Entry-Level Interior Design Associate

La-Z-Boy•Downers Grove, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves. If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT! Job Summary: Love Home Décor, Furniture, and Helping People Create Beautiful Spaces? Join Our Team! We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic Entry-Level Interior Design Associate to help customers bring their design ideas to life. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has an eye for style, enjoys working with people, and wants to grow in the furniture and home furnishings industry.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Previous selling experience and ability to close a sale strongly preferred
Excellent communication, customer service skills, and organizational skills
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate, build rapport, and positively influence
Demonstrated persuasion and negotiation skills
Ability to effectively manage time and conflicting priorities
Ability to effectively and productively with others as a team
Ability to work the schedule and hours dictated by business needs
Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required
Initiative to meet assigned goals, missions and objectives and motivated to achieve more
Strong attention to detail
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field
Experience with design software is a plus but not required
Design, retail, or customer service experience is helpful but not necessary

Responsibilities

Assist customers in selecting furniture, décor, and accessories for their homes
Create room layouts and design suggestions based on customer needs and lifestyles
Stay up to date on furniture trends, fabrics, colors, and design styles
Work closely with the sales team to provide exceptional customer experiences
Support special design projects and in-store events
Contribute to store sales goals by selling furniture, accessories and services offered by La‐Z‐Boy
Promote the Design program & assist the Designer to achieve established Design program sales goals
Consistently execute the La‐Z‐Boy selling process and strive to provide a favorable experience to all customers.
Develop and utilize sales skills and principals including approach, rapport building, needs discovery, customized portfolio presentations, answering objections, closing, follow‐up, after sale service and continuing contact with all previous and potential customers
Maximize store promotions, marketing initiatives, and grassroots programs
Maintain strong knowledge of the features and benefits of existing and new product lines
Schedule professional home consultations to present customized room designs, including sample fabrics, furniture, tables and accessory recommendations as well as the benefits of a professional installation service.
Execute and champion the Design process following the established company guidelines
Responsible for supporting design related functions in the store
Provide the highest level of customer service to all current and future customers
Ensure that each La‐Z‐Boy customer has an informative and positive experience by using good customer service skills and knowledge of products, while following the company selling process
Effectively use Podium to ensure customer satisfaction and future follow‐up
Make sound business decisions to deliver customer satisfaction and promote team environment
Provide support by being responsive to incoming phone calls and emails
Assist in handling customer issues and/or complaints. Provide appropriate solutions and alternatives to the customer to achieve a satisfied experience
Maintain a positive working relationship with all store employees
Assist to train, coach and develop new peers on La‐Z‐Boy product knowledge and selling process/skills to achieve store sales goals
Help promote and champion a culture of sales and service
Assist with maintenance of the overall visual appearance of store, this includes but is not limited to maintaining floor and/or showroom displays, tagging products and accessories, maintaining accessory catalogs and design center fabrics, supporting floor moves, and maintaining general store cleanliness
Accurately complete order information, collect deposits and fees, keep orderly customer records, and research customer payments and deliveries
Responsible for accurately completing daily On‐Point system logs
Show a sense of urgency, enthusiasm and excitement with the store team and customers
Maintain adequate knowledge of company standards, product knowledge and internal processes and systems
Consistently schedule deliveries with customers
Responsible for opening and closing of the store