Design Associate

La-Z-Boy • Columbus, OH

2d

About The Position

The Design Associate creates sales by providing exceptional customer service and applying knowledge of La-Z-Boy products, services, and selling processes. The role supports store sales goals, promotes the Design program, and develops awareness of interior design through practical experience and interaction with a La-Z-Boy Designer. Associates schedule professional home consultations and help present customized room designs with fabric samples, furniture, table, and accessory recommendations, as well as professional installation options.

The position also supports customer follow-up, order processing, store presentation, deliveries, and daily operations. It includes opening and closing the store and helping train and develop peers. The role offers hourly base pay plus uncapped commission and a quarterly bonus opportunity. Training pay is $15 per hour for 2–6 weeks, with no commission during training. After training, base pay is $12.50 per hour, varying by store location; average annual earning potential is stated as $55,000–$75,000+ including base, bonus, and commission. Weekly hours are 40.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous selling experience and the ability to close a sale are strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, build rapport, and positively influence others.
• Demonstrated persuasion and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage time and conflicting priorities effectively.
• Ability to work effectively and productively with others as a team.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
• Initiative and motivation to meet assigned goals, missions, and objectives and achieve more.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.
• Ability to use repetitive hand motions nearly continuously and to hear and listen; often required to sit, walk, bend, and stoop.
• Ability to pass a background and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field.
• Previous selling experience and ability to close a sale.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to store sales goals by selling furniture, accessories, and services.
• Promote the Design program and assist the Designer in achieving Design program sales goals.
• Follow the La-Z-Boy selling process, including building rapport, discovering customer needs, presenting customized options, addressing objections, closing sales, and following up.
• Use store promotions, marketing initiatives, and grassroots programs to support sales.
• Schedule professional home consultations and present customized room designs, including fabric samples and furniture, table, accessory, and installation recommendations.
• Follow established company Design program guidelines and support design-related store functions.
• Provide high-quality customer service and help ensure customers have informative, positive experiences.
• Use Podium to support customer satisfaction and follow-up; respond to incoming calls and emails.
• Assist with customer issues and complaints, offering solutions and alternatives.
• Maintain positive working relationships with store employees and help train, coach, and develop peers in product knowledge and selling skills.
• Help maintain the store’s visual presentation, including displays, product tags, accessory catalogs, design-center fabrics, floor moves, and general cleanliness.
• Accurately complete order information, collect deposits and fees, maintain customer records, and research payments and deliveries.
• Complete daily On-Point system logs accurately and schedule customer deliveries.
• Maintain knowledge of company standards, products, processes, and systems.
• Open and close the store.
• Work the schedule and hours dictated by business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Basic life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match of up to 6%
• 9–11 paid holidays each year
• Two weeks of prorated vacation as a new hire
• Personal time for non-exempt employees or state-mandated sick time
• Uncapped commission on written sales
• Quarterly bonus opportunity of up to $1,500 based on meeting defined individual sales goals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED