SHOWROOM DESIGN CONSULTANT - PT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SHOWROOM DESIGN CONSULTANT - PT

Company: Mohawk Industries (Dal-Tile Subsidiary)

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Sales & Customer Support Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Facilitate and support customer and design team sales decisions through expert product selection and industry knowledge.

• Manage and maintain daily showroom operations, ensuring a high-quality customer experience and efficient workflow.

• Drive showroom engagement through planning and hosting tours and events for industry trade professionals.

• Maintain showroom aesthetics and inventory, including samples, displays, and product resources.

• Support brand strategy through social media engagement and participation in external trade events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of backend revenue or sales operations, requires significant operational execution within a retail showroom environment. The emphasis on managing daily activities, inventory, client records, and events aligns with operational management principles. The "PT" designation indicates a Part-Time commitment, which is crucial for candidates to note.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert interior design advice and product knowledge to facilitate customer product selection and project development.

• Maintain accurate and organized client records, including contact information and customer preferences, to support relationship management.

• Manage showroom samples and merchandising by ordering, receiving, organizing, and updating displays in line with company design standards.

• Plan, coordinate, and host showroom tours and events for industry trade professionals to drive sales and build brand awareness.

• Track and manage all showroom activities, including client visits, meetings, and external industry events.

• Serve as a primary liaison between customers, design teams, and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and efficient issue resolution.

• Maintain showroom sample inventory levels by coordinating sample orders, managing the resource library, and removing discontinued products.

• Ensure product displays are current and aligned with company design standards and current product selections.

• Assist with coordinating meetings and special events within the showroom, including catering and entertainment arrangements.

• Contribute to showroom social media efforts, adhering to corporate guidelines, to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

• Perform general showroom maintenance, including restocking and cleaning, to ensure a professional and welcoming environment.

• Potentially attend outside trade events to foster industry relationships and build brand awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales support, client relationship management, administrative tasks, and event coordination, all of which require strong organizational and execution capabilities. The emphasis on "facilitating sales decisions" and "supporting customers and design teams" points to a role that directly impacts the sales pipeline and customer journey within the showroom context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Interior Design, Marketing, Business Administration) or equivalent education and/or experience.

Experience: 2-4 years of relevant experience in a customer-facing, design-oriented, or showroom management role, or equivalent education and/or experience.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of interior design principles and practices.

• Strong understanding of flooring industry practices, standards, and products.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective client and team interaction.

• Proven problem-solving abilities to address customer needs and operational challenges.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

• Effective time management skills to meet deadlines and manage workflow efficiently.

• High level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential client data.

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

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly for sample and display management. Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with social media platforms for brand engagement and marketing.

• Experience in event planning and coordination.

• Knowledge of merchandising and visual display standards.

• Previous experience in a retail showroom environment, particularly within the building materials or design sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of 2-4 years, combined with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, suggests a role that requires a foundational understanding of design principles and customer interaction, rather than an entry-level position. The emphasis on integrity and discretion points to the handling of client information and potentially sensitive sales data.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of interior design consultations, highlighting the process from initial client needs assessment to final product selection.

• Present case studies demonstrating how product selection advice directly influenced project development and sales outcomes.

• Include documentation of client relationship management, such as sample client profiles or interaction logs (anonymized).

• Demonstrate experience in maintaining and organizing product samples and visual merchandising displays. Process Documentation:

• Detail a personal process for managing showroom client visits, from initial greeting to follow-up, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Outline a system for maintaining and updating product sample inventory and resource libraries.

• Provide examples of how you have coordinated or contributed to showroom events or tours.

• Describe how you utilize Microsoft Office Suite tools to manage administrative tasks, client data, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" might not be explicitly required for this client-facing role, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their organizational, client management, and design advisory capabilities. Highlighting past projects where their input led to successful sales or improved showroom operations will be key. The ability to articulate processes for sample management, client tracking, and event coordination is essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Part-Time designation, 2-4 years of experience, and location in Chicago, IL, an estimated hourly rate would range from $20 - $28 per hour. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for design consultants and sales support roles in a major metropolitan area, factoring in the required skills and responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Company Match on 401k: Provides a financial benefit by matching a portion of employee contributions to retirement savings.

• Employee Purchase Discount: Offers discounted pricing on Mohawk Industries products for employees.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Supports ongoing education and professional development by covering a portion of tuition costs.

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for eligible employees.

Working Hours: Part-Time position requiring weekend work. Typical daily hours may vary, but the role demands flexibility to cover showroom operational needs, including potential evening or weekend shifts. The total weekly hours are not explicitly stated but would align with a part-time schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Chicago, IL, and the specified experience level. The Part-Time nature of the role implies that benefits may be prorated or subject to eligibility requirements, which should be confirmed with the employer. The explicit mention of weekend work is critical for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials, Manufacturing (Flooring, Tile, Natural Stone). Mohawk Industries is a global leader in flooring, and Dal-Tile is its largest subsidiary in the U.S., specializing in tile and natural stone. This industry context means a focus on product quality, design trends, and B2B/B2C sales channels.

Company Size: Mohawk Industries is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence. Dal-Tile, as a major subsidiary, operates with substantial resources and a broad employee base. This size offers stability and opportunities for career advancement, but may also mean more structured processes.

Founded: Dal-Tile was founded in 1947, and Mohawk Industries, its parent company, has a long history dating back to 1878. This legacy suggests a company with established practices, a strong market position, and a commitment to long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Showroom Design Consultant likely operates within a specific Dal-Tile showroom, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• Collaboration will occur with other showroom staff, sales representatives, and potentially with regional sales or design teams.

• Cross-functional interaction may include customer service departments, logistics, and marketing for event planning and social media. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Client Support: Utilizing client visit records and preference data to personalize recommendations and improve sales conversion.

• Process Optimization: Streamlining showroom operations, sample management, and event coordination for efficiency and enhanced customer experience.

• Brand Engagement: Employing social media and event strategies to build brand awareness and drive showroom traffic.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "family-friendly" with a commitment to "promoting from within" and offering "unique benefits." This suggests a supportive environment that values employee development and work-life balance, despite the demands of a retail sales role. The "Drugs Don't Work participant" and Equal Opportunity Employer statements indicate a commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor within the sales and customer support function, focusing on showroom operations and client engagement. It's an excellent entry point for those looking to build a career in the flooring and design industry, with a strong emphasis on client interaction and sales support.

Reporting Structure: The Showroom Design Consultant will likely report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks, sales targets, and client management strategies.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue by facilitating product selection, influencing customer purchasing decisions, and driving showroom traffic through events and engagement. Efficient showroom operations, effective client record-keeping, and well-maintained displays contribute to a positive brand image and a smoother sales process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Progress to roles with greater design complexity, client portfolio management, or specialization in specific product lines.

• Showroom Management: Advance into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing daily operations, staff, and sales performance.

• Sales Representative: Transition into field sales roles, leveraging showroom experience and product knowledge to manage client accounts externally.

• Design/Merchandising Roles: Move into positions focused on product display, showroom layout, or trend analysis within the broader design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "promoting from within" philosophy at Mohawk Industries/Dal-Tile is a significant indicator of internal growth potential. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities to be considered for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace will be a professional, customer-facing setting designed to showcase flooring and tile products.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois. The specific showroom location will be provided upon further inquiry or during the application process. Proximity to major design districts or commercial hubs in Chicago is likely.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Will work alongside other showroom staff, sales teams, and interact directly with clients and design professionals.

• Product-Centric: The environment will be heavily focused on product samples, displays, and design resources, requiring a keen eye for detail and organization.

• Customer-Facing: A significant portion of the role involves direct interaction with customers, requiring excellent interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.

Work Schedule: This is a Part-Time position that explicitly requires weekend work. Flexibility in scheduling will be important to accommodate showroom hours and customer needs. Specific daily or weekly hours will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role means candidates should be comfortable in a retail setting, interacting with the public, and physically managing product samples and displays. The Chicago location suggests a dynamic market with a diverse clientele.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager will likely conduct a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.

• Showroom Visit/Interview: Candidates will likely be invited to the Chicago showroom for an in-person interview.

This may include a tour, meeting team members, and discussing responsibilities in detail.

• Design/Sales Simulation: Be prepared for a scenario-based interview where you might be asked to:

  • Advise a hypothetical client on product selection based on a given scenario.
  • Present a product or design concept.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the flooring industry or interior design principles.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a regional manager or senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Presentation: For design-related roles, a visually appealing portfolio is crucial. Use high-quality images of completed projects, mood boards, or design concepts.

• Process Explanation: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate your role, the client's needs, your design process, the products selected, and the final outcome (e.g., client satisfaction, sales conversion).

• Client Management Examples: Include anonymized examples of how you managed client relationships, handled inquiries, or resolved issues.

• Showroom Operations Demonstration: If possible, include examples of merchandising efforts, inventory management approaches, or event coordination.

• Conciseness: Focus on 3-5 strong examples that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries' product lines, especially popular tile and natural stone offerings. Understand their applications and benefits.

• Design Trends: Research current interior design and flooring trends.

• Sales Scenarios: Practice responding to common customer questions, objections, and requests for advice in a showroom setting.

• Operational Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle situations like sample requests, inventory shortages, or customer complaints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both interpersonal skills and practical design/sales acumen. A strong portfolio that visually demonstrates design sensibility and a clear explanation of your process for client engagement and operational tasks will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for record-keeping and basic analysis, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.

• CRM System (Likely): While not explicitly named, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is highly probable for managing client data, tracking interactions, and monitoring sales pipelines. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with CRM platforms in general.

• Inventory Management Software (Potentially): May use a specific system or integrated module within a larger ERP for tracking samples and showroom inventory.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Reporting: Likely involves generating reports on client visits, sales trends, and inventory levels using CRM or spreadsheet software.

• Social Media Analytics: May be involved in tracking engagement metrics for showroom social media posts.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: Crucial for client management, lead tracking, and sales forecasting.

• Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams may be used for team communication within the showroom or with the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Microsoft Office is a stated requirement. Experience with a CRM system is highly recommended, as it's a standard tool for managing customer relationships in sales-oriented environments. Candidates should be prepared to discuss any experience with showroom management software or inventory tracking systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through expert advice and excellent service.

• Integrity and Discretion: Handling client information and sensitive sales data with honesty and confidentiality.

• Efficiency and Organization: Maintaining a well-organized showroom and efficient operational processes to support sales.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, sales teams, and management to achieve showroom goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing opportunities to learn new products, design trends, and operational best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric Collaboration: Working closely with clients to understand their design vision and provide tailored solutions.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborating with sales representatives, showroom managers, and potentially other departments to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance individual performance and team operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a "family-friendly work environment" and "commitment to promoting from within," suggesting a culture that values supportive relationships and employee development. The "Drugs Don't Work participant" statement also points to a commitment to a safe and healthy workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Juggling client consultations, administrative tasks, inventory management, and event planning in a part-time capacity.

• Meeting Sales Targets: Contributing to showroom sales goals through effective product selection and customer engagement.

• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously learning about new flooring products, design styles, and industry best practices.

• Managing Client Expectations: Effectively guiding clients through the selection process, especially when dealing with budget or logistical constraints.

• Weekend Work: Adapting to a schedule that includes weekend shifts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Training: Access to extensive training on Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries' product lines, materials, and installation best practices.

• Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend workshops or seminars on interior design trends, color theory, and space planning.

• Sales Skills Development: Training on consultative selling techniques, customer objection handling, and building client relationships.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced showroom managers and sales professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the flooring and design industry, coupled with practical experience in sales support and showroom operations. The challenges are typical of a client-facing retail role, but the growth opportunities within a large organization like Mohawk Industries are significant.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach helping a client who is unsure about their design style or product choices?" (Assesses consultative selling, problem-solving, and client management.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple competing priorities. How did you ensure everything was completed effectively?" (Evaluates organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.)

• "Imagine a client is interested in a product that is currently out of stock. How would you handle this situation?" (Tests problem-solving, customer service, and communication skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on the current trends in tile and flooring design?" (Gauges industry awareness and passion for design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries specifically?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment, especially in a part-time role?" (Evaluates teamwork and cultural fit.)

• "How do you ensure you maintain a high level of integrity and discretion when handling client information?" (Tests understanding of company values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Design Impact: For each project, emphasize how your design advice contributed to the client's satisfaction and the project's success.

• Showcase Process: Clearly explain your client consultation process, from understanding needs to final selection, demonstrating a structured approach.

• Quantify Results (If Possible): If you can, mention how your selections or showroom contributions led to sales, positive customer feedback, or improved showroom presentation.

• Tailor to Showroom Operations: Connect your portfolio examples to the specific responsibilities of a Showroom Design Consultant, such as sample management or client record-keeping.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only their design sensibility but also their operational capabilities, including client management, organization, and communication skills. Researching current design trends and the specific product lines of Dal-Tile will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Part-Time Showroom Design Consultant position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in interior design, customer service, sales support, and any showroom or retail operations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong examples of your design work, client consultation process, and any relevant operational contributions (e.g., merchandising, inventory). Be ready to present these visually and discuss your role.

• Research Dal-Tile and Mohawk Industries: Understand their product offerings, brand values, and recent projects. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their company culture.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare answers for behavioral, situational, and technical questions related to design, sales, and showroom operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Mohawk Industries during the application and interview process. Pay close attention to the Part-Time designation and weekend work requirements.