Walker Bookstore has provided quality new and used books to schools, teachers, students, and parents around the world since 2005. We focus on giving back to organizations who focus on providing education to those with limited or no access to education as part of our mission. We are a family-owned business with headquarters located just outside Tempe, AZ. We are looking for a dynamic inside sales professional to lead the direct sales of textbooks to schools and school districts across the nation. We have an established presence in many schools, and we need a dedicated, full-time sales and account manager who is looking for a sales opportunity with room to grow!
* The position is in-office or hybrid for the first 6 months, then open to fully remote or hybrid working environments after that.
Responsibilities
- Work with ownership and other leadership to develop and implement sales strategies that will maximize sales and profitability.
- Run, grow, and lead our small and growing inside sales team, which sells textbooks and consumables directly to schools & districts nationwide.
- Research new and current customer accounts and identify key players to engage through outbound calls and digital tools (some cold-calling is required but most are warm leads).
- Maintain and manage current customer base to ensure retention stays at a high level.
- Manage customer database and keep detailed records of the sales, quoting and ordering process in our customer management system.
- Practice positive communication: Address concerns directly and professionally.
- Over time, build and manage a team of inside sales associates and administrative staff as demands require to ensure cost-effectiveness and success in all areas.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Desired Traits
- Bachelor’s Degree or similar experience preferred.
- Sales and/or customer service/account management experience.
- Educational industry or experience selling to schools or government entities a plus.
- Up to 3+ years of management experience in sales is a plus.
- Desire and willingness to learn.
- Understanding that our industry’s busy season is from May to September (80% of our total revenue is made during this time). This means generous time off and/or more flexible work schedule October-April and minimal to no time off (along with longer hours) May-September.
- Exceptional communication (written, verbal, phone, and presentation) skills.
- Experience with cold calling and strategically prospecting new customers is a plus.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Team Player – Helping the company succeed is imperative in a small business.
- Ability to lead and supervise a small team and build that team as needs dictate.
- Fast learner who is self-motivated.
- Proactive problem solver and critical thinker who will generate and suggest ideas on how to grow the business.
Salary starts with a guaranteed salary for the first year to two years. Then each year, based on our commission structure, your salary is readjusted every fall to reflect the prior year’s productivity and success and is guaranteed for the next year. This means you won’t have a salary subject to our seasonal sales fluctuations but will still benefit from bonuses and commission rewards for growth and productivity.
Walker Bookstore is a small, growing company started by two former mathematics teachers. We have a relaxed environment, free of many of the hassles of your typical corporate workplace. Please apply if you would like to learn more! We do offer an IRA after the first two years of employment, health insurance after 60 days of employment, access to dental, vision, life, and disability insurance immediately, and tuition and student loan reimbursement, among other benefits.
To apply, send an email with your resume and cover letter through our contact page here and also fill out the culture index survey here using “Sales Associate” as the position you’re applying for.
Walker Bookstore is an equal opportunity employer. EOE.
