National Contract Specialist

School Outfitters is a leading provider of educational furniture and equipment, dedicated to creating learning environments where students and educators thrive. Headquartered in Norwood, Ohio, we combine innovation, service, and a people‑first culture to deliver solutions that make a difference. As a 100% employee‑owned company, every team member shares in our success—because when we win, we all win. Our values—Believe in People, Enjoy the Journey, Relentlessly Search for Better, Play to Win, and Live the Golden Rule—guide everything we do. The Opportunity The National Contract Specialist targets the top contracts/programs that Key and Major Accounts are purchasing from and seeks additional contracts/programs for PreK-12 customers who do not currently have a contract to buy from. They submit PreK-12 contracts and bids for assigned territories to acquire and grow the PreK-12 market. They assist with internal departmental communication to position School Outfitters as the preferred vendor. What You’ll Lead & Do Proactively manages contracts/programs in assigned territories throughout all stages of the process. This would include discovery, implementation, submission, follow up, training, internal departmental communication and post award marketing opportunities. Manage email for internal and external customers per assigned territories. Works with National Account Coordinator to submit contract/program fees. Oversee and organize account information for internal launch and post-award meetings Proactively watch contract/program sales to leverage marketing opportunities to increase sales growth. Travel to tradeshows and purchasing cooperative meetings, as needed, to maintain and grow existing customer base. Works with Inside Sales Manager on proactive contract/program development for accounts. Attends tradeshows or educational programs involving assigned territory. Update and manage key words on bid and contract sites for assigned territory. Back up contract team territory emails as needed. Oversees the facilitation and management of $40+ million dollars in contract business annually. This activity includes compliance regulations, system administration, and response to escalated issues regarding transactions with contract managers or customers. Seeks opportunities to grow and develop business through product expansions or new contracts with existing contract members. Contract sales typically grow 10% or more per year, which averages $5 million or more in business on average per year. Must be familiar with legal terminology and compliance mentioned within contracts and monitor risk. When contract terms are questionable to be regulated or executed and may put the company at risk to be out of compliance, this role is responsible to escalate to VP of Sales or Chief Revenue Officer. Facilitates meetings internally with various departments to educate teams on contract opportunities. Must be thoroughly prepared and able to communicate effectively in order to position School Outfitters with the best proposal to persuade customer to choose School Outfitters as a trusted vendor. Facilitates and manages 300-500 contracts per year. This would include discovery, implementation, submission, follow-up, training, internal departmental communication, and post-award marketing opportunities. Other projects as assigned by the Director of Sales or National Contract Sales Manager. What You Bring Bachelor’s Degree required, business degree preferred Previous contract experience and/or sales experience preferred Ability to multi-task and manage projects from beginning to end meeting all required guidelines Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills Ability to lead and involve both internal and external customers to ensure success in contract submissions and post award activities Attention to detail and accuracy Deadline driven Ability to present not only to internal customers but external customers as well Work well with teams cross-functionally across all SO departments Why You’ll Love Working Here Employee Ownership (ESOP): Share in the success you help create. Culture that Wins: Values‑driven, collaborative, and focused on growth. Flexibility: Primarily on-site with flexibility for remote work on Thursdays and Fridays Location: Norwood, Ohio Recognition: Proud recipient of Top Workplace honors.