Regional Sales Manager - Santa Barbara/Central Coast

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

The stars are in alignment. Make your move. 
 
The federal government may fill the airwaves, but it is state legislatures that are making the real noise. From east to west, states are filling education coffers with billions upon billions of dollars. For a company like Lakeshore, this is great news—and for a strategic thinker with outstanding people skills, it could be the opportunity that makes a career. As regional manager for Lakeshore, you will represent one of the strongest brands in the education industry (with a devoted customer base and 65 years of uninterrupted growth to prove it). Privately owned and family-run, we provide early learning and elementary programs with in-demand products and services that can’t be found anywhere else. And on top of a super-competitive base salary, there’s no cap on commissions at Lakeshore. We also support you with an inside sales team that knows your territory inside and out. Lakeshore is great products, great support, great customers and great people…like you! What more could you ask for?  

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Securing new and repeat business by building strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders 
• Visiting schools and child care centers on a regular basis to assess emerging and ongoing needs 
• Pursuing relationships with city, county and state government officials, university administrators, and community-based organizations to support cutting-edge learning environments for children 
• Hosting product presentations and events designed to familiarize customers with proprietary services (Complete Classrooms®, professional development, conference support, etc.) 
• Working with your Regional Vice President to form and modify sales strategies 
• Working with your inside sales team and marketing group to fine-tune messaging and collateral materials to support your markets 
• Partnering with sales, retail and our professional services group to support the needs of local educators 
• Maintaining an ongoing awareness of local, state and national trends and funding opportunities in early learning and elementary education 
• Participating in local, state and national conferences to promote the Lakeshore brand 

Qualifications

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

• 5+ years of successful sales experience and proven entrepreneurial know-how 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• Solid presentation skills and ability to speak to customer needs at all levels (teachers, administrators, directors and other officials) 
• Strong work ethic, team player mentality and ability to perform outstanding work from home 
• Candidates should ideally reside in the Santa Barbara area. The role requires overnight stays 2-3 times per month, with 75% of the time spent traveling.
• Background in early learning and elementary education a plus, but not required 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook and Salesforce 
• Top-notch written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills 
• Great attention to detail 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $80,000 - $100,000
• 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 benefit options—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• Generous employee discount on products

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, familie