Manager, Education And Specialty Sales

About Learning Resources:

We are on a mission to bring learning to life! We are Learning Resources, and we have been helping parents and teachers build generations of amazing kids since 1984. Voted among the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the last four consecutive years, we're a 150-person strong, family-owned company on a mission to bring learning to life with our award-winning products, including Toy of the Year winners Tumble Trax, Botley the Coding Robot, and Coding Critters. From ABCs and 123s to fine motor and STEM skills, our educational toys offer kids the building blocks they need to succeed in school and develop a lifelong love of learning. We pride ourselves on being committed to our employee's personal and professional development, a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Along with our culture and competitive benefits package, we offer opportunities for training and development by Harvard and UCLA professors as well as in-demand, motivating external speakers. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you'll come join our award-winning team today!

Team & Position Description:

We are currently seeking a Manager to join our US and Canada sales team! This is an exciting role that offers a unique blend of leadership, strategy, and relationship-building.

What you'll do day to day (responsibilities):

• The Manager has primary responsibility for developing and executing strategy for the Education and Specialty team, increasing existing sales and generating new opportunities within the Education and Specialty markets for both the US and Canada.

• Grow revenue for Learning Resources, hand2mind and Educational Insights within the Education and Specialty channels as designated by the Director, US and Canada and Vice President, Sales.

• Serve as a liaison between our corporate offices, Rep agencies, customers, and consumers.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment and establishes the strategy for the defined scope of accounts.

• Responsible for managing direct reports.

What we're looking for:

• Contribute to strategic and tactical account planning. Lead daily execution of sales plans. Lead joint business planning. Develop sales forecasts and work closely with senior management to establish sales plans and strategic objectives within the Education and Specialty segments.

• Review and analyze reports for increased sales, lost sales, and general status of business.

• Lead sales team within the Education and Specialty channel. Develop and execute against strategy to drive revenue.

• Collaborate with internal resources to develop products, programs and promotions that drive growth within the Education and Specialty markets. Plan and direct the execution of strategic sales initiatives and maximize the opportunities through effective use of Company resources.

• Seek, identify and close new business opportunities using market research and comprehensive development of industry knowledge and contacts.

• Develop strong relationships with key decision-makers. Earn credibility within the industry and demonstrate solid knowledge of competitive strategies and consumer trends.

• Manage the Rep agencies when appropriate to optimize sales potential for their scope of responsibilities to include product knowledge, terms, problem solving and maximizing profitability.

• Attend Trade Shows, reviewing new products and seeking out new business. Know competition's product and be acquainted with the deals and terms they offer.

Requirements/Ideal Attributes:

• BS/BA is required.

• 8-10 years prior industry experience is required, Education channel experience strongly preferred.

• Minimum 3 years experience managing outside Representatives in a results driven culture.

• Proven track record of excellence in sales activity.

• Proven ability to manage sales managers.

• Strong computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite

• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting (including P&L) and expense management.

• Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders. Superior interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).

• Strong ability to motivate and lead sales teams.

• Dedication to high quality customer service delivery and integrity through proven client and customer relationships.

• Demonstrated selling and persuasion (negotiation) skills as well as strong knowledge of the company's products/services and knowledge of competitor's products/services.

• Proactive problem-solving skills, ability to understand and evaluate needs to assist with resolutions.

• Collaboration skills to identify and resolve issues and concerns, sense of urgency.

• Self-directed, driven, motivated. Ability to work independently and with remote team members.

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.