At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business sales in UK universities and manage complex sales cycles.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, PE-backed software company transforming the public sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, solid pension, and flexible hybrid work.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact role that supports education with innovative tech solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Higher Education sales and enterprise software is essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and career growth in a consultative sales environment.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
We’re hiring on behalf of a fast-growing, PE-backed software company that’s transforming the public sector – and now doubling down on growth in the Higher Education space. They’re on the hunt for a New Business Account Director with serious experience selling complex software solutions into Universities and Higher Education institutions across the UK.
What you’ll be doing:
- Driving new business sales across UK universities – from first contact to close
- Navigating complex sales cycles and procurement processes
- Building relationships with senior stakeholders – think CIOs, registrars, VCs
- Acting as a trusted advisor, not just a vendor
- Owning your pipeline, your strategy, your numbers
What we’re looking for:
- Proven track record selling into Higher Education – you understand how the sector works
- Strong background in enterprise software / SaaS sales
- Comfortable leading on strategy, but hands-on with execution
- A real self-starter – proactive, commercially sharp, and consultative
What’s on offer:
- £80k-£100k basic + double uncapped OTE
- Private healthcare, solid pension, and more
- Career growth in a high-impact, high-autonomy role
- A flexible, hybrid working setup
If you’re passionate about education, thrive in a consultative sales environment, and want to help universities do more with world-class tech – this is your role.
New Business Account Director employer: ESP
Contact Detail:
ESP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Business Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Higher Education sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with potential contacts who can provide insights or referrals that may help you land the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific universities and institutions you’ll be targeting. Understanding their unique challenges and needs will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in selling complex software solutions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated sales cycles and built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the EdTech space. Being knowledgeable about current innovations will position you as a trusted advisor and enhance your credibility during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace New Business Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in selling complex software solutions, particularly within the Higher Education sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in navigating sales cycles and building relationships with senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the Higher Education landscape. Emphasise your consultative sales approach and how you can act as a trusted advisor to universities.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include quantifiable achievements that reflect your track record in enterprise software or SaaS sales. This could be sales targets met, new accounts acquired, or successful strategies implemented.
Showcase Your Strategy Skills: Demonstrate your ability to lead on strategy while being hands-on with execution. Provide examples of how you've developed and executed sales strategies in previous roles, particularly in the context of Higher Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESP
✨Understand the Higher Education Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of how universities operate and the challenges they face. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you can provide valuable solutions tailored to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in selling complex software solutions. Highlight your achievements in navigating sales cycles and closing deals, especially within the Higher Education sector.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
During the interview, focus on your ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders. Discuss strategies you've used to engage CIOs, registrars, and VCs, emphasising your consultative approach rather than just being a vendor.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Strategy
Be ready to discuss how you take ownership of your pipeline and strategy. Share examples of how you've been proactive in identifying opportunities and executing plans to drive sales growth in previous roles.