Design Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek, Ethan Allen is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. After more than 90 profitable years in business, we still make about 75% of our custom-crafted products in our North American workshops and have an enduring reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build long-lasting relationships with our clients. We're glad you're exploring the possibility of designing your future with us.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES         

Primarily responsible for the management, development, training and motivation of the design teams while maintaining a high level of customer contact and achieving sales goals. Actively coach design team associates to raise professionalism of the design services and assist with developing business plans with the designers to increase market reach and revenue. Partner with each associate to manage design projects, customer contacts and relationships, sales volume, design consultant effectiveness and overall customer satisfaction.  Hold design teams accountable to attain goals.

• Responsible for the overall management of the design center.
• Follow Ethan Allen’s Leadership Principles including implementing change initiatives and developing successful relationships with their team. Hold team accountable through leadership and coaching to meet or exceed established sales goals and benchmarks.
• Drive new business and increase sales with grassroots marketing initiatives, including but not limited to, partnering with local businesses, developing the Trade business including PPP, as well as using social media, blogs, on-line forums and other digital channels for on-line interactions and connection.
• Perform all functions necessary for the development of written business,
• Review P&L statements monthly with Market Design Leader and Market Operations Leader.
• Develop and participate in community programs in your local market to increase exposure and awareness for Ethan Allen in your local community.
• Complete performance appraisals in accordance with company policy.
• Ensure adherence to all company policies such as Code of Conduct, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and discrimination and/or retaliation.
• Provide guidance and assistance to key personnel to ensure sales growth, financial integrity, and the protection of company assets.
• Implement company policies and procedures.  Monitor compliance while holding the team accountable for compliance.
• Provide training sessions for the design center as well as participate in corporately sponsored training sessions to assist in developing your team and business.
• Goal setting monthly and quarterly with all designers within the design center.
• Contribute ideas and suggestions for changes and improvements in policy affecting design center growth.
• Participate and ensure proper reconciliation of inventories as conducted and reported.
• Propose innovative strategies that support growth and improvement of the business.  
• Perform any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of five (5) years of experience or High School diploma or equivalent with a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive relevant work experience and practical interior design experience, or a combination of both.   Proven sales background in residential interior design. Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques. Supervisory experience required.

Other Requirements:    An entrepreneurial attitude and approach with strong communication and organizational skills.  This position requires team leadership and the ability to manage the design process including the ability to review and provide feedback on design projects using technical and creative skills in color and space planning.  Demonstrated ability to practice residential interior design. Ability to train and coach for design, product knowledge, sales performance and customer service.  Must be able to work holidays, evenings and weekends.  Position requires a valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances in which the associate can establish to the Company’s satisfaction that they have available for use during all business hours an alternate means of transportation not requiring the operation of a motor vehicle which will enable them to perform the duties of their position.

Compensation

This position offers a starting base salary of $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience. In addition to the base salary, EDL/DCL/SDCL and DSLs can earn monthly incentive compensation by demonstrating sales growth from prior periods.

Benefits

Benefits are an important part of the total compensation that is offered, providing peace of mind and financial well-being.  Ethan Allen is committed to offering a variety of benefits that allow associates to choose whether or not to participate based on personal and family needs.  Some of the benefits offered are 401(k) plan (with Employer contributions), multiple Medical Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage, Health Savings Account (including Employer contributions), Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Dependent Group Term Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Business Travel Accident Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Health Care & Dependent Care, Commuter Saving Plans – Public Transit & Parking, Voluntary Whole Life Insurance, Voluntary Critical Care Insurance, Voluntary Accident Insurance and Employee Assistance Program. Benefit availability varies based on full-time or part-time employee classification.