Design Sales Associate-Part Time |West Elm |Atherton Mill

Williams-Sonoma•Charlotte, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Studio Specialist role at West Elm focuses on driving sales and achieving sales goals by connecting customers with the brand and its design offerings. This role involves inspiring both associates and customers by sharing design trends, inspiration, and local resources that align with the brand's eclectic, creative, and modern spirit. The specialist will develop and manage relationships with clients, designers, developers, local businesses, and artisans. A key aspect of the role is prioritizing the customer experience and collaborating with the team to ensure adequate selling floor coverage for in-store or in-home appointments. The specialist will discover each customer's style through conversation, sharing inspiration, and consulting to understand their needs and bring their story to life. This includes sharing decorating expertise, developing thoughtful space plans, advising on external design resources, and sharing the stories behind the products. The role also involves creating vision boards, floor plans, and mood boards to help customers express their personal style at home.

Requirements

1-2 years of home furnishing, interior decorating experience and/or interior design education
Excellent communication skills & passion for working with people
Excitement for the brand & products we sell
Must be able to spend ample time on the sales floor focusing on customer needs
Willingness to travel for in-home consultations. (If driving your personal vehicle, proof of the state required auto liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility & a state issued driver’s license)
Must be able to lift & mobilize medium to large items, up to 75 lbs., while utilizing appropriate equipment & safety techniques
Part time associates must be available to work a minimum of two regularly scheduled shifts on the weekend (Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday) and two during the week (Monday to Thursday). Associates must be available for annual inventory and entire holiday season (November and December).
Weekend availability cannot fall on the same day; an associate must be available on two separate days (Friday and Saturday, Friday and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday). If preferred, an associate can also choose to have all three shifts of availability on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) and none during the week (Monday to Thursday).

Nice To Haves

Love to sell, can articulate a proven ability to exceed selling goals & most importantly can close a sale
Succeed in a team environment, while able to work independently & manage your own time
Enjoy being hands-on with product & functions well both in-store & in the customers’ home
Recognize that every customer has individualized needs & aesthetics & can cater your designs accordingly
Thrive in an entrepreneurial environment & are constantly looking for ways to think outside-the-box
Have an obsession for interior decorating, architecture, art, creativity, craft, artisans & neighborhood’s treasures
Keep your finger on the pulse of design trends both globally & in your local community
Know what questions to ask your customers in order to understand their personal style & needs

Responsibilities

Drive sales & achieve sales goals per hour, by connecting customers to you & West Elm
Inspire associates & customers by connecting them to design trends, inspiration & local resources that reflect the eclectic, creative & modern spirit of the brand
Develop & manage relationships with clients, designers, developers, local businesses & artisans
Prioritize the customer & collaborate with your team to ensure adequate selling floor coverage during in-store or in-home appointments
Discover each customers’ style by sparking conversation, sharing inspiration & consulting with them to learn how to bring their story to life
Share decorating expertise & develop thoughtful space plans that fit the customers’ lifestyle
Advise customers on where to access design resources for products & services that may be unavailable at west elm (wallpaper, appliances, re-upholsterer, etc)
Share the stories, collaborations & craft behind our products to bring them to life for our customer
Develop vision boards, floorplans & utilize mood boards to help customers express their personal style at home

Benefits

A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
Paid vacations and holidays (full-time)
Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits (full-time)
Individual development plans and career pathing conversations
Annual performance appraisals
Cross-brand and cross-functional career opportunities
Online learning opportunities through brand specific resources and WSI University
Leadership development opportunities