THE OPPORTUNITY

• Do you want to work for a fast‑growing company where employees share in business success through an Employee Stock Ownership Program?
• Are you energized by building national account strategies, winning complex multi‑stakeholder deals, and leading a hunter‑oriented business development team?
• Do you thrive in roles where you can shape market strategy, expand enterprise relationships, and unlock extensive, untapped revenue potential?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

School Outfitters is a Cincinnati‑based, 100% employee‑owned company transforming how learning environments are designed, furnished, and supported across the United States.

Recognized as a Cincinnati Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, the company has grown into a national leader serving early childhood programs, K‑12 schools, higher education, and specialized learning environments. With a mission‑driven culture and a reputation for exceptional customer service, School Outfitters partners with 97% of the nation’s top 1,000 school districts.

For leaders seeking a growth‑oriented environment where ownership mentality, customer obsession, and strategic expansion intersect, School Outfitters offers a rare and exciting opportunity!

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

As the Vice President of Business Development, you will be the strategic growth engine for School Outfitters, driving net‑new revenue, expanding national accounts, and leading a proactive business development team. 

Strategic Account Growth

• Develop and execute growth strategies for top national and regional accounts.
• Build executive‑level relationships with key stakeholders.
• Identify multi‑location and enterprise expansion opportunities.
• Increase wallet share within existing strategic accounts.

Business Development Leadership

• Build and lead a hunter‑oriented business development program.
• Create target account strategies and annual penetration plans.
• Expand market presence across high‑potential verticals.
• Establish strategic partnerships and new growth channels.

Customer Engagement & Field Leadership

• Lead customer visit strategy and execution.
• Participate in executive business reviews and strategic planning sessions.
• Travel nationally (about 70%) to strengthen relationships with high‑value prospects and customers.

Team Leadership

• Lead a team of 7 Business Development and Project Management positions.
• Build CRM discipline (HubSpot or related) and ensure data integrity.
• Coach team members on enterprise selling and account expansion. 

Strategic Pipeline Development

• Ensure consistent prospecting and business development activity.
• Monitor opportunity progression and large‑deal strategy.
• Drive growth within target accounts and key market segments. 

Market Intelligence

• Track industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging customer needs.
• Recommend strategic initiatives that support long‑term revenue expansion.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years in business development, strategic sales, or commercial leadership with proven revenue growth results.
• 5+ years leading high‑performing sales or business development teams.
• Demonstrated success winning and managing strategic accounts of $1M+ annually.
• Experience selling into complex, multi‑stakeholder environments
• Strong CRM discipline (HubSpot or Salesforce).
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• Willingness to travel – up to 70% nationally.
• Experience developing scalable sales processes and enterprise pipelines.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Executive‑level consultative seller with strong emotional intelligence.
• Hunter mentality with disciplined follow‑through.
• Exceptional relationship builder and active listener.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and highly communicative.
• Comfortable being both an individual contributor and team leader.
• Strategic thinker who can translate customer needs into growth initiatives.
• Collaborative, non‑territorial, and able to partner seamlessly with Sales and Marketing.

THE PAYOFF

• Lead a strategically important growth function in a rapidly expanding company.
• Build a national account strategy from the ground up and see an immediate impact on business revenue.
• Work with a collaborative executive team that values innovation, strategy, and customer relationships.
• Earn equity through a robust ESOP program with long‑term wealth‑building potential.
• Competitive compensation package with a senior level base + commission structure.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

• Role is based in Cincinnati.
• Onsite presence is essential when not traveling due to the highly interactive and collaborative nature of the role.