At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategies and build relationships in the Higher Education sector.
- Company: Join Cisco, a leader in tech innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and endless growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while driving digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Higher Education sales and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Meet the Team
The Cisco team is a safe and inclusive environment where hard-working people develop their skills and are recognized for the phenomenal things they do. We celebrate success, learn from our failures and trust each other. We embrace diversity of background and opinion in everything we do.
Cisco is a customer centric company and we pride ourselves on the value we give to our customers and the partnerships we nurture in our channel. Performance is measured by business outcomes achieved (which are the results achieved on role expectations and the positive impact made on the team), and how an individual executes based on our Guiding Principles (Think Really Big, Play to Win and Drive Durable Growth). We bring innovation and thought leadership, become our clients’ advocates within Cisco, and are creative in building partnerships to deliver the outcomes they need.
Your Impact
We are looking for a Higher Education Sector Team Lead whose responsibilities will include:
- Develop and implement Higher Education vision, sales strategies and plans to exceed sales targets
- Analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and develop action plans to capitalize on them
- Forecast sales, manage budgets, and monitor performance against targets, prioritising key pursuits
In this multifaceted role, you will also be responsible for:
- Client Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain relationships with key Higher Education bodies
- Build and maintain Higher Education Cisco User Communities
- Build commercial strategies to align with the Higher Education Market
- Develop strong Cisco Partner alignment and GTM plans
- Team Leadership and Management:
- Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of sales representatives
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to sales team members
- Set clear expectations, goals, and objectives for the sales team
- Motivate and inspire the sales team to achieve peak performance
- Sales Execution and Performance:
- Oversee and actively participate in key sales activities, including client meetings, presentations, and negotiations
- Monitor sales performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions
- Ensure the sales team adheres to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Minimum Qualifications
- Deep sector knowledge in the Higher Education and Research Market
- A credible network in the Higher Education Market
- A track record showing an ability to influence C suite executives in the Higher Education Market
- Proven track record in thought leadership in the Higher Education Sector, with focus on digital transformation, technology trends and innovation
- Solid understanding of Cisco’s portfolio and selling Cisco solutions at the C-Suite level within customers
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years’ experience within the Higher Education Sector
- Experienced in managing complex sales cycles, strong skills in managing multiple internal and external stakeholders, drive demand generation, and develop business relationships
- Strong technical and business interest/knowledge with complimentary skills to understand the customers’ business drivers and how technology plays an important role
- Demonstrate the vital skills to negotiate challenges and solutions with peers, partners and customers using a win/win philosophy
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
Job Summary
Job number: 2011944
Date posted: 2026-07-08
Profession: Sales
Employment type: Full time
Account Executive - Higher Education in Taunton 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 Account Executive - Higher Education in Taunton
✨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 Account Executive - Higher Education 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 Account Executive - Higher Education. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Executive - Higher Education in Taunton
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.
