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 Communications is an excellent employer for clinicians seeking a flexible work environment in Newcastle upon Tyne. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, the company offers the opportunity to set your own hours while contributing to meaningful medical education. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of medical content review.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager, Europe
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales Manager, Europe at Cactus Communications, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Cactus Communications. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Manager, Europe. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Cactus Communications:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Cactus Communications. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cactus Communications
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Cactus Communications that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Cactus Communications that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Cactus Communications’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
