700 - Designers - RE-Design Consultant - (NE)

About the Role

The Design Consultant works closely with customers 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. This role involves space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall project design, with a focus on achieving sales goals in a flexible, relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may require a team or partnership-based approach.

Design Consultants are measured on performance categories such as teamwork, customer service, communication skills, decision-making, project development, presentation, and technical skills, as well as benchmarks like Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, Accent Sales, Softgood Sales, Be-Backs, PI, Close Ratio, and the Ethan Allen Trade Program.

Compensation is incentive-based, determined by commissions earned under the Design Consultant Incentive Compensation Plan. This is a full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Create design solutions consistent with the customer’s preferences and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen’s products and services while representing the brand in all customer interactions.
• Professionally greet customers in the design center to establish rapport and secure appointments or in-home consultations.
• Conduct home calls to evaluate customer needs and provide tailored design solutions that close sales.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and social media platforms to develop and grow the business.
• Educate customers about Ethan Allen’s complimentary design services, offering as much or as little assistance as desired.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional pre- and post-sale service, keeping customers informed of order status, including delays.
• Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs as required.
• Educate customers on Ethan Allen’s finance options.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of the design center’s portfolio.
• Use corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and providing professional service.
• Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
• Maintain a neat and orderly design center.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader and other Design Consultants to develop and monitor business and grassroots marketing plans.
• Utilize technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, and Live Chat to build relationships with prospective and current clients.
• Leverage social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to enhance personal and Ethan Allen’s presence, and build a professional network via platforms like LinkedIn.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• At least 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.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills.
• General understanding of social media and grassroots marketing to develop a client base (proven experience preferred).
• Valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances where alternate transportation is available.
• Intermediate competency in digital floor planning technology; 3D applications are a plus.
• Experience with interactive technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and other visualization tools.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies.

Pay

Design Consultants are paid a recoverable draw typically ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 annually based on written sales. The potential income for experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000–$115,000 per year, with top performers earning $200,000 or more.

Benefits

Ethan Allen offers a variety of benefits to support associates' peace of mind and financial well-being. Benefit availability varies based on full-time or part-time status.

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Multiple medical plans with prescription drug coverage.
• Health Savings Account (including employer contributions).
• Dental and vision plans.
• Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D insurance.
• Dependent Group Term Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Business Travel Accident Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
• Commuter Savings Plans for public transit and parking.
• Voluntary Whole Life Insurance.
• Voluntary Critical Care and Accident Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.