Interior Design/Sales Consultant Part time

E&H Ace Hardware•Cleveland, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

E&H Ace Hardware is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Interior Design/Sales Consultant to join our team. This role will lead design efforts across eight Northern stores, with a primary focus on hub stores. The consultant will develop and implement design strategies to enhance customer experience and drive sales, collaborate with store management and the B2B team, and foster relationships with design contractors. Responsibilities include expanding design sales, training staff, ensuring equipment maintenance, optimizing product mix, and managing vendor relationships.

Requirements

Must have a Valid Driver’s License.
Ability to stand, walk, and move around the store for extended periods.
Manual dexterity for operating design equipment.
Visual acuity for assessing product displays and design aesthetics.
Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach during inventory management and equipment inspections.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Interior Design
Sales experience
Knowledge of design and home improvement departments
Experience with commercial customers
Experience with design contractors
Familiarity with Benjamin Moore and Wooster products

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive design strategy to enhance the overall customer experience and drive sales in the design and home improvement departments.
Collaborate with store management and the B2B team to identify design opportunities, with a focus on commercial customers in hub stores (Dunn and Rocky River).
Foster relationships with design contractors and identify growth opportunities within the $5-$10k yearly sales range.
Take the lead working with design customers and contractors, be available to travel to customers’ homes and consult at their location.
Expand design sales opportunities across all stores, starting with Independence, Bainbridge, and Westlake (the largest volume stores), followed by Avon Lake, North Olmsted, and Kamm’s (as contributing stores).
Maintain a consistent presence in key stores for training and development of design staff.
Facilitate cross-store shopping for Dunn/Rocky customers, contributing to organic business growth.
Assist staff in identifying key customers and new sales leads, directing them to the Design Manager or B2B representative.
Collaborate with the Training Manager and Store Managers to identify, train, and develop a design badge holder in each store.
Work with store managers to enhance design product knowledge and proficiency with equipment among senior staff.
Work with Store Managers and the District Manager to ensure proper maintenance of all design equipment by store staff.
Act as a point person for equipment-related issues and conduct routine inspections to ensure optimal functionality at all NE OH locations.
Respond to equipment issues and facilitate repairs as needed.
Identify equipment needs and communicate them to the District Manager.
Work to keep design library current and in line with current trends.
Collaborate with Store Managers and the District Manager to craft the correct product mix at each store.
Review the product assortment and provide recommendations to the District Manager to enhance the design business.
Make yourself available to the Merchandising Manager for information and feedback throughout the company.
Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships with Benjamin Moore local sales reps, Wooster, etc.
Advocate for E&H with vendors to secure the best pricing, sales opportunities, and promotional activities.
Work with vendors to sponsor events supporting, educating, and building relationships with our best customers.