Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Director of Learning Environments to secure new and repeat business by building strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders. In this role, you will visit schools, architecture and design firms, and trade shows to assess emerging trends and ongoing needs. The position also requires prospecting new leads with city, county and state government officials, university administrators and community-based organizations. Applicants should possess sharp presentation skills and the ability to speak to customer needs at all levels. The ideal candidate also has robust project management skills, as well as a strong work ethic and team-player mentality. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Act as a Lakeshore brand ambassador, promoting our value proposition 
• Sell in the field with a focus on K–12 FF&E opportunities  
• Take responsibility for a designated geographical area   
• Attend bid openings  
• Own projects for Complete Classrooms® service 
• Collaborate with managers to delegate tasks and responsibilities to project team members  
• Host product presentations and events designed to familiarize customers with proprietary services 
• Influence customers and other key stakeholders to specify Lakeshore furniture  
• Initiate conversations and relationships with district leadership along with supporting Outside Sales team with their own regions  
• Pursue bond opportunities and position Lakeshore where appropriate  
• Work with Inside Sales team and Marketing group to fine-tune messaging and collateral materials to support your markets  
• Partner with Sales, Retail and our Professional Services Group to support the needs of local educators  
• Provide support to guide sales strategy, relationship management and mentorship based on specific region/territory  
• Maintain an ongoing awareness of local, state and national trends and funding opportunities in K–12 FF&E 
• Travel as needed to identify nuances of current/emerging markets within designated region and participate in conferences to promote the Lakeshore brand  
• Support sales pipeline opportunities identified by Outside Sales team and account mapping to ensure all key stakeholders are identified and develop action plans when possible 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; job-related experience may be substituted in lieu of degree  
• 6 years of experience in sales, or equivalent work experience   
• Background in early learning and/or K–12 furniture/sales a plus 
• Ability to travel as needed with overnight stays 50% to 75% of time  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook and Salesforce  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills  
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills  
• Located in: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; St. Louis, MI

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience
• Uncapped commission structure
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• Generous employee discount on products that make you smarter

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. INDRLL11