At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales strategies across Europe, engaging with universities and research institutions.
- Company: Remote-first organisation embracing a culture of flexibility and innovation.
- Benefits: Work remotely, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate globally and thrive in a diverse, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the academic and research sectors.
- Qualifications: 4+ years B2B sales experience, preferably in academia or research.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
CACTUS is a remote‑first organization and we embrace an accelerate from anywhere culture. You may be required to travel to our Mumbai office based on business requirements or for company/team events.
Responsibilities
- Sales Strategy & Pipeline Development
- Own and execute territory sales plans across Europe targeting universities, research institutes, and funding organizations.
- Build and maintain a high‑quality pipeline through outbound prospecting, conferences, partnerships, and inbound channels.
- Develop account‑based strategies by mapping stakeholders, research priorities, and funding cycles.
- Manage pipeline hygiene, forecasting, and reporting via CRM tools.
- Customer Engagement & Deal Execution
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders such as Research Heads, CIOs, Faculty Leads, and Grants/Finance teams.
- Conduct consultative discovery to understand AI adoption needs, infrastructure gaps, and compliance requirements.
- Deliver tailored presentations, demos, and solution pitches aligned to institutional goals.
- Navigate complex procurement processes including RFPs, tenders, and consortium‑based buying.
- Academic & Domain Expertise
- Develop a strong understanding of European research funding frameworks and academic buying behavior.
- Stay updated on regulations such as GDPR, open science mandates, and responsible AI practices.
- Position solutions within broader digital transformation and research innovation initiatives.
- Expert Services & Account Growth
- Drive sales of professional services including AI implementation, consulting, and training programs.
- Partner with internal teams to scope, price, and deliver customized solutions.
- Identify expansion opportunities within existing accounts to maximize long‑term value.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing on demand generation, academic campaigns, and thought leadership initiatives.
- Provide market insights to influence product roadmap and positioning.
- Collaborate with legal, finance, and compliance teams on contracts and institutional requirements.
Qualifications and Prerequisites
- 4+ years of B2B sales experience with consistent quota achievement.
- Proven experience selling into European academia, research institutions, or public sector.
- Experience managing long, complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycles.
- Familiarity with AI/ML, data platforms, or advanced analytics solutions (ability to sell credibly).
- Strong commercial acumen with ability to structure multi‑year, consortium, or grant‑linked deals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; additional European language (German/French/Dutch, etc.) is a plus.
- Self‑starter, comfortable working autonomously in a remote/global setup.
- Familiarity with open science, reproducibility, and AI ethics in research.
Application Process
Before applying, please ensure you meet the role requirements listed above and have legal authorization to work in the country where this role is advertised. Our selection process typically involves an initial screening by a recruiter, a technical assessment, and two to three interview rounds. For this role, there will be a screening call followed by 2 rounds of interview and 1 HR interview.
Equal Opportunity
Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop, and succeed. We celebrate the uniqueness of our team members and prohibit discrimination of any kind, based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Accelerating from Anywhere
As a remote‑first organization, these are essential attributes we look for in all our candidates:
- Taking ownership of your work with minimal supervision, showing strong ability to organize, prioritize and deliver results independently.
- Documenting work that brings everyone on the same page.
- Maturity to choose between synchronous and asynchronous collaboration.
- Effectively collaborating with colleagues across different time zones by setting dedicated hours for collaboration and keeping team members updated through your MS Teams status.
Sales Manager, Europe employer: Cactus Communications Pvt. Ltd.
CACTUS is an exceptional employer that champions a remote-first culture, allowing you to thrive from anywhere while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development in the dynamic fields of AI and research, alongside a supportive environment that values individuality and inclusivity. Join us to engage with leading academic institutions across Europe and make a meaningful impact in the world of research and innovation.
Contact Details:
Cactus Communications Pvt. Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager, Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and research institutions. Attend relevant conferences and events to meet potential employers face-to-face. Remember, it's all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially their approach to AI and digital transformation. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Be ready to discuss your understanding of European research funding frameworks and how you can help institutions navigate complex procurement processes. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales, especially within European academia, and showcase how your skills align with our needs at CACTUS.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you’ve met or exceeded sales targets, managed complex sales cycles, or built strong relationships with stakeholders. Numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cactus Communications Pvt. Ltd.
✨Know Your Sales Strategy
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of sales strategies specific to the European academic market. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and execute territory sales plans, and share examples of how you've successfully built a pipeline in similar environments.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you conducted consultative discovery to understand client needs, and be ready to explain how you tailored your approach to meet those needs.
✨Showcase Your Domain Expertise
Familiarise yourself with European research funding frameworks and academic buying behaviour. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of regulations like GDPR and how they impact sales processes in academia. This will show that you’re not just a salesperson, but someone who understands the landscape.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with marketing, legal, and finance teams in previous roles. Share examples of how you provided market insights or worked on demand generation campaigns, as this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
