Strategic Sales Account Director, SLED - Remote

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

Our world-class sales and sales support teams work directly with organizations of all sizes to offer products and services that meet our customers’ unique needs. We are committed to understanding our customers and use best-in-class sales tools and technology to deliver the right solutions. We’re constantly discovering new ways to reach our goals, developing our skills, and investing in career growth—so we can unlock new opportunities and grow both within and beyond sales.

The Director of Strategic Accounts, SLED is responsible for the strategy and growth of the Higher Education vertical, including overall sales, account management, pricing strategy, contract amendments, and renewals for assigned cooperative contracts across the U.S. This role is focused on delivering incremental annual sales growth at a national level through business development, account management, and category collaboration. The position plays a critical role in executing a successful sales strategy and ensuring revenue and profit objectives are achieved.

What you’ll be doing:

• Promote Staples’ presence and solutions within the Higher Education vertical (colleges, universities, and related institutions).
• Serve as the vertical subject matter expert (SME), driving sales growth by developing and executing a Higher Education strategy with key stakeholders.
• Engage directly with Higher Education prospects and customers, in collaboration with vertical sellers and category teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior executives, procurement leaders, and administrative stakeholders across assigned cooperatives and institutions.
• Continuously evaluate pricing structures to ensure contract compliance while identifying opportunities to optimize profitability.
• Partner with internal teams to track and report cooperative sales activity, ensuring compliance with contract terms (rebates, pricing, etc.).
• Provide guidance and training to Business Development, Account Executives, and Category Experts on Higher Education strategies and opportunities.
• Support RFPs/RFIs, pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and cooperative program engagements.

What you bring to the table:

• Deep expertise within the Higher Education sector.
• Strong drive, competitive mindset, and a desire to win.
• Resilience and the ability to turn challenges into learning opportunities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior-level stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build long-term customer relationships.
• Strong business, financial, operational, and technical acumen, with the ability to analyze trends and develop tailored solutions.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and high emotional intelligence.
• Established network and industry experience within Higher Education.
• Understanding of public sector procurement, cooperative contracts, and multi-department institutional buying processes.

What’s needed – Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of experience specializing in Higher Education sales and strategy, including large, complex institutions.

What’s needed – Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven success managing and growing public sector cooperative contracts within Higher Education and executing associated go-to-market strategies.
• Experience working within Higher Education (e.g., administration, procurement, finance, or faculty roles).
• Experience engaging with Higher Education associations (e.g., procurement, facilities, or administrative networks) to drive awareness and sales opportunities.
• Strong business and leadership experience.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven, financially sound decisions.
• Deep understanding of the Higher Education landscape, including procurement cycles, funding models, cooperative purchasing, and campus-wide solutions.

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more