Design Lead

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.
 
If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. 
 
WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Create customers for life, one exceptional experience at a time by executing the IHD process to create comfortable and functional environments that meet client lifestyles and tastes. Offer customers professional design assistance and maintain a beautifully displayed showroom. This position demands a creative and detail-oriented individual with a passion for design and a keen eye for style. Responsibilities will include collaborating with clients to understand their preferences and needs, conceptualizing design ideas, creating mood boards, selecting furnishings, and overseeing the implementation of design plans.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

Goal is King:

• Meet or exceed daily and monthly store GOAL by team selling.
• Execute the Comfort Compass process with every customer.
• Maintain and surpass the store’s minimum average ticket.
• Maintain and surpass the store’s minimum DPC, IH, and TLA percentage.

Team Selling:

• Consistently assist consumers each day by team selling.
• Execute drive-bys, crash the party, and third-party endorsements with your fellow sales team.
• Assist and encourage sketching with your fellow sales team.
• Assist with fabric and/or leather and TLA selections with consumers.
• Encourage in-home design consultations.
• Help overcome objections that lead to the consumer making a buying decision.
• Accept appropriate intervention when needed from Sales Manager, Sales Lead, District Sales Manager, Director of Design, and/or President of Sales to execute our team selling culture.

Accountability:

• Review daily goal analysis daily and be familiar with the current sales stats.
• Ensure comfort guides are filled out including a sketch of the consumer’s room.
• Enter all prospect information daily into the CRM (Door Counts / Trackwell).
• Submit all properly completed design forms to the Director of Design
• Participate in training, coaching, and meetings with the Director of Design
• Attend monthly meetings with the Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and/or Sales Lead to identify performance gaps and coaching opportunities.

Minimum Standards of Performance MSOP:

• The Design Lead is expected to assist the sales team with achieving daily/monthly store GOAL.
• The Design Lead is expected to assist the sales team to maintain the store’s minimum TLA percentage.
• The Design Lead is responsible for maintaining the appearance of the store, stockroom, and break room.
• The Design Lead is responsible for maintaining the appearance of the vignettes and all areas of merchandising.
• The Design Lead is responsible for completing all LMS training and their personal training calendar.
• The Design Lead is expected to be an expert on LZB’s 3D Room Planner.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Maintain accurate notes in the CRM (Door Counts / Trackwell), Use action item tool and update notes with each contact follow-up.
• Provide customers with both an as purchased and as designed mood board.
• Send every IHD client buyer and non-buyer a personalized thank you card.
• Review past IHD projects for new opportunities and communicate with clients regularly.
• Maintain a portfolio of IHD projects to share with prospective clients and showcase designer talent.
• Create an IHD Design Lead bio.

Product Knowledge:

• Be an expert in every upholstery category.
• Be an expert in every TLA and case goods category.
• Be an expert in fabric and leather.
• Be an expert in custom order options, i.e.: fringe, cords, finishes, etc.
• Be an expert in furniture romance terms.

Process Execution:

• Be an expert in the selling process (PSS).
• Be an expert in price list information.
• Be an expert in all LZB Upholstery product catalogs.
• Be an expert in all bedroom and dining room catalogs.
• Be an expert in area rug construction.

Area of Responsibility:

• Designer file drawers and/or electronic files are to be up-to-date and always organized.
• Keep accessory back-room area organized and uncluttered daily.

Display:

• Openly communicate floor merchandising needs to the Sales Manager, Merchandising Director, or Visual Coordinator.

Training:

• Train all new hires in the IHD process within their first 30 days.
• Lead Saturday morning training at least once per month.
• Assist Sales Consultant team with their weekly training and give one-on-one assistance and coaching.

Administration:

• Understand and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early to prepare for work.
• Clock in upon arrival and clock out at end of shift. Clock in/out for any meal breaks.
• Attend and participate in all company training, store staff meetings, and companywide sales rally meetings.
• Complete all sales paperwork and customer service issues in an accurate and timely manner.
• Respond to questions regarding sales and return policy, LA-Z-BOY warranty/service, and direct customers to the appropriate department as required.
• Understand and follow the Terms & Conditions policy on our sales receipt.
• Ensure open sales have proper deposits and documentation.
• Schedule pick-ups and deliveries in compliance with procedures.
• Accurately verify weekly ISTs and alert all applicable departments when something is incorrect/incomplete/missing on the IST.
• Utilize company systems to answer questions regarding sales balances and inventory availability.
• Always update customer accounts by inputting notes in RMS Sales/Delivery notes.
• Assure that all company assets, daily receipts, and cash are always secure.
• Follow all safety and security rules.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Effectively create interior designs using 2D and 3D floor planning software.
• Demonstrate good product knowledge.
• Ability to build and explain storyboards.
• Showcase a creative flair and an eye for quality and design.
• Maintain awareness of changing trends and design techniques.
• Exhibit a high degree of professional excellence characterized by sound judgment, initiative, and high standards of ethics.
• Have reliable transportation, a valid Driver’s License, and acceptable automobile insurance.
• Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in a successful retail environment.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Bachelor of Interior Design, BA, BS or BFA.
• ASID, CQRID, or IDS certified preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in furniture retailing and/or Interior Design field.
• Proficient with floor planning software (2D and 3D).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Frequent computer use and desk work with the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and infrequent ability to bend, squat, and kneel. The ability to move around the office to collaborate with different departments, attend meetings, and address employee needs. Proficient manual dexterity and vision for tasks such as typing, handling paperwork, and operating office equipment.

OTHER DUTIES:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit offerings to employee and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via: 2025 La-Z-Boy Benefits Overview

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at recruiting@la-z-boy.com or by calling 734-242-1444.