Sr Strategic Quote Specialist (Remote)

Sr Strategic Quote Specialist - Are you ready to make a difference?

School Specialty is dedicated to transforming education for the better. Our success is fueled by a team of passionate innovators who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students. Are you ready to make an impact?

Job Summary: The Sr Strategic Quote Specialist prepares quotations/proposals for the entire School Specialty product line. The position works closely with customers, sales, internal support teams, freight carriers, and installation partners to process large project, architectural and design project opportunities efficiently, meeting customer expectations, and provide product knowledge through research and sourcing.

Work Location:

• This will be a remote role based out of your home office. Applicants within a reasonable driving distance of our Downers Grove IL or Mansfield OH location may be expected to work in a hybrid capacity.

Compensation Information:

• Annual salary range of $57,000-$75,000 with a defined annual incentive plan.

What you'll do:

• Drives with sales resources(s) to build new school or large renovation projects that meet the customer's quality, quantity, design, safety and functional expectations
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement to prepare bid packages and pricing to strategically respond to project and architectural opportunities
• Create furniture and equipment material and room lists using the designated quoting software
• Drives with sales resource(s) to prepare budgets and pricing of specified projects for architect and designers, construction managers, and general contractors
• Assist architects and designers/general contractors/construction managers, and school districts to provide presale new construction or large renovation project-related materials.
• Supports sales resource(s) with product research, educational classroom lists, job registrations, product specifications and color selection process
• Analyze opportunity to determine strategic advantage
• Create consumable and furniture and equipment strategic quotes/proposals in designated quoting system
• Understands product assortment and how the Company products meet opportunity requirements
• Analyze opportunities through sales analysis and determine profitability expectations
• Develops customer, vendor and product knowledge expertise
• Develop and maintain solid working relationships with external rep groups and manufacturers
• Negotiate pricing with vendors, freight carriers, and installation partners
• Support customers and partner with appropriate sales resource(s) in developing and processing quotes aligned with customer requirements and the company's pricing strategies and goals
• Analyze competitor pricing and market trends
• Maintain regular communication project/order management team as applicable to provide A+ service to external customers
• Support and follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Prepare proper shop submittal packages and owner's manuals for architect and design group/construction manager/general contractor and customer
• Aid in the creation of professional sales presentations geared towards the new school (project), and architectural community
• Supports job-sharing responsibilities, ensuring coverage and assisting LE Operations, Sales, and other related departments as needed.

What we expect you to bring to the table:

• Proficient PC based experience, including spreadsheet and database programs
• Ability to coordinate large project and architectural and design opportunities.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a deadline-driven environment *
• Ability to perform mathematical sales operations; margin, cost, sales pricing, etc.
• Highly organized and attentive to details, with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to read and understand architectural blueprints

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Minimum two years+ with pricing, quoting, or bidding experience
• Experience in a bidding or quoting environment
• Computer proficiency is a must, advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required.

Education and/or Certifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, or equivalent work experience

Benefits Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision (effective day 1) basic life insurance, disability coverage, PAID parental leave, wellness programs, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401k, Educational Reimbursement, UNLIMITED paid time off and so much more!

We're determined to positively impact the future, one child at a time.

If you share our passion, we need to talk.

Just imagine what we could do together.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, hear, use hands to type data, use a personal computer and telephone. This employee may occasionally have to operate business machines. Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mental demands include multi-tasking, decision making, problem solving, comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing data.

Additional Information

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
• School Specialty, Inc. is a Drug-Free Workplace. All applicants are subject to a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.
• EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled
• If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Opportunities@SchoolSpecialty.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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Job Grade: 10