Sales Manager / BF4634

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company’s Internet Site, www.scholastic.com

Position Description:

Scholastic Book Fairs works with schools across the country to host more than 120,000 annual reading events, connecting more than 55 million children with great books each year. Book Fairs foster enthusiasm for reading, while helping to build school and classroom libraries by providing students, teachers and parents access to thousands of books and educational products at affordable prices. We are looking for a Sales Manager (Inside Sales) to manage one of our regional territories. Responsibilities include:Sales Management Hire, develop, motivate, and retain a commissioned, territory/account-based sales force. Set clear performance goals, coach, develop, and review performance to achieve regional goals. Evaluate ongoing market/sales information to determine trends/performance in the region. Plan and organize the sales team’s work to achieve goals. Develop, communicate, and manage sales/service strategies, analysis of market penetration, sales fluctuations, budgets, and competition. Continually monitor customer program participation ensuring that goals are met, customer satisfaction remains high, and communication adds value to customer base. Build a customer-focused team and create customer loyalty by understanding customer motivation, expectations, and needs. Deliver on commitments, help to remove barriers to customer service, and ensure exceptional customer experiences.Leadership Management Lead through Scholastic’s mission of creating a vision and inspiring others to understand Scholastic’s culture, values, and goals. Develop expertise in the Book Fair business including customer segments, Fair types, product mix, merchandising, and customer value programs. Seek and encourage new approaches to organizational and regional opportunities. Facilitate the implementation and acceptance of change. Build teamwork with direct reports by communicating information and ensuring understanding. Involve others in team decisions, and demonstrate/model personal commitment to the team. Lead and manage training initiatives. Conduct ongoing sales and customer service training programs. Functional Expertise/Personal Effectiveness Remain current on Company information to lead team to improve customer experiences. Use company computer applications and sales processes to obtain thorough and updated customer information. Work effectively in situations involving shifting priorities and rapid change, demonstrating ability to cope well with trying circumstances. Attend conventions, exhibits, open houses, etc., as needed. Our generous full time benefits include career opportunities, competitive salaries and comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription) as well as 401(k) and pension plans and a 50% employee discount!

Qualifications:

BA/BS degree or equivalent relevant experience in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, or related field. Minimum of 5 years of sales management experience in telephone based sales, personal selling, and customer service in a multi-million-dollar operating business. Experience in a centralized contact center environment is preferred. Proven experience to meet company goals by adding value for customers through products and services offered. Proven ability to build and grow revenue/quantitative financial and sales analysis skills, including metric analysis Strong oral and written communication and speech/technical presentation abilities. Demonstrated customer orientation. Outstanding interpersonal skill with direct reports, peers, superiors, customers, vendors, and other partners. Proficiency with MS Office software and experience with Sales Force Automation / Customer Relationship Management Technology. (Experience with PeopleSoft Customer Relationship Management module a plus.)EOE/AA/H/V/DFWP