01 / The shop
About Old Salt
Old Salt Millwork specializes in custom cabinetry and architectural millwork, including kitchens, bathroom vanities, built-ins and other custom projects. We combine thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and modern manufacturing technology to create cabinetry that looks great and is built to last. Our team values attention to detail, clear communication, practical solutions and delivering quality work for our clients.
02 / The opportunity
What the work looks like.
Are you an experienced cabinet designer who enjoys working with clients just as much as creating great designs? Old Salt Millwork is looking for a skilled, personable and detail-oriented Kitchen and Cabinet Designer to join our team in Vars, just outside Ottawa. This full-time, permanent position combines technical cabinetry design with sales and customer relationship management. You’ll manage the full client experience, from initial inquiry and design consultation through quoting, closing the sale and preparing accurate designs for production. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work, understands how cabinetry is built and knows how to turn a client’s vision into a beautiful, functional finished product.
03 / The day-to-day
What you will take on.
Sales and client relationships
- Manage the complete sales cycle, from incoming inquiries and client consultations to estimates, proposals, negotiations and closing sales.
- Build strong relationships with clients, understand their needs and provide an exceptional customer experience.
- Guide clients through design choices, materials, finishes, hardware, functionality and budget considerations.
- Prepare, present and follow up on accurate quotations and proposals.
- Confidently explain pricing, design options and recommendations to help clients make informed decisions.
- Proactively manage sales opportunities, follow up with prospective clients and work toward sales targets.
- Maintain clear, professional and timely communication throughout the sales and design process.
Cabinet design and technical development
- Design custom kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities, built-ins and other cabinetry solutions.
- Develop accurate layouts, 3D renderings, technical drawings and detailed specifications using Microvellum or comparable cabinet design software.
- Read and interpret floor plans, architectural drawings, measurements and construction specifications.
- Apply knowledge of cabinetry construction, materials, hardware, dimensions and installation requirements.
- Ensure designs are attractive, functional, accurate and practical to manufacture.
- Review designs carefully to identify errors or potential production issues before manufacturing.
- Make revisions based on client feedback, site measurements and project requirements.
- Conduct occasional site visits to take or verify measurements, assess project requirements and coordinate design details as needed.
Project coordination
- Manage multiple design and sales projects while maintaining accuracy, quality and deadlines.
- Work closely with production and installation teams to ensure a smooth transition from approved design to manufacturing.
- Communicate specifications, design approvals and changes clearly.
- Maintain accurate project records, quotes, drawings and client information.
- Identify challenges early and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
04 / Experience & approach
What you bring.
Required qualifications
- Minimum three years of experience in kitchen cabinetry design, custom cabinetry or a related millwork design role.
- Demonstrated sales experience, including client consultations, preparing estimates and proposals, following up on opportunities and closing sales.
- Proficiency with Microvellum or comparable professional cabinetry CAD software.
- Strong technical knowledge of cabinet construction, materials, hardware and manufacturing requirements.
- Ability to produce and interpret accurate technical drawings, layouts and specifications.
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- A professional, approachable and customer-focused attitude.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a team.
- Availability to attend occasional project site visits as required.
Considered an asset
- Direct experience with Microvellum and preparing production-ready cabinet drawings.
- Experience with Cabinet Vision, AutoCAD, 2020 Design or similar software.
- Knowledge of CNC production and manufacturing processes.
- Experience preparing detailed project pricing and material estimates.
- Experience with site measurements and installation coordination.
- Experience working with contractors, builders or interior designers.
- Relevant training in cabinetmaking, kitchen and bath design, interior design or architectural technology.
- Bilingualism in English and French, with the ability to communicate professionally with clients in both languages.
A good fit
What success looks like.
You’re someone who genuinely enjoys helping clients bring their ideas to life. You listen carefully, ask the right questions and make people feel confident in their decisions. You are comfortable taking responsibility for sales, following up with clients and moving projects forward. You also understand that beautiful design is only part of the job. Accurate measurements, careful planning, quality drawings and attention to detail are just as important. Above all, you take pride in your work, follow through on commitments and care about delivering an excellent customer experience.