At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial growth and manage software licence renewals for health products.
- Company: Cochrane, a global leader in health evidence and research.
- Benefits: £48,000 salary, performance bonus, remote work, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to collaboration and quality in health research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while developing your sales skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or account management; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
Specifications: 6-month fixed term contract
Salary: £48,000 per annum, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus linked to agreed business development objectives (pro-rated for the duration of the fixed-term contract).
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full-Time
Location: Remote first (home based) with some travel expected for in person meetings
Closing date: 4 October 2026
Interview date: w/c 12 October 2026
Cochrane is a global, independent network of health practitioners, researchers, patient advocates and others, responding to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesizing research findings to produce the best available evidence on what can work, what might harm and where more research is needed. Our work is recognized as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.
Purpose of the job:
The Commercial Sales Lead is responsible for driving commercial growth across Cochrane’s products and services, alongside stabilising, managing and improving software licence renewals across the organisation’s academic and institutional customer base. The role will deliver a proactive, customer-focused sales and renewals approach that improves retention, customer satisfaction, renewal value and renewal forecasting, while identifying and developing new business opportunities and converting these into sustainable revenue and long-term customer relationships.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Own and manage the end-to-end software licence renewal process, ensuring renewals are progressed on time, risks are identified early and accurate customer and renewal records are maintained.
- Build strong relationships with institutional customers, using regular customer engagement to improve retention, understand customer needs, reinforce value and identify opportunities for further growth.
- Proactively identify and develop new business opportunities across Cochrane’s products and services, building and maintaining a strong pipeline of prospective customers and progressing opportunities through to conversion.
- Follow up new institutional customer leads and identify opportunities to introduce additional products and services to existing customers.
- Work towards agreed sales, revenue and wider business development objectives, including customer acquisition, retention and renewals.
- Maintain clear reporting and forecasting across sales activity, pipeline, conversion, renewals and revenue, while helping to improve CRM data and establish consistent and repeatable sales and renewal processes.
- Work collaboratively with product, publishing, marketing, technical, training, support and finance colleagues to provide customers with a smooth experience throughout the sales and renewal journey.
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- Proven experience in account management, renewals, customer success, sales or business development.
- A track record of improving customer retention and renewal performance and/or successfully developing new business opportunities.
- Strong written and verbal customer communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with existing and prospective customers.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple renewals and sales opportunities simultaneously.
- Experience of managing and maintaining a CRM or structured customer database.
- Experience of working towards agreed sales, commercial or business development objectives and deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively across internal teams.
Don't have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we're not looking for 'perfect matches.' We're looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace.
Our organization is built on four core values:
- Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
- Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
- Integrity: Independent and transparent.
- Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.
You can expect:
- An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
- A flexible work environment which includes remote-first working (although you will be required to attend in person meetings from time to time, depending on your location and the needs of the role).
- An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.
Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values. We are a Disability Confident Employer which means that applications from candidates who share they are disabled, and who meet the criteria for the role, will be guaranteed an interview.
Please note that candidates appointed and based in the UK, Denmark or Germany will be offered the advertised salary. Candidates appointed outside of these locations will be offered a local salary aligned to local market rates, which will be confirmed at the point of offer.
Commercial Sales Lead in London employer: Cochrane
As a Publishing Operations Lead at our remote-first company, you'll join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a strong commitment to employee development, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to grow your career in a supportive environment. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and encourages meaningful contributions, making us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding and impactful role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Sales Lead 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 Commercial Sales Lead at Cochrane, 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 Cochrane. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Commercial Sales Lead. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Sales Lead 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 Cochrane:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Cochrane. 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 Cochrane
✨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 Cochrane 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 Cochrane 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 Cochrane’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.