Showroom Design Consultant - Madison

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Showroom Design Consultant

Company: JC LICHT

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive retail sales and customer engagement within the home fashions department, focusing on paint, wallcoverings, and custom window treatments.

• Cultivate and manage client relationships, providing expert design advice and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the selection and purchase process.

• Collaborate with In-Home Services designers to generate qualified appointments and expand service offerings.

• Utilize POS systems for quoting, transactions, and overall store operations management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

• Contribute to a positive and "radically excellent" retail environment by embodying company values and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while in a retail setting, has significant operational aspects related to sales process management, client relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration with an In-Home Services division, aligning it with GTM operations that focus on customer engagement and revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Greet, engage, and consult with in-store clients to identify their needs and preferences for paint colors, wallcoverings, and custom window treatments, translating their design visions into tangible solutions.

• Proactively offer expert advice and product knowledge on JC Licht's extensive line of home fashion products, guiding customers towards informed purchasing decisions.

• Consistently meet and exceed individual sales goals and contribute to the overall sales performance of the Madison store's home fashions department.

• Actively cultivate and schedule appointments for the In-Home Services division, acting as a key liaison between showroom clients and in-home designers.

• Build and nurture a loyal customer base through effective networking, personalized client follow-up, and ensuring post-sale satisfaction to drive repeat business and referrals.

• Efficiently manage the Point of Sale (POS) system to generate accurate quotes, process all transactions for paint, sundries, and home fashion products, and maintain transaction integrity.

• Collaborate effectively with fellow team members, including paint and sundries sales associates and In-Home Services designers, to ensure a seamless and positive customer journey.

• Maintain an organized and visually appealing showroom environment, ensuring product displays are current and inviting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct sales, consultative design, and operational process management (POS, appointment generation), which are critical in a retail GTM strategy. The role requires proactive engagement and relationship building, key for revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal education in design is not explicitly required, a strong understanding of color theory, interior design principles, and current home décor trends is highly beneficial. The company emphasizes passion and creativity over formal qualifications.

Experience: Entry-level candidates with 0-2 years of experience are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in retail sales, customer service, or a design-adjacent field is advantageous but not mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with a genuine desire to assist clients.

• Strong sales acumen and a proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for client consultations and team collaboration.

• Proficiency in engaging customers, uncovering needs, and presenting solutions.

• Ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with clients.

• Basic understanding of networking and client follow-up strategies.

• Competency in using a POS system for transactions and quoting.

• Adaptability and a willingness to learn about a wide range of products.

• Availability to work Saturdays.

• Ability to perform light physical tasks, including lifting. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated passion for interior design, color, and home décor.

• Familiarity with custom window treatments, wallcoverings, and paint products.

• Experience in cultivating leads or generating appointments for service divisions.

• Basic knowledge of CRM principles for client management.

• Proactive approach to problem-solving and customer issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "passion" and "creativity" over formal education suggests that the company values intrinsic motivation and a customer-centric mindset, which are crucial for success in a client-facing sales and design operations role. The required Saturday availability is a common operational constraint in retail.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples or be ready to discuss past experiences that demonstrate their design sensibility, customer engagement skills, and ability to drive sales. This could include personal design projects, examples of customer interactions, or scenarios where they've successfully guided clients to a purchase.

• Showcase an understanding of the sales cycle from initial client engagement to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a typical design consultation, from understanding client needs to recommending specific products.

• Demonstrate an ability to learn and effectively utilize new systems, particularly the POS and any internal client management tools. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of customer service processes and how they contribute to overall sales efficiency.

• Be ready to articulate how they would approach learning and documenting the JC Licht sales process for home fashion products.

• Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of accurate transaction processing and customer data management within a retail POS system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail design role, the "portfolio" is less about formal work samples and more about demonstrating conceptual understanding and practical application of sales and customer service processes. The focus will be on the candidate's ability to articulate their thought process and learning agility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 - $23 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) with Company Matching

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Voluntary Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Voluntary Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Critical Care Insurance

• Paid Training

• Paid Holidays and Time Off

• Referral Program

• Employee Discount

• Bonus Plans

Working Hours: The role requires availability to work Saturdays. While specific daily hours are not detailed, full-time positions typically involve approximately 40 hours per week, with scheduling likely aligned with showroom operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $20-23/hour for Madison, WI, is competitive for entry-level retail design consultant roles, reflecting the specialized nature of the position. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 401(k) match and extensive voluntary insurance options, indicates a commitment to employee well-being, even for roles that may not initially be management-level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: JC Licht operates within the Retail and Home Furnishings sector, specializing in paint, wallcoverings, and custom window treatments. Their long history, dating back to 1907, positions them as an established and trusted provider in the Midwest market.

Company Size: JC Licht has 65 locations across the Midwest, indicating a medium-to-large retail footprint. This size suggests a structured operational framework with established processes, while still maintaining a "family" atmosphere as described.

Founded: Founded in 1907, JC Licht has over a century of experience, emphasizing stability, deep product knowledge, and a strong understanding of customer needs within their operational region.

Team Structure:

• The Madison store likely operates with a team that includes sales consultants for paint and sundries, and potentially other support staff.

• The Showroom Design Consultant works closely with the In-Home Services division, indicating a collaborative structure that bridges in-store and at-home customer engagement.

• Reporting lines are likely to a Store Manager or a designated Home Fashions Department Manager. Methodology:

• JC Licht emphasizes providing "expert advice" and "outstanding service," suggesting a customer-centric operational methodology focused on education and problem-solving.

• The company culture is described as "audacious" and "radically excellent," implying a drive for continuous improvement and a high standard for performance and customer interaction.

• Sales and design processes are structured to guide customers from initial inquiry through product selection and purchase, with a focus on building long-term relationships.

Company Website: https://www.jclicht.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's century-long history and extensive network of locations suggest robust operational processes and a deep understanding of the retail market. The emphasis on being a "family" implies a supportive internal culture, which can impact team collaboration and employee retention in operational roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level within the retail operations and design consulting field. It serves as a foundational position for individuals looking to build a career in sales, customer engagement, and interior design within a structured retail environment. The focus is on developing core competencies in sales, product knowledge, and client relations.

Reporting Structure: The Showroom Design Consultant will likely report to the Store Manager or a designated Home Fashions Manager within the Madison location. Collaboration will extend to the In-Home Services team, requiring effective communication and coordination across different operational functions.

Operations Impact: The Showroom Design Consultant directly impacts store revenue through sales generation and indirectly through customer satisfaction, which drives repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. By cultivating leads for the In-Home Services division, they also contribute to the growth of a specialized, higher-value service offering. Their ability to effectively manage the sales process and customer interactions is critical to operational efficiency and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Progress to senior sales consultant roles, potentially specializing in specific product lines or becoming a subject matter expert.

• Design Advancement: Develop expertise in interior design, possibly leading to roles within the In-Home Services division or as a lead designer.

• Team Leadership: With demonstrated success and leadership potential, opportunities may arise for supervisory or management roles within a store, overseeing sales teams and daily operations.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in various aspects of retail operations, from inventory management to visual merchandising, and customer service management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests a clear trajectory from a customer-facing operational role to potential leadership or specialized design positions, appealing to individuals looking for a structured career progression within the retail industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment, characterized by a customer-facing sales floor and potentially back-office areas for administrative tasks and inventory. The space is designed to showcase products like paint, wallcoverings, and window treatments.

Office Location(s): The specific showroom is located at 2501 Advance Rd, Madison, WI 53718. This location is accessible within the Madison area, serving local residents and businesses.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is dynamic, involving direct interaction with customers in a consultative sales setting.

• Access to product samples, color swatches, and display materials is essential for client consultations.

• The environment requires collaboration with team members, including those in paint sales and the In-Home Services division, fostering a team-oriented operational dynamic.

• Employees are expected to be on their feet for extended periods, engaging with clients and managing showroom displays.

Work Schedule: The role requires availability to work Saturdays. Full-time employees typically work around 40 hours per week, with specific daily schedules determined by store operating hours and team coverage needs. Flexibility to accommodate customer demand is a key aspect of the retail operational schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site, customer-centric work environment is typical for retail sales roles. The emphasis on collaboration and client engagement highlights the importance of interpersonal skills in this operational setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, motivations, and understanding of the role.

Be prepared to articulate your passion for design and customer service.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Store Manager or Home Fashions Manager. You may be asked to:

  • Walk through a hypothetical design consultation scenario.
  • Discuss how you would handle challenging customer requests or sales situations.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of color theory or design principles.
  • Explain your approach to client follow-up and relationship building.

• Potential Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a brief assessment related to color matching, design concepts, or customer service scenarios.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion to assess cultural fit, overall suitability, and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While not a formal portfolio submission, be prepared to discuss projects or experiences that highlight your design eye and customer engagement skills. Think about:

  • Personal home décor projects you've undertaken.
  • Times you've helped friends or family with design choices.
  • Any retail sales achievements or customer service commendations.

• Practice articulating your design process: how you assess a client's needs, suggest options, and guide them to a final decision.

• Be ready to explain your understanding of JC Licht's product categories (paint, wallcoverings, window treatments) and how you would present their benefits. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions about how you handle sales objections, manage multiple client requests simultaneously, and maintain a positive attitude.

• Prepare examples of how you have used your communication and interpersonal skills to resolve customer issues or exceed expectations.

• Think about how you would contribute to a "radically excellent" and "audacious" team culture, focusing on proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills and cultural fit, common for customer-facing retail operations roles. Candidates should focus on demonstrating enthusiasm, a strong customer-centric mindset, and a proactive approach to sales and service.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, generating quotes, managing sales data, and potentially inventory tracking. Proficiency or the ability to quickly learn a new POS system is critical.

• Product Knowledge Resources: Access to JC Licht's internal product catalogs, training materials, and potentially digital tools for visualizing paint colors, wallcoverings, and window treatment options.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing analytics, understanding basic sales reporting derived from the POS system (e.g., sales volume, transaction value) will be beneficial for tracking personal performance against goals. CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly stated, the role involves client follow-up and building a customer base, suggesting the potential use of a CRM system or similar client database for managing contacts and interactions. The company may use an integrated system within their POS or a separate tool.

• Communication Tools: Standard office communication tools for internal team coordination (e.g., email, internal messaging platforms).

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technology focus is on the POS system, which is central to retail operations. The ability to quickly adapt to and effectively use these operational tools is a key requirement for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to providing "expert advice" and "outstanding service" to every customer, ensuring their design vision becomes a reality.

• Excellence & Audacity: A drive to be "radically excellent" and "audacious" in all aspects of work, pushing boundaries and striving for continuous improvement in sales and customer experience.

• Teamwork & Family: A collaborative environment where team members support each other, recognizing that "everyone is equally important" to the company's success.

• Integrity & Trust: Building rapport and earning client business through honest advice and reliable product knowledge, fostering long-term customer relationships.

• Growth & Learning: A culture that supports employee development through paid training and encourages the acquisition of new skills and product knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with paint and sundries sales associates and the In-Home Services division, necessitating clear communication and a shared understanding of customer needs.

• Supportive Environment: The "family" atmosphere suggests an open and supportive team dynamic, where feedback is likely welcomed and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Client-Centric Approach: All team interactions should ultimately serve the goal of providing an exceptional experience for the customer, from showroom consultation to potential in-home service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "audacious" and "radically excellent" suggest a dynamic and performance-driven culture, balanced with a supportive "family" approach. This blend is important for operations professionals to understand for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sales Goal Attainment: Consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets in a competitive retail environment requires strong sales skills, product knowledge, and effective client engagement strategies.

• Balancing Multiple Needs: Managing various client requests simultaneously, from paint color consultations to detailed window treatment selections, while also supporting the In-Home Services division.

• Product Breadth: Mastering extensive product knowledge across paint, wallcoverings, and custom window treatments, and staying updated on new offerings and trends.

• Customer Demands: Handling diverse customer expectations, preferences, and budgets, and finding solutions that meet their needs and company objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Mastery: Deepen expertise in JC Licht's full range of home fashion products, becoming a go-to resource for clients and colleagues.

• Sales Techniques: Hone consultative selling skills, negotiation, and closing techniques through practical experience and potential company training.

• Design Principles: Develop a sophisticated understanding of interior design, color theory, and trend forecasting, potentially leading to more advanced design roles.

• Operations Familiarity: Gain insights into retail operations, including POS management, customer service protocols, and cross-departmental collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a client-facing retail sales role, emphasizing the need for resilience, strong interpersonal skills, and a continuous learning mindset. The growth opportunities offer a clear path for professional development within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully helped a customer achieve their design vision. What was your process?" (Focus on your consultative approach, product knowledge, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you stay motivated to meet sales goals, especially during slower periods?" (Highlight your proactivity, customer engagement strategies, and resilience.)

• "Imagine a customer is undecided between several paint colors. How would you guide them to a decision?" (Demonstrate your understanding of color theory, client needs assessment, and persuasive communication.)

• "How would you balance your responsibilities as a Showroom Design Consultant with the need to generate leads for the In-Home Services division?" (Show your understanding of cross-functional collaboration and revenue generation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about JC Licht and our commitment to being 'radically excellent'?" (Research the company's history, values, and market position.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially given our 'family' culture?" (Provide examples of teamwork and your approach to supporting colleagues.)

• "What does outstanding customer service mean to you in a retail design context?" (Align your definition with JC Licht's emphasis on expert advice and customer satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare to discuss your personal passion for design and how it translates into understanding customer needs.

• Be ready to walk through a hypothetical design project: from initial client contact, understanding their needs (budget, style, function), recommending products (paint, wallcovering, window treatments), and closing the sale.

• Highlight instances where you've built rapport with clients or successfully followed up to ensure satisfaction.

• If you have any visual examples of your design work (even personal projects), be ready to share them and explain your thought process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just sales skills, but also a genuine passion for design, a strong customer-centric approach, and an understanding of how this role contributes to the broader operational and revenue goals of JC Licht.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.paylocity.com platform.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight any experience in retail sales, customer service, interior design, or consultative roles. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by X%").

• Prepare your "portfolio" narrative: Be ready to discuss specific examples of your customer engagement skills, design sensibility, and any experience with sales processes or POS systems.

• Research JC Licht: Understand their history, product lines, and company culture, particularly their emphasis on being "audacious" and "radically excellent."

• Practice interview responses: Rehearse answers to common retail sales and customer service questions, as well as scenario-based questions related to design consultation and sales challenges.

⚠️ 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.

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