Account Executive

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Our culture values diversity, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through inclusive programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see


As a member of the Post-Secondary sales team in Canada, the Account Executive will plan, organize, and implement selling strategies for defined print and digital products to achieve set sales targets and goals within an assigned territory. They will build and maintain key relationships at post-secondary institutions, promote assigned Cengage products to customers, and provide post-sales support as needed to drive sell-through, digital activations, and usage. In addition, they will share marketing trends, competitive developments, and editorial or product improvement opportunities in the field with the Product team.

What You’ll Do Here:

- Develop and maintain a Territory Plan for every account in the assigned territory using sales database tools
- Achieve realistic sales targets for both our installed business and takeaways from the competition
- Create strategic plans for high value opportunities, including sales campaigns, custom project specifications and digital presentations
- Develop itineraries and use personnel and other resources, via the territory planning process, to achieve sales objectives
- Work with the Digital Solutions team to achieve district and territory sales objectives
- Participate in planning process for development of Territory Business Plan to enhance use of team resources
- Develop daily plans using sales system to optimize sales calls on campus
- Develop and implement plans for effective strategic sampling of e-samples and print
- Represent and promote Cengage Learning products to all customers to achieve and/or exceed your established sales targets
- Conduct sales calls and develop relationships with decision makers and instructors at colleges and universities.
- Coordinate with other Account Executives in the territory to implement account-based sales strategies.
- Promote Custom, Digital and bundling strategies into all sales calls
- Use Consultative Selling Skills framework to build strong relationships with key instructors across assigned schools
- Present strong demonstrations of full product offering, including print, Custom and Digital solutions
- Establish rapport with Bookstore Managers/Buyers to strategize sell-through and promotional campaigns and demonstrate understanding of retail business
- Implement Direct to Student sales strategies
- Attend conventions and evaluate sales/editorial opportunities as appropriate
- Develop and report content partnership opportunities at assigned accounts by reporting competitive market information and working as a liaison with publishing teams to sign content partnership contracts
- Scout and report reviewer or faculty consultant leads
- Identify and report trends that could generate new content or marketing models for Cengage Learning
- Handle territory resources well and stay within budget
- Exhibit proficient use of technology communication tools
- Update and maintain customer database (Magellan)
- Report to manager as required
- Fulfill team support roles as required, including additional coverage when needed

Skills You Will Need Here:

- Outstanding organization skills and strong attention to detail and diligent follow up is crucial
- Superior ability to handle multiple tasks and opposing and shifting priorities is important
- Very strong verbal and listening skills - people want to be around you
- and a high level of emotional maturity
- High energy and the ability to establish relationships with stakeholders, including staff, customers and other members of the executive team
- Proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Highly resourceful team-player, who can also work well independently
- Proven tact in dealing with confidential information
- Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Forward looking problem solver who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions
- Passionate learner who seeks feedback and consistently expands their skills

Basic (required