Job Description

Our retail expansion in key markets starts with hiring not only the best leaders but also hiring a stellar team.  As Design Consultant, you will be responsible for many facets of elevating our guest experience with an emphasis on nurturing the growth of our complimentary design service. Your partnership with other Design Consultants will help promote external outreach within the community to support and expand our current market penetration. You are the champion of guest engagement so that our guest will experience an inspiring shopping event where they feel empowered to customize their space.

The Design Consultant Position

Primary Responsibilities

Understand the design industry and our Design Solutions (DS) business acumen
Coordinate needs, present solutions and alternatives to individual guest that are seeking design expertise.  This encounter should culminate in sales growth within the market
Provide design expertise for scheduled appointments (Studio and Home visits), virtual appointments, and “on-demand” design time
Schedule and conduct professional Home Visits as a next step in completing design presentations and closing project sales
Build guest loyalty through in-store programs including, but not limited to, Design Services, Ballard Designs private label credit card, and community outreach programs
In partnership with the corporate retail team, facilitate the store presentation of the Ballard Designs swatch library, including swatch ordering, maintenance and organization, as well as provide viable solutions to elevate the overall guest experience while working with upholstery
Proactively identify and network with local organizations and businesses that would benefit from Design Solutions services and provide them with DS marketing materials.
Partner with the Design Solutions team to promote the Designer Trade program, ultimately driving business
Coordinate and host guest outreach events and design classes with the partnership of the corporate retail team.
Work directly with the Store Manager and Senior Design Consultant to meet varying time requirements for all aspects of the Design Solutions program for the goal of an organized and efficient DS work flow
Support the retail store team in varied responsibilities, including (but not limited to), order entry, visual floorsets and merchandising, reinforcement of store maintenance and standards, and product training activities

Qualifications/Experience 

College degree with focus on interior design preferred and/or equivalent job experience
The ideal candidate will have 2 – 5 year’s experience in interior design, consultation and event planning
Provide a design portfolio or clear examples of recent projects
Strong space planning skills
Employ basic drafting skills with the ability to read and interpret architectural plans and basic floor plans
Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and other web based platforms
Ability to work independently without close supervision
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple objectives simultaneously with various time lines
Excellent communications, delegation, follow-up and analytical skills
Broad knowledge of competitors and trends, colors and special planning
Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time
Ability to be mobile outside of the Studio and comfortable conducting Home Visits with established guests
Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays
Maintain all driving expense and mileage records for In-Home consultations
Valid Driver’s License with satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report from applicable state
Ability to lift and mobilize medium to large items, up to 50lbs
Ability to travel occasionally to support our ever-expanding retail market
Ability to continually smile, be nice, and be genuinely friendly in an environment where guest are the reason we are in business