Design Associate Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply.
About the Team
Our mission is to enhance the quality of our customers' lives at home. We put the customer at the center of everything we do, every day. Our corporate values that guide our actions and decisions are our People First culture, customers, quality, shareholders, integrity, and corporate responsibility.
Overview of the Design Studio Specialist role
You will inspire customers to express themselves in their home. You will bring the shopping experience to a seamless close as you assist customers and complete sales at the cash wrap. You will promote continued customer engagement and give customers a reason to stay connected with our Brand.
Responsibilities
• Utilize design expertise to assist clients in one on one consultations in the store and in-home regarding the design of their living spaces to drive store sales
• Perform productive in-home consultations including the ability to accurately measure and assess the client's living space
• Create and present design plans based on client's needs, style, preferences and living space
• Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions in order to achieve and exceed established sales and productivity goals
• Utilizing exemplary World class service standards assist customers with special services including: gift wrap, gift registry, locating merchandise, catalog/internet orders, special orders, back orders, charge sends, courier deliveries, and furniture orders
• Demonstrate superior product knowledge, including features and benefits of the entire design studio assortment
Criteria
• Strong communication, clienteling and customer follow-up skills
• Ability to complete and coordinate complex large orders within a variety of sales channels
• Experience in working with the elements of design preferred
• Proven ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• 1-2 years of customer service and retail sales experience, (specialty retail preferred, but not required)
Physical Requirements
• Must be able to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift and mobilize medium to large items, up to 75 lbs., while utilizing appropriate equipment and safety techniques
• Full time associates are expected to have open availability to meet the needs of the business.
• Part-Time Flex associates must be available to work a minimum of two regularly scheduled shifts on the weekend** (Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday) and two during the week (Monday to Thursday). For an associate to be scheduled 20 hours or more weekly, greater availability (beyond the minimum required above) that meets the needs of the business will be required. **Weekend availability cannot fall on the same day; an associate must be available on two separate days (Friday and Saturday, Friday and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday).
Benefits Just for You
This role offers a competitive compensation package including pay and benefits. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, geographic location etc. The anticipated pay range for this role will be: $17.00-$21.00 per hour.
Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:
• A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
• Paid vacations and holidays (full-time)
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits (full-time)
Your Journey in Continued Learning
• Individual development plans and career pathing conversations
• Annual performance appraisals
• Cross-brand and cross-functional career opportunities
• Online learning opportunities through brand specific resources and WSI University
• Leadership development opportunities
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
San Francisco Locations:
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.
About Us
Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.