Design Consultant

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Tiered commission structure

Mileage reimbursement

Benefits package

Strong work-life balance

Job summary

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, Inc. in Chicago seeks an Inside/Outside Sales Design Consultant to grow Carlisle's presence across Chicagoland and Midwest territories, combining showroom engagement with active market development.

Based in the Merchandise Mart showroom, you will cultivate relationships with architects, interior designers, builders, and industry professionals while managing the full sales cycle and achieving sales goals.

Qualifications

• Track record of sales success, especially in prospecting and new-business development.
• Ability to build and grow high-value accounts with architects, designers, and builders.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Chicago, Chicagoland, and Midwest markets.

Responsibilities

• Prospect and develop new business throughout Chicago, Chicagoland, and Midwest markets.
• Build and strengthen relationships with architects, interior designers, builders, developers, and industry professionals.
• Host showroom visitors and scheduled appointments, delivering a polished client experience.
• Conduct presentations at architecture and design firms to introduce Carlisle products and custom capabilities.
• Visit builder offices, job sites, and active projects to develop opportunities.

Skills

Prospecting

Relationship-building

CRM proficiency

Travel readiness

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Design Consultant - Inside/Outside Sales | Chicago

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors

About Carlisle

For nearly 60 years, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors has set the standard for American-made luxury hardwood flooring. Every floor is custom-crafted at our New Hampshire mill using exceptional materials, expert craftsmanship, and techniques refined over generations.

We work with leading architects, interior designers, builders, and homeowners on luxury residential and commercial projects across the country. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, customization, sustainability, and timeless design.

We are seeking an Inside/Outside Sales Design Consultant to join our Chicago showroom and help grow Carlisle's presence across Chicagoland and assigned Midwest markets.

About the Role

This is a full-time, on-site sales position based in our Chicago showroom at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago. The role combines sophisticated showroom sales with active outside business development throughout Chicago, Chicagoland, and assigned Midwest territories, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and downstate Illinois.

You'll work with showroom visitors, scheduled appointments, and inbound inquiries while also proactively prospecting for new business, developing professional relationships, and meeting with architects, interior designers, builders, and other industry professionals.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys the sophistication of a luxury showroom environment but also has the entrepreneurial drive to get out into the market, build relationships, and create new opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Tiered commission structure based on sales performance
• Mileage reimbursement for approved business-related travel, including client appointments, job sites, industry events, and assigned markets
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Strong emphasis on a healthy work-life balance
• Opportunity for professional growth within an established luxury brand

What You'll Do

• Proactively prospect and develop new business throughout Chicago, Chicagoland, and assigned Midwest markets.
• Build and strengthen relationships with architects, interior designers, builders, developers, and other industry professionals.
• Host showroom visitors and scheduled appointments, delivering a polished and highly personalized client experience.
• Conduct presentations at architecture and design firms to introduce Carlisle products, custom capabilities, and solutions.
• Visit builder offices, construction sites, and active projects to develop relationships and support sales opportunities.
• Manage the full sales process from initial prospecting and inquiry through specification, proposal, follow-up, and signed order.
• Develop and grow long-term relationships with high-value residential and commercial clients.
• Identify new accounts, projects, and opportunities while expanding business within established relationships.
• Develop deep product knowledge in wood species, grades, milling, finishes, installation methods, and custom capabilities.
• Maintain showroom displays and presentation standards consistent with the Carlisle brand.
• Consistently utilize CRM systems to document prospecting activity, client communications, opportunities, and sales pipeline progress.
• Establish and maintain disciplined weekly prospecting, client follow-up, and business development activities.
• Plan and execute regular market visits, client appointments, and industry outreach throughout assigned territories.
• Monitor sales performance, maintain an active pipeline, and take accountability for achieving and exceeding established sales goals.
• Take ownership of territory development with a proactive, organized, and results-driven approach.

What We're Looking For

• A demonstrated track record of sales success, particularly in prospecting, new-business development, and account growth.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to develop business with architects, interior designers, builders, and discerning clients.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout Chicago, Chicagoland, and assigned Midwest markets.
• Strong interest in architecture, interior design, luxury residential construction, and fine craftsmanship.
• Experience in flooring, building materials, interior design, luxury home products, or the architecture and design community is strongly preferred.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and genuine motivation to develop new accounts, create opportunities, and grow a territory.
• Polished communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-directed, accountable, and coachable, with the discipline to independently manage a sales pipeline and consistently follow through on commitments.
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with CRM systems, sales reporting, and daily client follow-up.
• Comfortable working within a longer, relationship-driven sales cycle rather than a transactional sales environment.
• Ability to balance showroom responsibilities with proactive outside sales and business development.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Why Carlisle

This is an opportunity to represent a highly respected luxury brand, work with exceptional American-made products and develop relationships with some of the most influential professionals in the architecture, design, and building communities.

For the right person, the Chicago and greater Midwest markets offer substantial opportunities to build new business, expand Carlisle's presence, and make a meaningful impact on the growth of the region.

At Carlisle, success comes from combining exceptional client service with initiative, relationship development, and a genuine commitment to growing the business.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in representing a premium brand, enjoys building lasting professional relationships, and is motivated by the opportunity to create new business and achieve meaningful sales results.