🚀 Associate Design Consultant

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General Objectives

To support the Ethan Allen Design Center in planning, developing, and executing client projects while learning the design process and products. The Associate Design Consultant is an entry-level position that should transition to a Design Consultant role within 6 months of hire (“training period”). During training the Associate will work closely with Design Consultants to develop selling and interior design skills, learn the technology and product line, and provide ongoing assistance to support sales activity within the Design Center.

Upon conclusion of the training period, Retail management will determine whether the Associate will be promoted into the Design Consultant role, require a short extension of training (up to 3 months), or be terminated due to insufficient performance.

Specific Responsibilities

• When a Design Consultant is unavailable, greet customers, provide limited design consultation and assist with sales transactions, including take‑with and direct ship accent sales.
• Assist Design Consultants with project development: attending home calls, preparing space plans and product selections, creating quotes, sketches, renderings, set‑up and dismantling presentations, and custom soft‑goods quotes.
• Educate customers about the complimentary design service provided by Ethan Allen.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Use the rotation system to introduce qualified prospects to Design Consultants via in‑person or online referrals and schedule in‑studio or in‑home consultations.
• Enter orders and quotes using the retail point‑of‑sale system.
• Communicate with clients regarding appointments and order status by phone and e‑mail.
• Participate in corporate‑sponsored marketing and training programs.
• Educate customers on all Ethan Allen finance options.
• Utilize corporate systems and technology to increase project efficiency.
• Operate the information desk: answer phones, provide customer service, and manage the rotation schedule.
• Assist visual merchandiser with stock replenishment, receiving inventory, bar‑coding, and tagging.
• Maintain daily floor displays for a neat and orderly Design Center projection.
• Assist Design Consultants with clerical needs, file maintenance, price‑page updates, and follow‑up correspondence.
• Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after sale, including order status updates.
• Update master price pages, product books, and samples.
• Arrange fabric swatches for clients and distribute to Design Consultants.
• Perform other duties as required and work overtime when needed.

Additional Responsibilities (Location‑dependent)

• Reconcile all cash transactions, deposits, and ledger entries; process blind cash balancing and petty cash.
• Run end‑of‑day reports and ensure audit requirements are met.
• Follow‑up on delayed orders and cancellations, merchandise returns.
• Communicate open order reports to design teams.
• Manage incoming customer communication and resolve inquiries per company guidelines.
• Handle custom orders of soft goods and non‑EA products and forward to OA for processing.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field from an accredited institution.

Experience: Previous internship or experience with a professional design firm or design‑retail organization; preferred minimum two (2) years of retail sales experience.

Other Requirements: Strong sales and organizational skills, ability to work collaboratively, positive attitude, professional appearance, high energy, and willingness to learn. Valid driver’s license required unless alternate transportation is arranged for all business hours. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays listed on the incentive plan.

Compensation

Hourly rate ranges from $21.00 to $23.00, depending on experience. Associates may earn a monthly incentive.

Benefits

Benefits include 401(k) plan with employer contributions; medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; health savings account; life and disability insurance; business travel accident life; flexible spending accounts; commuter savings plans; voluntary whole‑life, critical‑care, and accident insurers; employee assistance program; and additional employer‑provided benefits.

Ethan Allen is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are an E‑Verify employer.