Job Description

Job Description

JOIN THE BEST TEAM ON THE FIELD IN SPORT, SPIRIT & ACHIEVEMENT

At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our three distinct brands – BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones – and our network of 9,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with schools, colleges and universities across the country to transform the student journey in SPORT, SPIRIT and ACHIEVEMENT.

Are you looking to play an important role on a winning team? Are you looking for more than “just a job,” but a place where you can truly thrive and have your daily contributions make a real difference in someone’s life? At Varsity Brands we’re a growing company where you can lend your skills and talents in support of a greater mission. In return, you get to work with great people on challenging assignments that will accelerate your professional growth.

HERFF JONES, ACCOUNT MANAGER

YOUR OPPORTUNITY:

The HERFF JONES Cap and Gown team, based in Arcola IL, is looking for a customer service representative to join our team.

Here's How You’ll Make an Impact:

Reporting to the office manager, The Customer Service Representative serves as the lead point of contact for all matters specific to our customers and Sales Reps. The Account Manager builds and maintains strong, long-lasting relationships with our customer’s decision-makers and external Sales Reps.  The successful employee manages contracts and has discretionary input on waiving or reducing fees to maximize company profit and maintain key accounts. Continuous interaction with senior leaders and key decision makers throughout the organization is expected.

At Herff Jones we may have been around for 100 years, but we still have the mentality of a scrappy startup. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. But don’t worry, we would never ask an employee to take on an assignment they didn’t already have the right skill sets they needed to succeed. As we see it for right now, however, here are the challenges that we want you to tackle:  

• Exercise discretion and independent judgement in liaison role between our Sales Reps, Customers (eg.: school administrative and bookstore managers) and internal production, warehouse, and shipping managers.

• Manage contracts and relationships to maximize company profit yet maintain goodwill and long-term commitment with Customers.

• Balance the needs of the Customer with the manufacturing and shipping schedules of Herff Jones and contracted carriers by exercising conflict management practices and sound policy interpretation.

• Serve as product line expert and advisor to Sales Reps their staff and key decision-makers on the account.

• Operate as the lead point of contact and trusted advisor on all matters specific to the assigned Customers and Sales Reps.

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of our products according to Customer needs.

• Collaborate with our Sales Reps to maintain current accounts and grow new business.  Consult with Plant Manager to finalize agreements seeking win-win outcomes.

• Communicate the progress of our weekly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

• Serve on cross-functional process improvement teams representing the needs of our Customers and Sales Reps to assure that their needs are met.

• Assist with new business development in assigned territory and identify areas of improvement or alternative products to increase sales.

• Track key account metrics.

• Assist with high severity requests or issue escalations as needed.

• Delegate routine tasks to Seasonal Customer Service Representatives and follow-up to ensure Accounts are well serviced.

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Proven success effectively communicating across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to orchestrate resources to a desired end.
• High level account management in deadline driven business.
• Effective problem solver capable of maintaining composure and a positive attitude in demanding circumstances.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail.
• Experience in delivering client-focused solutions based on customer needs. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, influence credibly and effectively at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent listening, problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills.

EDUCATION /TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; or equivalent work experience (3-5 years).
• Experience with Account management software and Office Suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work long hours during peak season.
• Sit at a computer for 8-12 hours/day, five days a week.
• Type on a keyboard and perform other basic office tasks. 
• Speak clearly and audibly on the telephone in English.

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames, announcements and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

Company Description

Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames, announcements and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.