Red Thread- Sales Representative, K-12 Education

JOB DESCRIPTION

The K-12 Sales Representative is responsible for maintaining and growing business relationships with school districts, private schools, libraries, and A&D (Architecture & Design) partners. This role blends proactive business development with hands‑on selling — supporting existing customers while actively pursuing new opportunities within the education market.

This position will manage a combination of existing opportunities and active prospecting, serving as the primary owner of assigned accounts while continuously identifying and developing new business within the K-12 and library space. Works closely with the broader Sales Team to support all aspects of the customer relationship, from early planning, quoting, and contract compliance through ordering, delivery, and installation. They represent Red Thread at project, client, and design meetings with the goal of strengthening Red Thread’s position as the preferred partner for K-12 and library clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and grow relationships with school districts, private schools, libraries, and A&D firms, serving as the primary point of contact for customers on designated projects
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the K-12, library, and public sector markets through prospecting, referrals, networking, and industry associations
• Research prospective school districts, private schools, and A&D partners to qualify leads and develop targeted outreach strategies
• Conduct sales calls independently and alongside Sales Representatives
• Meet with end users, administrators, and design teams on‑site to identify project goals and requirements
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, presentations, and turnkey solutions including quotes, finish schedules, and specifications tailored to education clients
• Prepare quotations and RFPs that outline product specifications, pricing, delivery and installation timeframes, and Red Thread’s full-service capabilities
• Provide guidance on contract structures and cooperative purchasing programs applicable to K-12 and library clients
• Process complete and accurate orders in Hedberg and track acknowledgments with Sales Coordinators as needed
• Coordinate installation drawings, plans, and presentation materials with the Design Department to ensure accuracy and functionality
• Coordinate project schedules with Project Management and Operations for delivery, service, and installation
• Establish, develop, and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction while monitoring and reporting on Red Thread’s performance against customer expectations
• Publish project and account status reports for internal teams and customers
• Attend and document all project and client meetings; perform site visits as necessary
• Maintain familiarity with all contract agreements and cooperative purchasing vehicles
• Manage and maintain an active sales funnel and all account activity within CRM; ensure pipeline accuracy and timely updates
• Utilize order management reports to track project progress
• Ensure all punch‑list items are resolved and orders closed out for timely invoicing
• Maintain accurate and standardized order records
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through vendor workshops, product training, and industry involvement
• Perform special projects as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to both develop new business and manage long‑term client relationships
• Strong customer service, presentation, communication, and organizational skills
• Consultative selling approach with the ability to identify client needs, budgets, and timelines
• Strong problem‑solving skills; comfortable working in a team environment
• High attention to detail with excellent follow‑through
• Goal‑oriented, self‑motivated, and resourceful
• Solid computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Hedberg or similar ERP; CRM experience required

Level Of Education/Training/License

• BA/BS degree preferred; equivalent experience considered

Experience

• 2–3 years of B2B sales or account management experience required
• Experience with K-12, library, or public sector clients strongly preferred
• Familiarity with cooperative purchasing, contract compliance, and project‑based sales a plus
• Furniture, design, A&D, or construction industry experience preferred