Design Lead

La-Z-Boy•Brunswick, GA

3d•$55,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Design Lead creates exceptional customer experiences by executing the In-Home Design (IHD) process to develop comfortable, functional environments that reflect clients’ lifestyles and tastes. The role provides professional design assistance, maintains an appealing showroom, and collaborates with customers on design concepts, mood boards, furnishings, and implementation plans. The Design Lead also supports team selling, store sales goals, customer relationships, merchandising, product knowledge, and the training and coaching of sales staff. The position works 40 hours per week in a retail environment and requires evening, weekend, and holiday availability as needed. Compensation includes a $10,000 annual base, commissions, and bonus opportunities; the stated average earning potential is $55,000–$95,000 inclusive of base, commissions, and bonus. The company will ensure pay is at least applicable state or local minimum wage. Benefits for US employees include medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance; a 401(k) with company match of up to 6%; paid holidays; and paid time off.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Ability to create interior designs using 2D and 3D floor-planning software.
Good product knowledge.
Ability to build and explain storyboards.
Creative flair and an eye for quality and design.
Awareness of changing trends and design techniques.
Professional excellence characterized by 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.

Nice To Haves

ASID, CQRID, or IDS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed daily and monthly store goals through team selling; execute the Comfort Compass process with every customer and maintain store minimums for average ticket, DPC, IH, and TLA percentage.
Assist customers and fellow sales team members through team selling, including drive-bys, crash-the-party interactions, third-party endorsements, sketching, fabric and leather selections, TLA selections, in-home design consultation encouragement, and helping address customer objections.
Review daily goal analysis and current sales statistics; complete comfort guides, including room sketches; enter prospect information into the CRM; submit completed design forms; and participate in training, coaching, and performance meetings.
Help the sales team achieve store goals and maintain minimum TLA percentage; maintain the appearance of the store, stockroom, break room, vignettes, and merchandising areas; complete LMS training and personal training calendar; and maintain expertise in LZB’s 3D Room Planner.
Maintain accurate CRM notes, use the action-item tool, and update notes with customer follow-ups; provide IHD clients with as-purchased and as-designed mood boards; send personalized thank-you cards to IHD buyers and non-buyers; revisit past projects for opportunities; maintain a project portfolio; and create an IHD Design Lead bio.
Maintain expert knowledge of upholstery, TLA and case goods, fabric and leather, custom-order options, furniture terminology, the selling process, price lists, product catalogs, and area rug construction.
Keep designer files current and organized and keep the accessory back-room area organized and uncluttered.
Communicate floor-merchandising needs to the Sales Manager, Merchandising Director, or Visual Coordinator.
Train new hires in the IHD process within their first 30 days; lead Saturday morning training at least once per month; and assist, train, and coach Sales Consultants.
Follow company policies and procedures; arrive at least 10 minutes early; accurately clock in and out, including for meal breaks; attend company training, staff meetings, and sales rallies; and complete sales paperwork and customer-service issues accurately and promptly.
Answer questions about sales and return policies and warranty or service matters, referring customers to the appropriate department as required; follow sales receipt terms and conditions; ensure open sales have proper deposits and documentation; and schedule pickups and deliveries according to procedures.
Verify weekly ISTs and alert applicable departments to errors, missing information, or incomplete items; use company systems to answer sales-balance and inventory-availability questions; update customer accounts with RMS Sales/Delivery notes; secure company assets, receipts, and cash; and follow safety and security rules.