Be the reason

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

Our world class sales and sales support teams work directly with organizations of all sizes to offer products and services to meet our customers’ unique needs. We are committed to understanding our customers and use best-in-class sales tools and technology to find the best solutions. We’re constantly discovering new ways to reach our goals, taking time to develop our skills, and investing in our career growth, so we can enjoy lucrative opportunities and grow our careers both within and beyond sales.

The Director of Strategic Accounts is responsible for the strategy and growth of their vertical, including the overall sales, account management, pricing strategy, contract amendments, and renewals for the assigned cooperative contracts in the U.S. The primary role of this position is delivering incremental new sales growth annually on a national basis through business development, account management, and category team efforts. The role is crucial in implementing a successful sales strategy and ensuring the company meets revenue and profit objectives.

What you’ll be doing:

• Promote Staples presence and solutions externally within assigned vertical. 
• As the vertical SME, drive sales growth by developing and executing vertical strategy with appropriate stakeholders.
• Engaging with vertical prospects and customers directly and in collaboration with vertical sellers and category sellers.
• Establish and maintain business management relationships with senior executive team members for assigned cooperatives.
• Continually review pricing specifications to ensure compliance with contract requirements and identify opportunities to update pricing to maximize operating profit.
• Coordinate with appropriate teams to report on cooperative sales for Sunrise customers to ensure contract compliance (CSS, rebates, pricing, etc.).
• Provide guidance and training to Business Development, Account Executives, and Category Experts on vertical and cooperative opportunities and strategies.
• Provide guidance on RFPs/RFIs, pricing strategy, legal agreements, and CPE’s.

What you bring to the table:

• Vertical experience and expertise.
• Strong drive, aversion to complacency, and a desire to win.
• Ability to view rejection as a learning opportunity and take decisive action.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interface at senior levels.
• Superior negotiation skills and ability to confront difficult issues, inspiring others to take action.
• Strong collaboration skills and proven ability to build and maintain customer relationships.
• Solid business, financial, operations, and technology acumen, with the ability to analyze trends and create tailored solutions.
• Independent worker with minimal supervision and strong emotional intelligence.
• Proven industry experience and connections, with expertise in business analytics and decision-making.
• Demonstrated team-building skills and understanding of SLED terminology (if applicable), supply chains, and other lines of business.

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of experience specializing in K-12 education sector sales and strategy, including to large, complex customers.

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful track record of directly managing and growing public sector cooperative(s) and developing and successfully executing associated go-to-market strategies.
• Experience as a K-12 administrator, business officer, or faculty.
• Experience working with and through K-12 sector professional associations to drive company and solutions awareness and sales opportunities. 
• Business and leadership experience.
• Skilled in business analytics with the ability to make financial and fact-based decisions.
• Deep understanding of the K-12 education market, including school procurement, cooperative contracts, and education specific products.

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

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Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.