Design Lead

La-Z-Boy•Brunswick, GA

2d•$10,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Design Lead creates exceptional customer experiences by executing the In-Home Design (IHD) process and helping customers create comfortable, functional environments suited to their lifestyles and tastes. The role provides professional design assistance, collaborates with customers on design concepts and furnishing selections, and helps oversee implementation. It also supports sales through team selling and contributes to the appearance and merchandising of the showroom. The Design Lead supports the sales team in meeting store goals, maintains customer relationships and accurate CRM records, and serves as an expert in La-Z-Boy products, sales processes, and the 3D Room Planner. The role maintains organized design files and accessory areas, communicates merchandising needs, and trains and coaches sales consultants and new hires in the IHD process. It also handles customer-facing sales documentation and service matters in accordance with company policies and procedures. This is a 40-hour-per-week retail position. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. The stated average earning potential is $55,000–$95,000, inclusive of base pay, commissions, and bonus. Base pay is $10,000 per year, with biweekly commissions on total store sales and a monthly bonus opportunity based on defined group sales goals. The company will ensure pay meets applicable state or local minimum wage requirements.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Ability to create interior designs using 2D and 3D floor-planning software.
Good product knowledge and the ability to build and explain storyboards.
Creative flair, an eye for quality and design, and awareness of changing trends and design techniques.
Professional excellence, sound judgment, initiative, and high ethical standards.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and acceptable automobile insurance.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in a retail environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Bachelor of Interior Design, BA, BS, or BFA.
At least 3 years of experience in furniture retailing and/or the interior design field.
Proficiency with 2D and 3D floor-planning software.
Ability to meet the company Driver Management Program qualifications if driving or travel is required for the role.

Nice To Haves

ASID, CQRID, or IDS certification.

Responsibilities

Help the sales team meet or exceed daily and monthly store goals through team selling.
Execute the Comfort Compass process with every customer and maintain store standards for average ticket and specified sales percentages.
Assist customers and fellow sales team members with design consultations, room sketches, fabric or leather and TLA selections, and buying decisions.
Encourage in-home design consultations and use appropriate team-selling techniques, including drive-bys, third-party endorsements, and sales interventions.
Review daily goal analysis and current sales statistics; complete comfort guides, enter prospect information in the CRM, and submit completed design forms.
Maintain accurate CRM notes and follow-up actions; provide customers with as-purchased and as-designed mood boards; send personalized thank-you cards to IHD clients; follow up with past clients and maintain a project portfolio and designer bio.
Maintain expert knowledge of upholstery, TLA, case goods, fabrics, leather, custom order options, furniture terminology, sales processes, price lists, product catalogs, and area rug construction.
Keep designer files and accessory back-room areas organized, and maintain the appearance of the store, stockroom, break room, vignettes, and merchandising areas.
Communicate floor merchandising needs to the appropriate sales or visual leadership.
Complete required LMS training and personal training calendar; train new hires in the IHD process within their first 30 days; lead at least one Saturday morning training each month; and provide weekly and one-on-one coaching to sales consultants.
Attend training, store staff meetings, sales rallies, and other required meetings; participate in coaching and performance discussions.
Follow company policies and procedures; arrive at least 10 minutes before work and accurately record work and meal-break time.
Complete sales paperwork and customer service matters accurately and promptly; answer or route questions about sales, returns, warranty, and service.
Ensure open sales have appropriate deposits and documentation; schedule pickups and deliveries according to procedures; verify weekly ISTs and notify relevant departments of discrepancies.
Use company systems to check sales balances and inventory; update customer accounts with sales and delivery notes; safeguard company assets, receipts, and cash; and follow safety and security rules.