Promote Staples’ presence and solutions within the Higher Education vertical (colleges, universities, and related institutions).
Serve as the vertical subject matter expert (SME), driving sales growth by developing and executing a Higher Education strategy with key stakeholders.
Engage directly with Higher Education prospects and customers, in collaboration with vertical sellers and category teams.
Build and maintain relationships with senior executives, procurement leaders, and administrative stakeholders across assigned cooperatives and institutions.
Continuously evaluate pricing structures to ensure contract compliance while identifying opportunities to optimize profitability.
Partner with internal teams to track and report cooperative sales activity, ensuring compliance with contract terms (rebates, pricing, etc.).
Provide guidance and training to Business Development, Account Executives, and Category Experts on Higher Education strategies and opportunities.
Support RFPs/RFIs, pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and cooperative program engagements.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
8+ years of experience specializing in Higher Education sales and strategy, including large, complex institutions.
Deep expertise within the Higher Education sector.
Strong drive, competitive mindset, and a desire to win.
Resilience and the ability to turn challenges into learning opportunities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior-level stakeholders.
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build long-term customer relationships.
Strong business, financial, operational, and technical acumen, with the ability to analyze trends and develop tailored solutions.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and high emotional intelligence.
Established network and industry experience within Higher Education.
Understanding of public sector procurement, cooperative contracts, and multi-department institutional buying processes.

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

Strategic Sales Account Director, SLED

Key skills