At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth in European academia for AI products and solutions.
- Company: Remote-first organisation with a culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research with cutting-edge AI solutions and strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in B2B sales, experience in academia, and strong communication skills.
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. We are seeking a high-impact Sales Manager to drive commercial growth across the European academia segment for our AI products, solutions, and expert services portfolio. This role focuses on building strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and funding bodies, helping them leverage AI to enhance research outcomes, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness. You will play a key role in shaping the go-to-market strategy and expanding our presence within the European research ecosystem.
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
- 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.
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.
Sales Manager, Europe employer: Cactus Communications
CACTUS is an exceptional employer that champions a remote-first culture, allowing you to thrive from anywhere while fostering collaboration through occasional travel to our Mumbai office for team events. As a Sales Manager, you'll benefit from a dynamic work environment that prioritises professional growth, offering opportunities to engage with leading academic institutions across Europe and shape the future of AI in research. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member can contribute uniquely and succeed in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager, Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the academia space. Attend conferences, webinars, and local meetups to build relationships with potential clients and partners. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create engaging content that highlights your knowledge of AI and its impact on research. Share articles, case studies, or even host a webinar to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to universities and research institutions, make sure to customise your pitch based on their specific needs and challenges. A personalised touch can make all the difference in landing that deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away, so don’t hesitate to take that step!
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 mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven sales growth or built strategic partnerships in the past. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what motivates you. This is your chance to connect with us beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cactus Communications
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research CACTUS and their AI products. Understand their mission and how they fit into the European academia landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific sales strategies you've implemented in the past, especially in B2B environments. Highlight your experience with long sales cycles and how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships in academia.
✨Demonstrate Domain Expertise
Brush up on European research funding frameworks and academic buying behaviours. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will set you apart and show that you understand the unique challenges faced by universities and research institutions.
✨Prepare for Consultative Selling
Practice your consultative discovery skills. Be ready to ask insightful questions that uncover potential clients' needs regarding AI adoption. This will showcase your ability to build trusted relationships and deliver tailored solutions.
