Inside Sales Supervisor / BF1037

Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children's publishing and media company, has a corporate mission of instilling the love of reading and learning for lifelong pleasure in all children. Recognizing that literacy is the cornerstone of a child's intellectual, personal and cultural growth, for more than 80 years, Scholastic has created quality products and services that educate, entertain and motivate children. For more information, please visit our website at 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 seeking a talented individual to lead our inside sales team based to achieve budgeted Fair counts, net revenue, and overall sales program goals in assigned territory through effective execution of the sales and servicing methods of the Company.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Sales Management:
Supervise a commissioned, territory/account-based sales force to achieve set goals. Monitor/review performance, coach and develop to achieve regional goals.
Evaluate market and sales reports to determine trends and performance.
Monitor customer program participation ensuring that goals are met and that customer satisfaction remains high.
Communicate, and oversee sales and service strategies by customer segment based on analysis of market penetration, sales fluctuations, and competition.
Create customer loyalty by understanding customer motivation, expectations, and needs. Deliver on customer commitments.

Leadership Management:
Assist Sales mgr by supervising all sales training initiatives. Conduct ongoing telephone/personal sales, and customer service training programs.
Develop expertise in the Book Fair business (customer segments, Fair types, product mix, merchandising etc).
Partner with Sales Mgr to increase fair count, revenue and overall productivity of the sales team.
Act as a liaison between the Sales Mgr and Sales Consultants.
Assist Sales Mgr with special sales team projects and duties as assigned.
Build a customer-focused team.

Functional Expertise/Personal Effectiveness:
Build productive working relationships with internal/external customers through effective, organized, and timely communications.
Supervise implementation of new technologies.
Attend Scholastic Book Fairs exhibits, events; Fairs, etc., as assigned and required by mgmt.
Use company computer applications and sales processes to obtain thorough and updated customer information.
Maintain business confidentiality relative to pricing, promotion, customer lists, and methods of distribution.
Work effectively in situations involving shifting priorities and rapid change.
Partner with the Operations Dept, to avoid last minute changes to the Fair build and/or truck routing.
Perform all other sales duties as assigned by mgr.

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 three (3) years of proven sales experience in retail or district/territory sales or events management, with a minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory role.
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 while adding value for customers.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated customer orientation over the phone.
Outstanding interpersonal skill with direct reports, peers, superiors (cross functional and throughout the organization), customers, vendors, and other partners.
Familiarization with childrens literature, Book Fairs, and school activities is a plus.
Ability to supervise multiple priorities, and achieves results.
Proficiency with MS Office software.
Experience with Sales Force Automation/Customer Relationship Management Technology (experience with PeopleSoft CRM a plus).
Scholastic Book Fairs believes diversity leads to strength.
EOE/AA/H/V/DFWP