At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic deal engagements and collaborate with sales teams to create impactful proposals.
- Company: Join IBM, a leader in innovation and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape solutions that drive real change in business and society.
- Qualifications: Experience in deal strategy, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At IBM Global Sales, we bring together innovation, collaboration, and expertise to help clients solve their most complex business challenges. Working across industries and geographies, you’ll partner with colleagues, clients, and partners to co‑create solutions that drive digital transformation and lasting impact. Success in Global Sales is built on curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You’ll connect technical understanding with strong people skills, building trusted relationships and shaping solutions that improve business and society.
Your role and responsibilities
- As a Deal Strategy Lead in our Deal Strategy (DS) team, you will lead DS engagements in the EMEA region.
- You will be key to building relationships and collaborating with the Field Sales Org, including Sales leadership, Regional Sales Directors (RSDs), Account Executives (AEs), and Solution Engineers (SEs).
- You'll dive deep into products/offerings and value propositions, ensuring you're well‑versed to work effectively with internal teams including our Customer Success Group (CSG), Finance, Product, Operations, and others.
- Together, we ensure that our deal structures and proposals are strategically tailored to meet our customers' needs.
- In addition to working on deals, you’ll be our ears on the ground, providing valuable feedback from the field about trends, competitive insights, and customer feedback.
- This information is crucial for continuously refining our pricing, deal structures, and overall value proposition.
- You will also play a pivotal role in facilitating training and education, helping to instill best practices across our Field Teams and contribute to our broader business strategy.
What you’ll do
- Collaborate with sales teams on our non‑standard deals by structuring strategic and competitive proposals that meet customer needs and are beneficial to long‑term growth.
- Co‑create the value proposition of offerings with our Value Engineering and sales teams and brainstorm on potential deal strategy plays in early customer engagements.
- Perform deep‑dive discovery and qualification with account teams and customers to understand the business problems we are solving for and work toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in value selling methodologies including best practices for deal structuring, complex pricing strategies, and commercial levers.
- Manage cross‑functional stakeholder timing and expectations during the deal cycle for multiple in‑flight deals occurring in parallel.
- This may include leading working sessions, performing analysis and consolidating approvals for innovative, strategic deals that fall outside standard processes.
- Identify opportunities to build repeatable, scalable processes within our team and our hand‑offs to internal stakeholders.
- Continuously update your expertise in our portfolio, including on‑premise, cloud, and hybrid deal constructs, to provide informed advice and support.
Required education
- Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
- Solid experience in roles such as Management Consulting, Deal Strategy, Finance, Deal Pursuits, & Growth or Strategy.
- Exceptional critical thinking skills with the ability to absorb and synthesize complex concepts in varied situations into logical, data‑driven decisions.
- Experience constructing strategic hypotheses with deep understanding of the big‑picture view of the operational implications.
- Proficient in financial analysis and partnering on the development of business cases, with a bias toward data‑driven decision making.
- Deep understanding of various software selling models (SaaS, perpetual, on‑demand, consumption, etc.) and a strong interest in Data, Enterprise Architecture, and Infrastructure.
- Knowledgeable about the Data and SaaS/Cloud industries, with a keen aptitude for learning about Data in Motion and our portfolio.
- Demonstrated ability to meet timelines on multiple projects while simultaneously managing stakeholder expectations and managing risk.
- Capable of building relationships and solving problems with cross‑functional teams in a remote environment.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, able to effectively convey information across different teams, roles, and levels.
- Relevant experience putting together proposals for executives or customers coupled with past experience or interest in go‑to‑market strategy and execution.
Some travel may be required based on business demand.
Sales Deal Strategy Lead, EMEA Professional London, GB employer: IBM
At IBM Global Sales, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, making us an exceptional employer for the Sales Deal Strategy Lead role in London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and empathy. With a focus on meaningful work that drives digital transformation, you'll be part of a team that values your insights and contributions, ensuring a rewarding career path in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Deal Strategy Lead, EMEA Professional London, GB
✨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 Deal Strategy Lead, EMEA Professional London, GB at IBM, 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 IBM. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Deal Strategy Lead, EMEA Professional London, GB. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Deal Strategy Lead, EMEA Professional London, GB
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 IBM:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for IBM. 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 IBM
✨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 IBM 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 IBM 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 IBM’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.