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 who has an eye for style, 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 being responsive to incoming phone calls and emails
• Assist in handling customer issues and/or complaints, providing appropriate solutions and alternatives
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all store employees
• Assist in training, coaching, and developing new peers on La-Z-Boy 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 general cleanliness
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field
• Experience with design software
• Design, retail, or customer service experience

Skills

• Passion for furniture, home décor, and interior design
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Creative eye for color, scale, and space planning
• Ability to learn product features and design principles

Benefits

• 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
• Paid training
• Employee discounts on furniture and home décor

Pay

Training Pay: $16 per hour for 2-6 weeks (no commission; base rate varies by location)

Post-Training Pay:

• Base Pay: $13 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 individual sales goals.

Average Annual Earning Potential After Training: $45,000 - $65,000+ (inclusive of base, bonus, and commission)

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs

Physical Demands

• 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