, and acting as a primary liaison for client interactions, all while upholding brand standards.

• This position requires a strong blend of interior design knowledge, flooring industry expertise, and excellent customer relationship management skills to foster brand loyalty and drive revenue growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Showroom Design Consultant" and the description focus heavily on design and customer interaction, the operational aspects of managing a showroom, inventory, and events, along with the direct link to sales, position this role within the broader scope of Retail Operations and Customer Experience, with elements that touch upon Sales Operations in terms of driving influenced sales decisions. The requirement for strong knowledge of "flooring industry practices" and "sales decisions" indicates a need for understanding the sales pipeline and customer journey within the context of a retail showroom.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert interior design advice and product selection guidance, facilitating customer project development and ensuring complete product selections to drive sales.

• Maintain meticulous client recordkeeping, capturing customer contact details, preferences, and visit history to support personalized customer engagement and sales follow-up.

• Manage showroom sample inventory and merchandising, including ordering, receiving, organizing, and updating displays to reflect current product lines and company design standards.

• Plan, coordinate, and host showroom tours and events for industry trade professionals and clients to generate leads, build brand awareness, and influence sales decisions.

• Track and maintain records for all showroom events, meetings, industry functions, and customer visits to ensure comprehensive data for performance analysis and strategic planning.

• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for customers and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and prompt resolution of inquiries.

• Oversee showroom sample library and inventory levels, coordinating sample orders, managing stock, and efficiently removing discontinued products to maintain an up-to-date and appealing display.

• Ensure product displays are meticulously maintained and aligned with current product selections and company aesthetic standards, directly influencing customer perception and purchasing intent.

• Collaborate with sales teams by providing necessary product samples for client meetings and presentations to support the sales cycle.

• Coordinate and assist with special events and meetings held within the showroom, including managing logistics such as catering, entertainment, and scheduling.

• Assist in managing the showroom's social media presence, creating engaging content that aligns with brand strategy and corporate social media guidelines to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

• Perform routine showroom maintenance, including restocking, cleaning, and general upkeep, to ensure a professional and inviting environment for all visitors.

• Potentially attend external trade events to foster industry relationships, expand professional networks, and build brand awareness within the design and construction sectors.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support showroom operations and sales objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list a broad range of tasks from direct sales support and customer interaction to inventory management and event coordination. For an operations-focused candidate, the emphasis on "recordkeeping," "inventory management," "coordinating meetings and special events," and "maintaining the showroom" highlights the operational rigor required. The role acts as a critical interface between sales, marketing (social media), and customer service, requiring strong organizational and process management skills to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of the showroom as a sales enablement hub.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field, OR equivalent education and/or relevant industry experience.

Experience: 2-4 years of relevant experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within interior design, retail showrooms, or the flooring industry.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of interior design principles, color theory, and material selection.

• Strong understanding of flooring industry practices, product applications, and installation considerations.

• Proven customer service and client relationship management skills, with a focus on consultative selling and needs assessment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate product benefits and design concepts clearly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for recordkeeping, reporting, and communication.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage a demanding workload in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-solving aptitude and the ability to proactively address customer needs and showroom operational challenges.

• High level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive client and company information.

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly for sample handling and display maintenance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for client management and sales tracking.

• Familiarity with social media management tools and content creation for brand promotion.

• Experience in event planning and coordination for B2B or B2C audiences.

• Knowledge of showroom merchandising best practices and visual display techniques.

• Background in retail sales or showroom management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Competencies" section in the original description aligns with required skills. The emphasis on "technical, process, and business principles as well as industry practices and standards" points to a need for a candidate who understands how showroom operations contribute to the broader business objectives and sales pipeline. The "2-4 years" experience level suggests that while foundational knowledge is required, significant operational process development may not be expected, but rather adherence to and improvement of existing processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Design Consultation: Showcase 2-3 examples of projects where you provided interior design advice and product expertise, detailing the client's needs, your consultative process, product recommendations, and the successful outcome (e.g., completed selection, client satisfaction).

• Client Management & Recordkeeping Examples: Demonstrate your approach to client interaction and data capture. This could include anonymized examples of client profiles, notes, or a description of your system for tracking customer preferences and visit history.

• Merchandising & Display Rationale: Include visual examples (photos) of showroom displays or merchandising you were responsible for, along with a brief explanation of your design choices, focus on product presentation, and how it aimed to drive sales.

• Event Support Contributions: If applicable, provide details or visuals of events you helped coordinate or host, highlighting your role in logistics, promotion, and execution, and how these events contributed to lead generation or sales.

Process Documentation:

• Client Engagement Workflow: Outline a typical workflow for engaging a new showroom visitor, from initial greeting and needs assessment to product selection and follow-up. Detail how you ensure a smooth handover or completion of the sales process.

• Sample Management Process: Describe your process for managing showroom samples, including ordering, receiving, organizing, tracking, and de-stocking. Highlight any systems or methods used to maintain accuracy and efficiency.

• Event Planning & Execution Checklist: Present a simplified checklist or process map for planning and executing a showroom event, demonstrating an understanding of key logistical steps and stakeholder coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal "process portfolio" might not be explicitly required in the same way as a pure operations analyst role. However, demonstrating an understanding of how you manage processes will be crucial. The portfolio should focus on showcasing practical application of skills in areas like client management, product presentation, and event logistics. Highlighting your ability to document and execute these processes efficiently will be key during interviews. The emphasis should be on demonstrating how your actions directly contributed to sales and customer satisfaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Showroom Design Consultants with 2-4 years of experience in the Chicago metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $50,000 - $70,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Burr Ridge, IL, and typical compensation for roles involving sales support, interior design consultation, and retail operations management.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Access to health insurance plans to cover medical needs.

• Dental Insurance: Coverage for dental care services.

• 401k Company Match: Mohawk Industries will match a portion of employee contributions to their 401k retirement savings plan, enhancing long-term financial security.

• Employee Purchase Discount: Special pricing on Mohawk Industries products for employees, offering significant savings on flooring and tile.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development through reimbursement for approved tuition expenses.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are typically 40 hours per week. Given the retail showroom environment, flexibility may be required to accommodate customer needs, including potential weekend or evening work as per business demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary for similar roles in the Chicago area, adjusted for the specified experience level (2-4 years) and the comprehensive nature of the responsibilities. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are typical for full-time roles in established manufacturing companies. The working hours are inferred from the "40 hours per week" mention and common retail operational needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (specifically Tile and Natural Stone) and Retail. Dal-Tile, a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer of tile and natural stone in the United States, indicating a strong presence and established reputation in the building materials and home improvement sectors.

Company Size: Mohawk Industries is a large global corporation, with Dal-Tile being a significant subsidiary. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes, resources, and opportunities for career advancement, alongside the potential for a close-knit team within the specific showroom.

Founded: Mohawk Industries was founded in 1920, and Dal-Tile was founded in 1947. This long history signifies stability, extensive market experience, and a deep understanding of the industry, which translates into established operational practices and a strong brand legacy.

Team Structure:

• The Showroom Design Consultant will likely be part of a local showroom team, which typically includes a Showroom Manager, Sales Representatives, and potentially other support staff.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting directly to the Showroom Manager, who oversees daily operations and sales performance.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with sales teams, marketing departments (for social media and events), and potentially logistics or operations teams responsible for sample inventory and distribution. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not a primary data analyst role, the consultant will use customer data (contact info, preferences) to inform sales strategies and personalize client interactions. Tracking showroom visits and event success metrics will also be important.

• Workflow Planning: The role involves managing daily showroom workflows, from client greeting and consultation to sample management and event coordination, requiring efficient process planning.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, leveraging Microsoft Office Suite efficiently and potentially any CRM tools will be key for operational efficiency. Maintaining organized samples and displays also contributes to efficiency in client selection processes.

Company Website: https://careers.mohawkind.com/DalTile/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes the scale and history of Mohawk Industries and Dal-Tile. For a Showroom Design Consultant, this means working within a large, established organization that values its employees and offers structured career paths. The "family-friendly work environment" and "commitment to promoting from within" are key cultural indicators that suggest a supportive atmosphere and opportunities for internal growth. The emphasis on operations in this section is framed around how the company's size and history influence its operational practices and team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered an entry-to-mid-level position within the retail operations and sales support spectrum. It serves as a foundational role for individuals interested in customer-facing sales, design consultation, and showroom management within the building materials industry. The responsibilities blend customer service, sales support, and operational tasks related to showroom management.

Reporting Structure: The Showroom Design Consultant reports to the Showroom Manager. This structure provides direct oversight and mentorship from an experienced leader within the retail operations framework, offering clear guidance on performance expectations and operational procedures.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue by facilitating product selection, influencing customer purchasing decisions, and driving sales conversions through expert advice and an engaging showroom experience. It also impacts customer satisfaction and brand loyalty by providing exceptional service and maintaining a high standard of showroom presentation. Efficient management of samples and events contributes to the overall operational efficiency of the showroom.

Growth Opportunities:

• Showroom Management Track: Progression to roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, taking on greater responsibility for sales targets, team leadership, and operational oversight.

• Sales Specialization: Development into a senior sales consultant, specializing in specific product lines or customer segments (e.g., high-end residential, commercial projects).

• Design Specialist: Further specialization in interior design or specific product categories, potentially leading to roles in product development, merchandising, or corporate design support.

• Cross-functional Moves: Opportunities to move into other operational roles within Dal-Tile or Mohawk Industries, such as inventory management, event coordination at a larger scale, or customer experience roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined within the retail and sales operations framework. The emphasis on "promoting from within" by Dal-Tile suggests that successful consultants have a clear upward trajectory. For operations professionals, understanding this path is key to seeing how their current operational skills can be leveraged for future advancement. The impact is framed in terms of direct contribution to sales and customer experience, which are critical operational metrics in a retail setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom. This is a customer-facing space designed to showcase flooring and tile products, often featuring display areas, sample libraries, consultation tables, and potentially small office areas for administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Burr Ridge, Illinois. This location is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, suggesting a well-established commercial hub with potential for high customer traffic and diverse client demographics.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction with clients, designers, and internal sales teams. The showroom is designed to be an engaging and inspiring environment for customers.

• Key operations tools and technology available will include Microsoft Office Suite, likely a CRM system for client management, and potentially specialized design software or product visualization tools.

• Opportunities for team interaction are abundant, as the consultant works closely with showroom management and sales staff to support overall business objectives and ensure a cohesive customer experience.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule involves 40 hours per week. However, as it is a retail showroom, flexibility is essential. This may include working some evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet customer demand and ensure showroom coverage. This schedule allows for dedicated time for client consultations, sample management, and administrative tasks, while also accommodating the operational needs of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is customer-centric and dynamic. For operations professionals, understanding the balance between structured operational tasks (sample management, recordkeeping) and the unpredictable nature of customer interactions and sales is crucial. The physical demands, such as lifting 50 pounds, are also a key aspect of the on-site work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and relevant experience. Be prepared to highlight your experience in interior design, customer service, and any operational tasks you've managed.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with the Showroom Manager. Expect questions about your background, understanding of design principles, customer service philosophy, and how you handle challenging client situations. Prepare specific examples of your experience.

• Second Interview (On-site): This may involve meeting additional team members or the District Manager. You will likely be asked to walk through the showroom, demonstrate your product knowledge, and potentially present a brief case study or scenario. This is also a key opportunity to assess cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review (Integrated): Throughout the later stages, you may be asked to present your portfolio. Focus on showcasing relevant projects, your process, and measurable results. Be ready to discuss your approach to sample management, client tracking, and showroom upkeep.

• Final Interview/Offer: If successful, you will receive a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project or example, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your solution, and the positive outcome (e.g., increased sales, high customer satisfaction, improved showroom efficiency). Use quantifiable metrics where possible.

• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your understanding of operational processes by explaining how you achieve results. This includes your methods for client consultation, sample organization, and event support.

• Visual Appeal: As a design-focused role, a visually appealing portfolio is important. Use high-quality images of showroom displays, product selections, or events you were involved in.

• Tailor to Operations: While design is key, highlight aspects of your work that demonstrate organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency in managing tasks and resources.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Have talking points ready for each item in your portfolio, anticipating questions about your role, decision-making process, and challenges faced.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical showroom scenarios (e.g., a difficult client, a product availability issue, a last-minute event request) and ask how you would respond. Focus on your problem-solving and communication strategies.

• Product Knowledge Assessment: Be ready to discuss your knowledge of flooring materials, design trends, and how you stay updated on industry developments.

• Sales & Operations Integration: Understand how the design consultation role contributes to the overall sales goals and operational efficiency of the showroom. Be prepared to discuss how you balance client needs with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both design acumen and operational capability. For an operations-focused candidate, emphasizing the structured approach to client management, inventory, and event logistics in your portfolio and during interviews will be crucial. Demonstrating an understanding of how these operational elements directly support sales and customer satisfaction is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for recordkeeping and basic data analysis, Outlook for communication and scheduling, and PowerPoint for presentations and event materials. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, proprietary Dal-Tile system): Likely used for managing customer interactions, tracking leads, recording client preferences, and monitoring sales pipeline activities. Understanding customer data management and its impact on sales is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): Used for basic tracking of showroom visits, sample inventory levels, event attendance, and potentially simple sales performance reports.

• CRM Reporting Features: If applicable, leveraging CRM dashboards for insights into customer engagement, sales trends, and showroom activity.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: As mentioned, critical for managing customer relationships and sales processes.

• Email & Calendar Management: Outlook or similar tools for scheduling client appointments, coordinating internal meetings, and managing showroom events.

• Social Media Platforms: For managing the showroom's social media presence, requiring familiarity with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, and potentially scheduling tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not a deep technical operations role, proficiency with standard business software is critical. The emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite is explicit. Understanding how to leverage CRM for operational efficiency (client tracking, data management) is also a key expectation. The role requires an operations professional to be adept at using these tools to support sales and maintain showroom order.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A primary focus on providing exceptional service and creating a positive, inspiring experience for every client visiting the showroom. This translates to understanding client needs and guiding them effectively.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards in all interactions, handling client information with discretion, and representing the Dal-Tile brand with professionalism.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with showroom management and sales colleagues to achieve collective goals, share knowledge, and support each other in creating a seamless customer journey.

• Efficiency & Organization: A commitment to maintaining an organized and well-managed showroom, ensuring samples are current, displays are appealing, and administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning new product lines, design trends, and operational best practices to enhance personal performance and contribute to the showroom's success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with sales teams to understand client needs and support their efforts, and with marketing for brand promotion and event execution.

• Process Review Culture: An expectation of sharing feedback on showroom operations, client interactions, and sample management to identify areas for improvement and streamline workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design insights, product knowledge, and customer feedback among team members to foster a collective expertise within the showroom.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between customer-facing excellence and internal operational effectiveness. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into daily tasks—such as meticulous sample management reflecting organization, or effective client communication reflecting customer-centricity—is key to aligning with the team's ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Expertise with Sales Objectives: Effectively translating design consultation into tangible sales outcomes while ensuring client satisfaction can be a delicate balance.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of client preferences, budgets, and project scopes requires adaptability and strong consultative skills.

• Maintaining Showroom Standards: Consistently upholding the visual appeal and operational readiness of the showroom amidst high traffic and sample turnover can be demanding.

• Staying Current with Product Lines and Trends: The flooring industry is dynamic; keeping up-to-date with new products, technologies, and design trends is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Access to ongoing training on Dal-Tile's extensive product lines, new introductions, and emerging interior design trends.

• Sales & Customer Service Workshops: Opportunities to enhance consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management.

• Operations & Showroom Management Exposure: Learning best practices in inventory management, visual merchandising, event coordination, and showroom operations from experienced managers.

• Industry Events & Networking: Potential to attend trade shows and industry events, providing exposure to broader market trends and networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in retail and showroom environments, offering opportunities for operations professionals to apply their problem-solving and process improvement skills. The growth opportunities are designed to build expertise within the design and sales aspects of the role, while also offering exposure to broader operational management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's specific design vision with the practical limitations of budget or product availability. How did you navigate this?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and client management.)

• "How do you approach managing inventory for showroom samples, ensuring accuracy and presentation standards?" (Assess your understanding of inventory control and operational processes.)

• "Walk me through your process for hosting a showroom event or tour for industry professionals. What are the key steps you would take?" (Evaluate your event planning and coordination skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest interior design trends and flooring industry innovations?" (Gauge your commitment to continuous learning and industry knowledge.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries, and why are you interested in working for us?" (Demonstrate research into the company's market position, values, and products.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative workplace?" (Assess your cultural fit and teamwork capabilities.)

• "How do you handle feedback on your design recommendations or showroom presentation?" (Evaluate your receptiveness to constructive criticism and your commitment to improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: For each portfolio item, explain the "why" and "how." Detail your step-by-step approach to client consultations, sample organization, or event planning.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate success. For example, "Successfully guided X number of clients to complete selections," or "Managed inventory for over Y types of samples."

• Highlight Operational Rigor: Emphasize your organizational skills, attention to detail in recordkeeping, and efficiency in managing tasks. This is where you can differentiate yourself as an operations-minded candidate.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio items as mini-case studies. Start with the challenge, describe your actions, and conclude with the positive outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating how your operational skills—organization, process management, client data handling, and efficiency—contribute to the success of the showroom and sales goals. Linking your experience to the company's values and the specific demands of a retail operations environment will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Showroom Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Dal-Tile careers portal at https://careers.mohawkind.com/DalTile/job/Burr-Ridge-SHOWROOM-DESIGN-CONSULTANT-Illi-60527/1418291900/.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in interior design consultation, customer service, showroom operations, inventory management, and any recordkeeping or event coordination tasks. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your design work, client interaction strategies, and any process documentation (e.g., sample management workflow, event checklists). Focus on demonstrating your organizational and operational capabilities.

• Research Dal-Tile & Mohawk Industries: Understand their product lines, market position, and company values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their mission, particularly regarding customer experience and operational excellence in their showrooms.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with scenario-based questions, focusing on how you would manage showroom operations, handle client interactions, and contribute to sales goals.

⚠️ 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.