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- Tasks: Drive new business sales in UK universities and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, PE-backed software company transforming the public sector and higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, solid pension, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying autonomy and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in selling to Higher Education and a strong background in enterprise software or SaaS sales.
- Other info: This role is perfect for self-starters who thrive in consultative sales environments.
The predicted salary is between 57600 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re hiring on behalf of a fast-growing, PE-backed software company that’s transforming the public sector – and now doubling down on growth in the Higher Education space. They’re on the hunt for a New Business Account Director with serious experience selling complex software solutions into Universities and Higher Education institutions across the UK.
What you’ll be doing:
- Driving new business sales across UK universities – from first contact to close
- Navigating complex sales cycles and procurement processes
- Building relationships with senior stakeholders – think CIOs, registrars, VCs
- Acting as a trusted advisor, not just a vendor
- Owning your pipeline, your strategy, your numbers
What we’re looking for:
- Proven track record selling into Higher Education – you understand how the sector works
- Strong background in enterprise software / SaaS sales
- Comfortable leading on strategy, but hands-on with execution
- A real self-starter – proactive, commercially sharp, and consultative
What’s on offer:
- £80k-£100k basic + double uncapped OTE
- Private healthcare, solid pension, and more
- Career growth in a high-impact, high-autonomy role
- A flexible, hybrid working setup
If you’re passionate about education, thrive in a consultative sales environment, and want to help universities do more with world-class tech – this is your role. Message me directly or apply now to learn more.
Contact Detail:
ESP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Business Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Higher Education sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with potential contacts who can provide insights or referrals for the New Business Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific universities and higher education institutions you want to target. Understand their unique challenges and needs, so you can tailor your approach and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in selling complex software solutions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated sales cycles and built relationships with senior stakeholders in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your consultative selling skills during interviews. Emphasise your ability to act as a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor, highlighting how you can add value to universities through your strategic insights.
We think you need these skills to ace New Business Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in selling complex software solutions, particularly in the Higher Education sector. Use specific examples of your achievements and quantify your success where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your understanding of the Higher Education landscape and how your skills align with the role. Mention your ability to navigate complex sales cycles and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Sales Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to driving new business sales. Outline your strategy for engaging with universities and how you plan to manage your pipeline effectively.
Highlight Your Consultative Approach: Demonstrate your consultative sales style in your application. Provide examples of how you've acted as a trusted advisor to clients, rather than just a vendor, and how this has led to successful outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESP
✨Understand the Higher Education Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of how universities operate and the specific challenges they face. Research recent trends in higher education technology and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare to share specific examples of your past successes in selling complex software solutions. Highlight your achievements in navigating long sales cycles and closing deals, especially within the higher education sector.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used to engage CIOs, registrars, and VCs, and how you position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor.
✨Be Proactive and Consultative
Emphasise your proactive approach and consultative selling style. Prepare to discuss how you take ownership of your pipeline and strategy, and how you adapt your approach based on client needs and feedback.
