Interior Design Sales Professional

Ethan Allen Global, Inc.; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Ethan Allen Global, Inc. seeks a focused Design Consultant to work with customers in our design centers, remotely, online, or in-home to create tailored design solutions and drive sales of Ethan Allen products and services.

The role emphasizes space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and project design, with compensation based on commissions and performance benchmarks. This is a Full-Time position.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• Minimum of one year of practical interior design experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution, desirable.
• Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
• Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
• Good listening skills with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• General understanding of how to utilize social media and grassroots marketing to develop a book of business. Proven experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create design solutions aligned with customer preferences and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen products and services.
• Represent the Ethan Allen brand in all customer interactions and set appointments.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and social media to grow the business.
• Educate customers on complimentary design service offerings.
• Coordinate with the team to provide service before and after the sale.

Skills

High attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Sales techniques

Social media proficiency

Listening and written communication

Design software familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in design-related field

Tools

3-D Room Planner

CRM

Live Chat

Job description

Overview

Named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek, Ethan Allen is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. After more than 90 profitable years in business, we still make about 75% of our custom-crafted products in our North American workshops and have an enduring reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build long-lasting relationships with our clients. We\'re glad you\'re exploring the possibility of designing your future with us.

General Objectives

The Design Consultant works closely with the customer in the design center/studio, remotely, online or in the customer\'s home to create individualized design solutions to sell Ethan Allen products and services. The designs include space planning, fabric coordination, product selection and overall project design. Successful execution is evidenced by developing individualized designs and achieving sales goals in a flexible relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may require a team or partnership-based approach.

Performance & Social Media

Design Consultants are measured based on performance categories (teamwork, customer service, communication skills, decision making, project development, presentation, and technical skills) and benchmarks (Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, Accent Sales, Softgoods Sales, Be-Backs, PI, Close Ratio and Ethan Allen Trade Program) that contribute to the success of the Design Center as well as their own individual success. They must be skilled in the use of social media such as blogs, micro-blogs, online forums, content sharing sites and other digital channels established for online interaction and connection to promote Ethan Allen\'s brand in accordance with the Social Media Policy.

Compensation & Expectations

Design Consultants are compensated according to the Design Consultant Incentive Compensation Plan. Compensation is incentive based with total compensation determined by commissions earned. Design Consultants are expected to meet or exceed Minimum Monthly Sales and other benchmarks as determined by Ethan Allen. This is a Full-Time position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create design solutions that are consistent with the customer\'s preference and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen\'s products and services.
• Represent the Ethan Allen brand in all customer interactions. Professionally greet customers in the design center to establish rapport and obtain appointments and in-home consultations. Regularly make home calls to evaluate customer needs and provide a total individualized design solution that closes the sale.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and a variety of social media platforms to develop and grow the business.
• Educate customers about the complimentary design service Ethan Allen provides, offering as little or as much design service as a customer desires.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional service before and after the sale, keeping customers informed of order status including any delays.
• Participate in all corporate sponsored marketing and training programs as required.
• Educate customers on all Ethan Allen sponsored finance options available to them.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing upkeep of the design center\'s portfolio.
• Utilize corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and providing professional service for the design team\'s customers.
• Enter orders utilizing the retail point of sale system.
• Maintain a neat and orderly design center environment.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader/Design Sales Leader and Design Consultants to develop business and grassroots marketing plans to expand market reach and exceed goals; monitor effectiveness and adjust plans as needed.
• Utilize technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, Live Chat, and other tools to build project volume and client relationships.
• Use appropriate social media to heighten presence for the company and personally. Build relationships with outside talent via social networks to expand market presence.
• Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of practical interior design experience.
• Bachelor\'s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution, desirable.
• Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
• Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
• Good listening skills with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• General understanding of how to utilize social media and grassroots marketing to develop a book of business. Proven experience preferred.
• Valid driver\'s license, with exceptions as required by policy and approved alternate transportation arrangements.
• Intermediate skill competency with digital floor planning technology; 3-D applications a plus.
• Experience using interactive technology to view design concepts such as augmented reality and other visualization tools.
• Willing and capable of learning new technologies.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits are offered as part of total compensation and may include: 401(k) with employer contributions, medical plans with prescription coverage, Health Savings Account (with employer contributions), dental, vision, life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, commuter plans, voluntary life and other voluntary coverages. Benefit availability varies by full-time or part-time status.