Showroom Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant

Company: Mohawk Industries (Dal-Tile Subsidiary)

Location: Houston, Texas

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Showroom & Design Focus)

Date Posted: September 23, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales and brand awareness by providing expert interior design advice and product selection guidance for tile and natural stone.

• Cultivate new business opportunities through proactive prospecting and outside sales calls, focusing on custom builders and residential designers.

• Maintain showroom aesthetics and product merchandising standards to enhance customer experience and facilitate sales.

• Utilize Customer Management Tools (CMT) for detailed client logging, follow-up, and sales tracking to ensure pipeline conversion.

• Plan and execute showroom events and participate in trade events to foster industry relationships and expand market reach.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Showroom Design Consultant," the core responsibilities heavily lean into sales and business development within a retail showroom environment. This role requires a blend of design acumen, sales strategy, and operational diligence in customer management and merchandising. The "operations" aspect is centered on the efficient management of the showroom as a sales engine and the customer journey within it.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert interior design consultation, offering product recommendations and selection assistance for tile and natural stone projects, ensuring customer satisfaction and driving sales closures.

• Meticulously log all client showroom visits, contact details, and specific preferences within the CMT system, ensuring comprehensive data for effective lead management and follow-up.

• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities through targeted prospecting of custom builders and residential designers, including conducting necessary outside sales calls.

• Oversee showroom sample inventory, ordering, and display maintenance, ensuring all merchandising adheres to company and marketing standards for optimal product presentation.

• Organize and host showroom tours, client events, and industry trade events to enhance customer engagement, build brand loyalty, and generate sales leads.

• Collaborate with internal sales teams and management to report on sales activities, pipeline status, and market insights, contributing to overall GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on logging client information in CMT, prospecting for new business, and reporting sales closures indicates a strong sales operations component. The responsibility for maintaining showroom samples and merchandising also touches on operational efficiency in a retail setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Interior Design, Marketing, Business) OR

• Associate's degree in a related field combined with relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-4 years of direct experience in interior design, sales, or a showroom-based customer-facing role.

• Proven track record in customer engagement, sales, and relationship building. Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Strong understanding of design principles, color coordination, space planning, and current interior design trends, particularly in hard surfaces like tile and stone.

• Product Knowledge: Ability to quickly learn and articulate product features, benefits, and applications for a diverse range of tile and natural stone products.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to influence purchasing decisions, manage sales pipelines, and close deals effectively.

• Customer Service Excellence: Exceptional skills in engaging customers, understanding their needs, and providing tailored solutions to ensure a positive showroom experience.

• CRM Proficiency: Experience with Customer Management Tools (CMT) or similar CRM systems for logging interactions, tracking leads, and managing customer data.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, listening, and interpersonal communication abilities for effective interaction with diverse clientele and internal teams.

• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, presentations, and data management.

• Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to conceptualize innovative design solutions and troubleshoot customer challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with reading blueprints or architectural drawings.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising best practices in a retail or showroom environment.

• Experience in prospecting and outside sales, specifically targeting custom builders and residential designers.

• Knowledge of local Houston market design trends and key industry players.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree combined with experience, and the specific mention of "customer management tools a plus," suggests a need for candidates who can blend design creativity with structured sales operations processes. The "2-5 years" experience level implies a need for individuals who are beyond entry-level but still developing their expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A curated selection of design projects demonstrating interior design skills, product application, and aesthetic sensibility, particularly in tile and stone.

• Sales Impact: Case studies or examples that highlight how your design consultations translated into successful sales, including quantifiable results if possible.

• Customer Journey Mapping: Documentation or examples of how you managed customer interactions from initial contact to sale closure, showcasing your approach to customer engagement and follow-up.

• Merchandising Examples: Visual documentation of showroom displays or product merchandising you have contributed to, illustrating attention to detail and brand presentation.

Process Documentation:

• Client Engagement Workflow: Outline your typical process for engaging with a showroom visitor, from initial greeting to needs assessment, product recommendation, and sales closing.

• Lead Management Process: Detail your methodology for logging leads, scheduling follow-ups, and nurturing prospects through the sales funnel using CRM tools.

• Merchandising & Inventory Management: Describe your approach to maintaining showroom samples, ensuring product availability, and adhering to visual merchandising standards.

• Event Planning & Execution: Provide examples or a framework for planning and executing successful showroom events or client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role balancing design and sales, a portfolio should visually demonstrate design talent while also providing evidence of sales success and operational efficiency in customer and showroom management. This is crucial for operations roles where tangible results and structured processes are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for Showroom Design Consultants in Houston, Texas, with 2-5 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the blend of design expertise, sales responsibilities, and the required on-site presence, including weekend work.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: Company match on 401k contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Employee Discounts: Significant employee purchase discounts on Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries products.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and skill enhancement.

• Work-Life Balance: While Saturdays are required, the company emphasizes a supportive, family-friendly work environment and promotes work-life balance where possible.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• Mandatory Saturday work is a key component of this role.

• Evening hours may also be required to accommodate client appointments or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in a major metropolitan area like Houston, considering the experience level and specific responsibilities. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, with additional common benefits for full-time roles at large manufacturing companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials / Manufacturing (specifically Tile and Natural Stone). Mohawk Industries is the largest manufacturer of tile and natural stone in the United States. Dal-Tile is a prominent subsidiary within this segment, known for its extensive product lines and showroom presence.

Company Size: Mohawk Industries is a large, publicly traded company (NYSE: MHK) employing tens of thousands globally. Dal-Tile, as a major subsidiary, operates with a significant footprint, likely employing thousands across its manufacturing, distribution, and showroom network.

Founded: Dal-Tile was founded in 1947 and acquired by Mohawk Industries in 2012. This history indicates a stable, established company with deep roots in the industry, focused on growth and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Team: You will likely be part of a local showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This team will include other sales consultants, potentially design assistants, and showroom support staff.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Regular interaction with regional sales teams, marketing departments (for event support and merchandising standards), and potentially operations/logistics for product availability.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role involves direct customer interaction and sales reporting, with a clear line of reporting up through management, likely focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, customer acquisition, and showroom traffic.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: Emphasis on using the CMT system to track customer interactions, sales progress, and market insights to inform sales strategies.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the customer experience within the showroom to build relationships, drive specifications, and secure sales.

• Merchandising Standards: Adherence to established visual merchandising guidelines to create an appealing and effective sales environment.

• Event-Based Marketing: Utilizing showroom events and trade participation as key drivers for lead generation and brand building.

Company Website: https://www.mohawkind.com/ and https://www.dal-tile.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Mohawk's scale and Dal-Tile's role within it is crucial. The culture is likely a blend of large corporate structure with a focus on retail sales performance and customer experience, emphasizing brand consistency and operational efficiency in showrooms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level position. It requires a blend of specialized design knowledge and practical sales experience, moving beyond entry-level support to independent client management and business development. The responsibilities indicate a professional who can operate autonomously within defined sales and operational frameworks.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Showroom Design Consultant reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This manager oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development within the showroom.

Operations Impact: The Showroom Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales and customer acquisition. Their ability to effectively manage the showroom experience, provide expert advice, and prospect for new business contributes significantly to Dal-Tile's market share and brand reputation in the Houston region. Effective operations in customer management and merchandising directly support sales goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Progression to Showroom Manager, Regional Sales Manager, or Account Executive roles, managing larger territories or teams.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific product lines (e.g., luxury stone, commercial tile) or design niches.

• Operations Management: Potential transition into roles focused on showroom operations, visual merchandising management, or sales operations support at a broader level.

• Training & Development: Access to ongoing product training, sales technique workshops, and potentially industry certifications supported by the company's tuition reimbursement program.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone into sales and operations management within the building materials sector. The emphasis on sales performance and customer relationship management provides a solid foundation for advancement into leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace is customer-facing, designed to showcase a wide array of tile and natural stone products. It will include display areas, product samples, consultation spaces, and potentially a back office for administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Houston, Texas (specific address: 77098). This location is in a key metropolitan area, suggesting a high-traffic showroom serving a diverse customer base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual client consultations are common, there's a need for teamwork within the showroom to support colleagues, manage shared resources, and ensure overall showroom presentation.

• Product & Technology: Access to extensive product samples, potentially digital design tools or visualization software, and the company's CRM (CMT) system.

• Customer Interaction: A dynamic environment with constant interaction with homeowners, contractors, designers, and builders, requiring adaptability and excellent interpersonal skills.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Crucially, this role requires mandatory work on Saturdays.

• Evening hours may be necessary for client appointments or showroom events. This schedule demands flexibility and a commitment to being present during peak customer traffic times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site, customer-facing nature of this role is paramount. Candidates must be comfortable working in a retail setting, including weekends, and be adept at managing a dynamic environment with diverse customer needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth interview with the Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. Expect questions about your design background, sales experience, customer service philosophy, and problem-solving skills. This stage will likely involve discussing your approach to prospecting and client management.

3. Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing your design work and sales achievements. Be prepared to discuss your process, client interactions, and the impact of your contributions.

4. Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a scenario-based exercise or a design challenge to evaluate your practical skills in product selection, client consultation, or problem-solving within a showroom context.

5. Final Interview: May involve meeting with a higher-level manager or a panel to confirm fit and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your design aesthetic, your ability to work with tile and stone, and your success in client consultations that led to sales.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics. For example, "Increased sales for Project X by 15% through strategic product recommendations," or "Secured 5 new custom builder accounts in Q3."

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, how you understood the client's needs, and how you used your product expertise to meet those needs.

• Highlight CRM Use: If possible, include an example of how you used CRM or client management tools to track a project or nurture a client relationship.

• Tailor to Dal-Tile: Research Dal-Tile's product lines and current design trends. Emphasize projects that align with their offerings and brand image.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to receive a client brief (e.g., a specific room, budget, style) and select appropriate Dal-Tile products, explaining your choices and how you would present them.

• Sales Objection Handling: Prepare responses to common sales objections related to price, product durability, or design choices.

• Showroom Operations: Think about how you would handle a busy showroom day, manage multiple client appointments, and maintain merchandising standards simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both design talent and sales operational capability. A strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results and a clear understanding of the sales process is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Customer Management Tool (CMT): Essential for logging client visits, contact information, preferences, and tracking sales progress. Proficiency or ability to quickly learn this system is critical.

• MS Office Suite:

  • Word: For client communication, reports, and documentation.
  • Excel: For tracking sales data, managing inventory lists, and potentially basic reporting.
  • PowerPoint: For client presentations, event materials, and internal reporting.

• Product Catalogs & Samples: Extensive physical and potentially digital access to Dal-Tile and Mohawk product lines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CMT Reporting: Leveraging the CRM's built-in reporting features to track sales performance, customer acquisition, and pipeline status.

• Sales Data Analysis: Ability to interpret sales figures and trends to identify opportunities and challenges.

CRM & Automation:

• CMT: The primary tool for managing customer relationships and sales workflows.

• Potential for Digital Visualization Tools: Some showrooms may utilize software for digital renderings or mood boards to help clients visualize selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with CRM systems, particularly for sales tracking and customer management, is a core operational requirement. Proficiency in MS Office is standard, but how it's applied to sales operations (reporting, presentations) is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A paramount focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations throughout the design and selection process.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and surpass sales targets through effective consultation, product knowledge, and relationship building.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work with team members, share knowledge, and support overall showroom success.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulousness in logging customer information, maintaining showroom standards, and following up on leads.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning new product lines, design trends, and sales techniques to enhance performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Team Support: Showroom staff are expected to support each other, especially during busy periods, ensuring all customers receive prompt attention.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effective communication with sales management, marketing, and potentially logistics teams to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on sales strategies, design approaches, and showroom operations to foster a culture of growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of individual sales performance and team-based support within a retail environment. Success hinges on both personal drive and the ability to function effectively within a team structure focused on customer satisfaction and sales targets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the direct pressure of sales targets and closing deals.

• Managing Diverse Clientele: Catering to a wide range of customer needs, budgets, and design preferences, from DIY homeowners to professional designers.

• Weekend Work Requirement: Adapting to a schedule that includes mandatory Saturdays, which can impact personal life and requires strong time management.

• Market Competition: Staying ahead of competitors by offering superior design advice, product knowledge, and customer service in a competitive market.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuously learning about new tile and stone materials, installation methods, and design trends to maintain expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Regular training sessions on new product lines, materials, and technologies from Dal-Tile and Mohawk.

• Sales Skills Enhancement: Workshops and resources focused on consultative selling, negotiation, and customer relationship management.

• Design Trends: Opportunities to stay abreast of interior design trends through industry publications, trade shows, and company-provided resources.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into management or specialized sales roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges typical of customer-facing sales positions in specialized retail, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are tied to performance and a willingness to take on greater responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's design vision with practical constraints like budget or installation feasibility. How did you approach it?" (Assesses problem-solving, client management, and product knowledge).

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, especially in the tile and stone industry?" (Evaluates proactivity and industry engagement).

• "Walk me through your process for prospecting and closing a sale with a new custom builder or designer." (Tests sales methodology and business development approach).

• "How would you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a product selection or design recommendation?" (Assesses customer service and conflict resolution skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries, and why are you interested in working here?" (Tests research and genuine interest).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our showroom's sales goals and customer experience?" (Focuses on impact and alignment with company objectives).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and team dynamic." (Assesses cultural fit and collaboration style). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, craft a brief narrative: the client's initial need, your design solution, the products used (emphasizing Dal-Tile if applicable), and the positive outcome (e.g., sale closed, client satisfaction).

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. High-quality images are crucial.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value you brought, whether it was increased sales, improved client satisfaction, or successful project completion. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your steps from initial consultation to final sale, highlighting how you used your design expertise and sales skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of both design principles and sales operations. Be prepared to speak about your processes, results, and how you leverage tools like CRM to achieve success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Showroom Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Dal-Tile careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in interior design, sales, customer relationship management, and any CRM system usage. Use keywords from the job description such as "showroom," "design consultant," "product expertise," "sales," "customer engagement," and "CMT."

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather 3-5 of your most relevant design and sales projects. Focus on showcasing your ability to consult, influence purchasing decisions, and drive sales. Be ready to present this portfolio with clear narratives and quantifiable results.

• Research Dal-Tile: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, target markets (residential, commercial), and brand values. Understand their position in the market and what differentiates them.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for questions about your design process, sales approach, customer service philosophy, and how you handle challenges. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it's concise, impactful, and clearly demonstrates your value.

⚠️ 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.