Entry-Level Interior Design Associate

About the Role

We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic Entry-Level Interior Design Associate to help customers bring their design ideas to life. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with an eye for style, who enjoys working with people and wants to grow in the furniture and home furnishings industry.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers in selecting furniture, décor, and accessories for their homes
• Create room layouts and design suggestions based on customer needs and lifestyles
• Stay up to date on furniture trends, fabrics, colors, and design styles
• Work closely with the sales team to provide exceptional customer experiences
• Support special design projects and in-store events
• Contribute to store sales goals by selling furniture, accessories, and services
• Promote the Design program and assist the Designer to achieve established Design program sales goals
• Consistently execute the La-Z-Boy selling process to provide a favorable experience to all customers
• Develop and utilize sales skills including approach, rapport building, needs discovery, portfolio presentations, handling objections, closing, follow-up, and after-sale service
• Maximize store promotions, marketing initiatives, and grassroots programs
• Maintain strong knowledge of product features and benefits
• Schedule professional home consultations to present customized room designs, including sample fabrics, furniture, tables, and accessory recommendations
• Execute and champion the Design process following company guidelines
• Support design-related functions in the store
• Provide the highest level of customer service to all current and future customers
• Ensure each customer has an informative and positive experience using good customer service skills and product knowledge
• Use Podium to ensure customer satisfaction and future follow-up
• Make sound business decisions to deliver customer satisfaction and promote a team environment
• Provide support by responding to incoming phone calls and emails
• Assist in handling customer issues and/or complaints, providing appropriate solutions
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all store employees
• Assist in training, coaching, and developing new peers on product knowledge and selling process/skills
• Help promote and champion a culture of sales and service
• Maintain the overall visual appearance of the store, including floor and showroom displays, tagging products, maintaining accessory catalogs, and supporting floor moves
• Accurately complete order information, collect deposits and fees, keep orderly customer records, and research customer payments and deliveries
• Accurately complete daily On-Point system logs
• Show a sense of urgency, enthusiasm, and excitement with the store team and customers
• Maintain adequate knowledge of company standards, product knowledge, and internal processes
• Consistently schedule deliveries with customers
• Responsible for opening and closing of the store

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous selling experience and ability to close a sale strongly preferred
• Excellent communication, customer service skills, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate, build rapport, and positively influence
• Demonstrated persuasion and negotiation skills
• Ability to effectively manage time and conflicting priorities
• Ability to work productively with others as a team
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Initiative to meet assigned goals, missions, and objectives
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Nearly continuous use of repetitive hand motions, hearing, and listening
• Often required to sit, walk, bend, and stoop
• Subject to inside environmental conditions
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field
• Passion for furniture, home décor, and interior design
• Creative eye for color, scale, and space planning
• Ability to learn product features and design principles
• Experience with design software is a plus but not required
• Design, retail, or customer service experience is helpful but not necessary

Benefits

• Paid training
• Opportunity to build your design skills and portfolio
• Creative, team-oriented work environment
• Employee discounts on furniture and home décor
• Career growth opportunities within the company
• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Basic Life Insurance
• 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%
• Paid time off including 9-11 paid holidays each year
• Two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire
• Personal time (non-exempt only) or state-mandated sick time

Pay

Training Pay: $15 per hour for 2-6 weeks (no commission)

Average Annual Earning Potential After Training: $55,000 - 75,000+ (inclusive of base, bonus, and commission)

The company will not pay less than state/local minimum wage requirements.

Post-Training Pay:

• Base Pay: $11 per hour (varies by store location)
• Commission & Bonus: Uncapped commission on written sales - 3% on La-Z-Boy Design Sales and 2% on other sales. Quarterly bonus opportunity of $1,500, based on meeting defined individual sales goals.

Individual pay is based on various factors, including geographic location, personal performance, and relevant qualifications, experience, and skills. If the base rate plus commissions earned during a performance period does not meet or exceed the location minimum wage, the company will make an adjustment to comply with minimum wage requirements.

Schedule

40 hours per week