Education Sales Specialist - Coastal South Carolina

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions. Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.

We are seeking a Sales Specialist to lead business development efforts throughout the South Carolina coastal region. Candidates should reside in or near Charleston or the surrounding counties. This home-based position requires regular travel throughout the territory, serving customers from Horry County to Beaufort County.

This is an exciting opportunity to build relationships, drive growth, and represent a respected, employee-owned company. While the primary focus of this role is the K-12 education market, you will also support opportunities within local government, healthcare, and corporate environments.

Working alongside architects, designers, dealers, contractors, school administrators, and other key influencers, you'll help shape learning and workplace environments while expanding KI's presence throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with school district leaders, administrators, end users, and key decision-makers.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow KI's presence within the K-12 market and related public sector accounts.
• Partner with architects, designers, and other influencers to increase awareness, specifications, and project opportunities.
• Collaborate with dealer partners to drive sales and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Present KI products, solutions, and insights through client meetings, product demonstrations, and lunch-and-learn sessions.
• Create compelling sales presentations and proposals tailored to customer objectives.
• Utilize CRM and sales technology tools to manage account activity, sales opportunities, and pipeline development.
• Stay informed of industry trends, competitive products, and evolving customer needs to effectively position KI solutions.

What You Need to Succeed

• Understanding of K–12 administrative practices, workflows, and decision-making.
• Experience engaging high level leaders within an educational institution.
• Familiarity with K–12 purchasing/procurement processes (contract furniture exposure a plus).
• Exceptional communication and relationship building skills.
• Curiosity about emerging trends in education, design, and learning environments.
• Comfort with regular travel; valid driver’s license required.
• Strategic thinker with strong research, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Self-starter with strong follow through and cross functional collaboration skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in K–12 or a related field preferred.

What KI Offers You

• Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – be a part-owner of the company!
• Health & Wellness: Competitive Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Future Planning: 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Time Off: Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
• Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement programs
• Discounts: Special pricing on company products
• Education: Support for degree programs and certifications
• Full Benefits: Includes life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

If you're passionate about building relationships, helping educational organizations create better learning environments, and growing a successful territory, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue Furnishing Knowledge.

KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.