Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.
Our world class sales and sales support teams work directly with businesses 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.
As a Key Account Executive supporting State, Local, and Education (SLED) clients, you will be at the forefront of driving growth and delivering exceptional value to our customers across the U.S. This position is a vital part of our world-class sales organization, connecting businesses with the products and solutions they need to thrive. We’re seeking passionate professionals ready to leverage cutting-edge tools, collaborate across functions, and build lasting customer relationships. By joining Staples, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a supportive environment that is committed to your success and development.
What you’ll be doing :
- Revenue responsibility of $30-40M
- Utilize prescribed selling tools to prioritize activities and drive efficiency, as well as to document customer engagement and information (ex : Prioritized Insights and SFDC)
- Profitably grow book of business by hunting programming and all opportunities across the full account hierarchy.
- Partner with Outside Developers to drive sales through program compliance at all account sites
- Lead Key Account selling team (i.e. category experts, site development, CSM, sales engineers, etc.) to execute account growth plan
- Collaborate with Revenue Management Team on specific opportunities to make discretionary pricing decisions based on knowledge of the account and assessment of future spend potential, as well as pass BPIs based on contract language
- Exhibit high level of business acumen and sales methodologies to discover incremental opportunities and align with the customers’ vision and initiatives (ex : I&D, sustainability, HR), as well as understand competitive landscape
- Expertise of customer industry buying process and ability to support product selection and standardization of SA.com products assortments.
- Engage CSM to manage customer experience and complete customer maintenance requests.
- Establishes and maintains business management relationships with the senior executive team members within customer base.
- Experience in Education, State & Local Government beneficial but not a requirement
What you bring to the table :
Strong drive and a desire to winStrong aversion to complacencyProven ability to view rejection as a learning opportunity and double down on next best actionsExperience and proven track record of managing programs or business developmentAbility to interface at customer’s most senior levelsStrong ability to develop and deliver presentationsConsultative selling, solutions selling, insight selling, negotiation and advanced client management skillsAbility to set targets, design customer growth plans and work with product category sales team membersStrong business, financial, operations and technology acumenAbility to analyze customer data, business and industry trends to create tailored solutions for customers based upon Staples value propositionAbility to function independently with minimal daily supervisionWhat’s needed- Basic Qualifications
Experience and proven track record of managing programs or business developmentSolid knowledge of Office Supplies including facility and breakroom, technology products, business furniture, print and promotional productsAbility to interface at customer’s most senior levelsStrong ability to develop and deliver presentations face to face and virtuallyConsultative selling, solutions selling, insight selling, negotiation and advanced client management skillsAbility design strategic customer growth plans and work with product category sales team membersStrong business, financial, operations and technology acumenAbility to analyze customer data, business and industry trends to create tailored solutions for customers based upon Staples value propositionAbility to function independently with minimal daily supervisionNegotiating : Individual will oversee pricing negotiations for specific sales opportunities.Lead Team selling : Individual will be responsible for coordinating and executing account planning processes in conjunction with category experts and customer experience teams.Adaptable to changeWhat’s needed - Preferred Qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree or relevant experienceExperience working with Gov’t and Education CoopsProficient in Microsoft Office and other basic software toolsWorked cross-functionally in a large, complex companyPrior account management and prospective experience with Fortune 1000 accountsHad responsibility for a sales budget and track record of exceeding quotaManaged a complex deal shaping from start to finishExperience with business-to-business sales processHad responsibility to retain and grow accountsWe Offer :
Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource GroupsFlexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the diversity of our people, products, and services.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations – through the power of the people behind our iconic brand. Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.