Entry-Level Interior Design Associate

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to store sales goals by selling furniture, accessories and services.
• 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 principles 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.
• Support 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 a team environment.
• Provide support by being responsive to incoming phone calls and emails.
• Assist in handling customer issues and/or complaints, providing appropriate solutions and alternatives 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 the maintenance of the overall visual appearance of the store, including 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.
• Accurately complete 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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 work 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.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Nearly continuous use of repetitive hand motions, hearing, and listening.
• Often required to sit, walk, bend, and stoop.
• Subject to inside environmental conditions.
• Ability to pass background and drug screen.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field.
• Experience with design software is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Passion for furniture, home décor, and interior design.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Creative eye for color, scale, and space planning.
• Ability to learn product features and design principles.
• Design, retail, or customer service experience is helpful but not necessary.