Associate Design Consultant

Ethan Allen Global Inc • Ann Arbor, MI

84d • $20 - $25

About The Position

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. The Associate Design Consultant role is intended to be an entry level role that should transition to a Design Consultant role within 6 months of hire (“training period”). During this training period, the Associate Design Consultant will work closely with Design Consultant(s) to develop both selling and interior design skills, The focus of the role will be to learn (1) the technology utilized by Design Consultants; and (2) the products offered by Ethan Allen, while providing ongoing assistance as required to support sales activity within the Design Center. Upon conclusion of the training period, Retail management will determine whether the Associate Design Consultant (1) will be promoted into the Design Consultant role; (2) will require a short extension of the training period (not to exceed 3 months); or (3) will be terminated due to inability to achieve the desired performance levels that would warrant a promotion to a Design Consultant.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field from an accredited institution.
• Previous internship or experience with a professional design firm or design-retail organization.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in retail sales preferred.
• Strong sales & organizational skills.
• Ability to work with others.
• Positive attitude, stylish professional appearance, and high energy with a desire to learn the business.
• Valid driver’s license or alternate means of transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a design-retail organization.
• Familiarity with design software and technology.

Responsibilities

• Professionally greet customers to establish rapport and offer assistance including limited design-related consultation and sales transactions.
• Assist Design Consultants with project development, including attending home calls, preparing space plans, product selection, preparing quotes, creating sketches and renderings, setting up and dismantling presentations.
• Educate customers about the complimentary design service Ethan Allen provides.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Introduce qualified prospects to Design Consultants via in-person introduction or scheduling in-studio appointments.
• Enter orders and quotes utilizing the retail point of sale system.
• Communicate with clients regarding appointments and order status via telephone & email.
• Participate in all corporate sponsored marketing and training programs.
• Educate customers on all the Ethan Allen sponsored finance options available to them.
• Operate the information desk including answering phones and providing customer service.
• Provide support to visual merchandiser in replenishing stock to the floor and receiving inventory.
• Assist in daily maintenance of floor displays.
• Assist Design Consultants with clerical needs and maintain up-to-date files.
• Provide exceptional service to customers, keeping them informed of their order status.
• Update master and design center price pages and product books.
• Order memo fabric swatches for design consultant’s clients.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Ensure all cash transactions are reconciled and accurately recorded.
• Follow-up on clerical orders and delayed orders as necessary.
• Manage incoming communication from customers and resolve inquiries.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan (with Employer contributions)
• Multiple Medical Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage
• Health Savings Account (including Employer contributions)
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance
• Dependent Group Term Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Business Travel Accident Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Health Care & Dependent Care
• Commuter Saving Plans – Public Transit & Parking
• Voluntary Whole Life Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Care Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees