[Hiring] Strategic Account Associate @School Specialty

Role Description

As a member of the strategic territory team, the Strategic Account Associate (“SAA”) assists in building partnerships across all district departments and uncovering new opportunities for team members (CSM, SME’s, Inside Sales, etc.). Collaborates with the Strategic Account Manager to meet or exceed sales objectives for strategic accounts in the territory. Focusing on achieving balanced growth across all strategic product categories within School Specialty’s value proposition. The role involves consultative selling to execute strategy and increase market penetration. The SAA will optimize knowledge of School Specialty’s offerings and understand financial impact of their decisions. The SAA is expected to build and foster collaboration within the team selling environment to drive sales.

Work Location

• This is a work-from-home role. Qualified applicants must reside within designated territory.

Compensation Information

• Salary range of $50K - 65K with a quarterly sales incentive plan.
• Commission Split: 75/25

What you’ll do

• Implement the sales plan for an assigned set of strategic customers in a defined territory.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a Strategic Account Plan based on relevant information gathered on the district, including purchasing behaviors, competitive dynamics, district priorities, legislative impact, and budgetary factors.
• Develop Strategic Account Plans containing specific objectives for each of the Strategic Product Categories within the Company’s overall value proposition.
• Understand and promote School Specialty’s value proposition through insight, design, and implementation or modification of current plans that provide value to the customer and lead to sales.
• Understand the complexity of customer accounts and participate in the design and implementation of a business strategy to address their pain points.
• Develop and maintain relationships with various levels of contacts within the respective Strategic Account.
• Actively participate in a coordinated Team Sell strategy in furtherance of the Strategic Account Plan objectives.
• Maximize effectiveness through the use of tools and resources (Stratum & OneForce) to focus efforts on driving business and addressing white space opportunities.
• Manage a travel & entertainment budget and budgets related to other business expenses.
• Successfully complete ongoing proficiency and professional development training.

What we expect you to bring to the table

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Excel.
• Proficiency in the use of CRM (e.g., SalesForce.com).
• Sales Process Skills – time management, territory management, financial management, and question and probing skills.
• Builds networks including social media.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• 0-3 years successful outside sales experience required.
• Acceptable driving record, valid driver’s license, and insurance in a program compliant automobile.

Education and/or Certifications Required

• Junior College or college degree (Business, Marketing or Education preferred).

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel 50-80% of time within territory, may include overnight travel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision (effective day 1).
• Basic life insurance and disability coverage.
• PAID parental leave and wellness programs.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401k and Educational Reimbursement.
• Paid Holidays and UNLIMITED paid time off.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit, hear, use hands to type data, use a personal computer and telephone.
• Frequently operate a vehicle and occasionally operate business machines.
• Mental demands include multi-tasking, decision making, problem solving, comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing data.

Safety Information

• At School Specialty, safety is every employee’s first responsibility.
• Employees are expected to adhere to all safety practices and report unsafe conditions.

Additional Information

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.
• School Specialty, LLC. is a Drug-Free Workplace. All applicants are subject to a drug screen and background check.
• EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled.
• If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email.