Business Development Associate, Kensington - Lake Zurich - ACCO Brands

Description

At Kensington ) , we pride ourselves on an entrepreneurial culture that empowers us to think creatively, share our thoughts, collaborate, and voice our opinions. It's how we've innovated, inspired, led, learned, and succeeded for 40 years. Headquartered in Burlingame, California, Kensington is a division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world's largest designers, marketers, and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Job Summary

The Business Development Associate, Kensington will drive the growth of our IT accessory solutions within the public sector within an assigned territory. This position serves as the engine of the sales pipeline, focusing on identifying, qualifying, and nurturing high-value opportunities within state government and educational agencies.

This role navigates the complexities of public-sector procurement, leverages cooperative contracts, and builds foundational relationships with key decision-makers. The position works in close partnership with Business Development Managers to expand our footprint and ensure our industry-leading solutions reach the organizations and public servants who need them most.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of territory sales plan for State & Local Government, K-12, and Higher Education (SLED) accounts by identifying high-potential targets
• Proactively prospect, qualify, and initiate new business opportunities for IT accessory solutions within state & local government and education agencies
• Identify expansion opportunities within existing accounts by identifying up-sell, cross-sell, and renewal opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, influencers, and procurement officials with end users and channel partners
• Develop a good understanding of public-sector procurement processes, cooperative contracts, compliance requirements and posse a familiarity of purchasing vehicles
• Serve as a subject matter expert for prospective customers by understanding their IT accessory challenges and aligning them with the company's solution offerings
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales engineering, marketing, delivery, and leadership) to develop winning solutions
• Build and manage a robust lead pipeline, ensuring data in Salesforce is consistently updated, accurately forecast product and revenue
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings to capture leads and build brand awareness within public sector

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development or sales experience in State & Local Government and/or Education IT markets
• Strong understanding of public-sector procurement and contracting processes
• Demonstrated ability to build long-term customer relationships and close complex deals
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and comfortable working independently
• Ability to travel within the assigned territory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Existing relationships within State, Local Government, K-12, or Higher Education agencies
• Experience working with cooperative contracts (e.g., NASPO, Sourcewell, OMNIA, GSA, state contracts)
• Knowledge of education and government funding cycles and budget processes
• Bachelor's degree in business, Technology, or a related field

Salary Range : $50,000 - $60,000, plus incentive

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About Us:

You know our brands. You love our brands. You just may not know they are ours.

If you have touched a PowerA gaming controller, a Five Star notebook, a Swingline stapler, a Quartet dry erase board, or a Kensington computer mouse, you have touched part of ACCO Brands Corporation. With annual revenues of more than $1.5 Billion, ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO) designs, markets, manufactures, and sells branded academic, consumer, and business products globally. The power of our brands, our unmatched global customer reach, and our strategic market strengths put us in a position to achieve global leadership and growth. We're proud of our long history of industry leadership and innovation and are focused on delivering exceptional value to our customers by providing unique, cutting-edge, branded products.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans
• 4% 401(k) match with immediate eligibility and vesting
• Competitive time off, available from the first day of employment
• Parental leave
• Company-paid life and disability benefits
• Critical illness, accident, and long-term care insurance options
• Employee and family assistance programs

Growing together is how we win.

With trusted brands, strong leadership, and a clear purpose, you'll find opportunities to grow in your career, contribute to meaningful work, and be a part of a culture that values creativity and putting our consumers and customers first.

Apply now and build a successful future with ACCO Brands.

More information about ACCO Brands can be found at .

ACCO Brands has developed and maintains a written Affirmative Action Program ("AAP") for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. A copy can be requested from Human Resources. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ACCO Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The company strives to create a winning culture with a leadership promise to provide equal access and opportunity for all to grow, succeed, and contribute to their full potential.

AODA

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided in all parts of the recruiting process as required under the ACCO Brands Canada AODA policy. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance.