Apparel Sales Representative - Northeastern, Illinois

About the role

Varsity Spirit, a Varsity Brands company, has been the leading global source for spirit products — including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook — for over 50 years. With 5,000+ employees dedicated to celebrating school spirit, the company impacts more than a million athletes each year through apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions and yearbook. This is a full‑time, outside‑sales hybrid position serving Lake, Northern Cook, and McHenry Counties, IL. Sales representatives are expected to live within or near the territory and travel locally to schools, community events and in‑person client meetings, with occasional out‑of‑area or overnight travel required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prospect for territory sales
• Conduct consults and fittings with coaches and their athletes
• Meet and exceed assigned territory sales goals
• Provide honest and confident feedback about style and fit
• Seek fashion and product knowledge to build expertise
• Maintain personal drive to seek professional growth
• Build rapport and lasting relationships with customers
• Travel to appointments within the territory
• Excel in a work‑from‑home environment
• Recruit for summer camp brands

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business education or related field preferred
• Industry experience preferred
• At least 2 years of experience in an administrative support role

Skills

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to grasp new technology and understanding of Microsoft Suite
• Knowledge of the cheer and dance industry
• Willingness to learn in‑depth product construction, technicalities and pricing
• Cultivate an in‑home office that is distraction‑free
• Ensure reliable travel for regular face‑to‑face touch points
• Organization and follow‑through
• Personal effectiveness and credibility
• Ability to generate leads, forecast sales cycle, anticipate problems and create effective solutions
• Aspiration to meet and exceed sales goals
• Commitment to in‑depth learning and career advancement

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 15‑30 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, kneel, walk and drive for prolonged periods
• Reliable travel for regular face‑to‑face touch points
• Distraction‑free in‑home office

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution / FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short‑Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member‑owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment

Pay

The base draw for this position is $45,000, with the possibility of additional performance‑based incentives. The base draw may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, location, internal equity and market alignment.