Business Development Manager - Education

Innovative Office Solutions•Minneapolis, MN

17d

About The Position

Innovative Office Solutions is seeking a high-energy, self-driven Business Development Manager to grow its presence in the K–12 education market throughout the Twin Cities. The role focuses on developing new business with public and private schools, school districts, charter schools, and other education organizations, while building lasting relationships with education decision-makers and connecting customers with relevant products and services. The position develops and executes strategic sales plans, builds a sales pipeline, leads customer conversations and presentations, and prepares tailored proposals. It also manages and grows existing education accounts, coordinates with internal teams to support customer needs, tracks sales activity and performance, and collaborates with the Sales Director and other teams to meet revenue and account-growth goals.

Requirements

Proven track record of prospecting, developing, and closing new business, preferably in B2B sales, education sales, or a related industry.
Ability to build relationships with decision-makers and influence purchasing decisions across multiple organizational levels.
Strong consultative selling skills, including asking thoughtful questions, identifying customer needs, and presenting tailored solutions.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including confidence engaging school leaders, administrators, and purchasing teams.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage a sales pipeline, multiple accounts, and longer sales cycles.
Proficiency in CRM platforms, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, or initiative to learn new tools quickly.
Data-driven, results-oriented mindset and ability to track performance, forecast opportunities, and work toward sales goals.
Competitive spirit, resilience, and self-motivation to pursue opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Collaborative approach and commitment to exceptional customer service and lasting partnerships.
Passion for professional growth, financial success, and making an impact through customer relationships.

Nice To Haves

Experience selling to K–12 schools, public or private school districts, or other education organizations is strongly preferred.
Understanding of school and district purchasing processes, budget cycles, procurement practices, and education sales dynamics, or ability to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to grow revenue and market share in the K–12 education market.
Identify, prospect, and develop new business opportunities with schools, districts, charter schools, and other education organizations.
Build and manage a sales pipeline through outreach, networking, referrals, events, and targeted prospecting.
Establish relationships with education decision-makers, including superintendents, administrators, business managers, principals, curriculum leaders, purchasing departments, and school operations teams.
Understand school and district priorities, purchasing processes, budget cycles, and procurement requirements.
Lead sales conversations, presentations, and product demonstrations to uncover needs and position the company as a trusted partner.
Develop tailored proposals and recommendations aligned with customer goals, challenges, and budgets.
Promote the company’s products and services and identify opportunities to expand customer relationships and solution adoption.
Monitor competitive activity, market trends, district initiatives, and funding opportunities.
Build and maintain long-term relationships that support customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth.
Serve as a resource to education customers and connect them with appropriate internal teams and category experts.
Develop account strategies for existing education customers and identify opportunities to grow partnerships.
Conduct customer check-ins, business reviews, and follow-up activities.
Coordinate with internal teams to streamline ordering, address service issues, and support a positive customer experience.
Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally, owning follow-through.
Participate in education conferences, networking opportunities, and community initiatives.
Collaborate with the Sales Director on annual and quarterly sales plans, revenue targets, and strategic priorities.
Meet or exceed new-business, sales-activity, revenue, and account-growth goals.
Maintain accurate prospect, pipeline, opportunity, and account information in CRM tools.
Complete required dashboard activities, including customer development and engagement, tours, business reviews, and opportunity tracking, as applicable.
Track and analyze sales performance, customer activity, and pipeline progress.
Use sales reports, financial insights, and market intelligence to prioritize accounts and strengthen sales strategies.
Partner with internal sales teams, category experts, and operational departments to deliver coordinated solutions.
Build knowledge of education market trends, school purchasing practices, and the company’s products and services.