Sales Manager, Specialty Independent Business



Job Summary
The Sales Manager for Klutz and Scholastic’s Specialty Independent business manages a wide variety of commissioned sales rep organizations and accounts (including, but not limited to specialty retailers, specialty chains, catalogers, and specialty wholesalers) and is responsible for meeting assigned revenue goals. The Sales Manager serves as the primary contact for assigned sales rep groups and accounts.

Job Responsibilities

  • Attain assigned revenue goals for the territory which includes territories covered by sales rep groups and assigned accounts.
  • Maintain current monthly/YTD revenue forecasts.
  • Proactively seek ways to find incremental revenue.
  • Assist in developing annual business plans to be reviewed on a quarterly basis both internally and externally with sales rep group principals and accounts. Components of the plan should include monthly revenue forecast, key business drivers, in-house and/or customer resources requirements, marketing plans, and updates on issues and challenges.
  • Work closely with accounts to develop account-specific merchandising, advertising, and promotional strategies.
  • Maintain a solid understanding of Klutz and Scholastic products, and the marketplace that Klutz and Scholastic occupy.

Job Requirements
  • 3-5 years of experience in a sales management role with responsibility for overseeing the performance of sales reps, in addition to selling directly to key accounts.
  • Experience in the toy and gift industry a strong plus.
  • Experience with manufacturer’s rep groups (as a road rep or sales manager) a plus. Proven success in growing account base through hands-on management and relationship building.
  • Ability to represent Klutz and Scholastic enthusiastically in a variety of settings including trade shows, corporate meetings, one-on-one meetings with reps and retailers, and within the company.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong level of comfort presenting to audiences both large and small.
  • Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills demonstrating independent thinking as well as an analytical mind able to assess the financial costs and benefits of all major decisions.
  • Ability to build inter-departmental consensus when necessary.
  • Ability to maintain a proactive, positive, and collaborative approach.
  • Flexible, yet focused.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% (domestic travel only).


To Apply
Please apply through the Careers section of the Scholastic, Inc. website.
Visit: http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/jobsearch.asp,
and search on Requisition Number NY6059 to submit your information for consideration.

This position is based in Palo Alto, California.