At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage sales teams, driving account performance and profitability.
- Company: Join a leading tech company known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape customer strategies and drive impactful sales in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years of experience in sales leadership and strategic account management.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Leads and manages direct account and architecture teams, accountable for team performance and portfolio profitability, serves as an influencer in customers purchasing decisions. Builds and sustains strong, long‑term relationships with a broad range of customer and buyer stakeholders (e.g., CTO, CIO, CFO, Purchasing leaders, Partner Executive, LOB, Buyer or Partner sales managers and decision makers). Collaborates with customers to understand their business goals, identify opportunities for upsell/cross‑sell additional solutions, and create demand based on what's possible in customer roadmaps. Serves as the Account Orchestrator, aligning and integrating solutions with customer needs, driving sustainable cross‑portfolio growth through coordination and competitive deal packing. Leads both the product and services strategy, across portfolio or architecture. Maintains a comprehensive understanding of Cisco’s full product portfolio. Engages specialist teams to enhance the sales process, particularly in areas where deep technical expertise is required. Builds the sales funnel through opportunity development and drives opportunities through to sales completion to achieve revenue goals. Reviews business plans and forecasting data and presents to senior leadership to shape data driven account strategies. Stays informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes.
Specialization and Focus
- May be organized by geography/segment/vertical/account set
Customer Engagement and Accountability
- Customer facing time varies by segment/GEO but can range from 25-50%
- Amount of influence varies by segment/GEO but ranges from Moderate to High
Internal Sales Process
- Indirect influence on roles not reporting into it
Corporate Interlock
- Cross functional team (Mid to High Corporate Interlock)
Typical Sales Cycle
- Generally runs 3-6 months, may range by segment and may be longer for more complex sales opportunities (as long as 18-24 months)
Success Measures
- Team performance metrics (build, manage effective team, attract/retain top talent)
- Goal attainment
- Recurring Revenue
- Renewal rates
- Territory YOY growth
- New logos
What You'll Do
- Typically leads multiple portfolio teams and/or multiple architecture teams
- Accountable for multi‑year, highly complex architectural deals with top‑tier accounts involving multiple stakeholders and departments
- Manages financial and strategic objectives, including regional profitability and expansion, competitive positioning, and new market entry
- Strategically aligns investments across regions or theaters to support long‑term growth initiatives, and mobilizes resources to deliver on account success
- Drives forecasting accuracy and methodology, seeks out new methods, tools to buy or build
- Contributes to development of field GTM strategies and ensures alignment with partner/virtual GTM strategies
- Drives innovation adoption across geographies, driving competitive differentiation globally
- Cultivates strategic client relationships, navigating intricate deal structures and architecture integrations
- Implements structured tracking of sales metrics to maintain focus on critical outcomes and encourage continuous improvement practices
- Fosters a culture of collaboration across multiple field, partner and virtual account teams
- Leads mentoring initiatives designed to achieve superior quota performance
- Harnesses key cross‑functional influencers to architect and execute comprehensive account strategies
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors + 15 years of related experience
- Masters + 12 years of related experience
- PhD + 8 years of related experience
- 4+ years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Varies based on the team and business needs | Preferred Qualifications are desired education, experience, and skills that are in addition to Minimum Qualifications.
Director, Sales in London employer: Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the technology sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Sales in London
✨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 Director, Sales at Cisco Systems, 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 Cisco Systems. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director, Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Sales in London
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 Cisco Systems:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Cisco Systems. 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 Cisco Systems
✨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 Cisco Systems 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 Cisco Systems 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 Cisco Systems’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.
