Category Specialist Inside Sales (Print & Promotional), Quill (WAUKEGAN)

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

Quill makes the job of ordering supplies easier and more rewarding. From everyday office essentials to technology, cleaning products, and more, we support businesses of all sizes with an exceptional customer experience. As an Inside Sales Specialist, you’ll partner closely with sales teams and internal business units to support both new and existing customers—helping them discover the right solutions while positioning Quill to win profitable deals. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a sales-driven environment, enjoys consultative conversations, and wants to make a measurable impact on customer success.

What you’ll be doing:

• Drive a high conversion rate of opportunities within approved margin guidelines.

• Meet or exceed net sales and margin goals.

• Support high-value accounts by partnering with Account Managers and Key Account Managers (up to $5M accounts) to secure one-time and recurring projects.

• Manage multiple lead channels including hunt lines, loaded leads, web leads, and chat.

• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of Quill’s specialized product offerings, pricing, and solutions.

• Meet phone time and dial expectations to stay consistently engaged with customers.

• Manage and maintain a healthy opportunity pipeline in the company CRM while adhering to Pipeline SOPs.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners such as sales teams, merchants, and vendors.

• Educate customers on relevant Quill features and benefits based on category needs.

• Increase net sales and share of wallet through consolidation efforts and trusted advisor relationships.

What you bring to the table:

• A highly driven, competitive, results‑oriented mindset with strong communication and persuasion skills.

• Ability to excel in an environment that requires adaptability and comfort with change.

• Strong presentation skills.

• Self-starter with a results-focused approach.

• Excellent time management and organizational capabilities.

• Curiosity and willingness to ask questions, viewing challenges as opportunities.

• Persistence and resilience—the ability to handle rejection and keep going.

• Customer‑first mindset.

• Desire to positively influence team culture and support colleagues.

• Ability to think dynamically and remain calm under pressure.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and sharing best practices.

What’s needed – Basic Qualifications

• At least 12 months of relevant experience in sales or customer service.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence effectively.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Self‑motivated with the ability to thrive in a results‑driven environment.

• Strong prioritization, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.

• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

• High School Diploma or GED.

What’s needed – Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of category‑specific products and services (Print & Promotional).

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

• 112 Hours of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)

• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting.  The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, business considerations, geography, and internal equity.   Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.   

At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations – through the power of the people behind our iconic brand. xywuqvp Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.