At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and build a high-performing team in life sciences.
- Company: Join IQVIA Language Solutions, a leader in healthcare intelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape the future of multilingual content.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by transforming language solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in sales leadership with a focus on localization and life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
IQVIA Language Solutions is building the multilingual operating layer for global life sciences—bringing together healthcare intelligence, AI-enabled workflows, specialist human expertise and the reach of IQVIA. We are moving beyond traditional translation to help customers manage critical content safely and efficiently across clinical, regulatory, safety, patient and commercial workflows. Join a growing, entrepreneurial commercial organization and shape how IQVIA takes this next generation of language solutions to market.
As Head of Sales, you will set the sales strategy, own the team quota and build a disciplined, high-performing sales organization capable of winning complex enterprise business. You will lead from the front on strategic pursuits, develop exceptional sales talent and connect IQVIA Language Solutions more deeply into the broader IQVIA portfolio and customer base. This is a visible leadership role for a modern commercial leader who combines localization expertise, life sciences credibility and rigorous sales execution. You will have the platform to deliver meaningful growth today while building the team, operating model and executive relationships required for the future.
What you will do
- Develop and execute the sales strategy across priority markets, customer segments, solutions and accounts, translating business goals into clear territory plans, quotas and seller-level objectives.
- Own and exceed the team’s annual bookings, revenue and gross-margin targets, with direct accountability for new-logo acquisition, strategic account growth and predictable commercial performance.
- Recruit, lead, coach and retain a high-performing team of enterprise sales and business development professionals; establish a culture of ambition, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Drive sales excellence through clear performance expectations, regular coaching, opportunity reviews, pipeline governance, forecasting and decisive performance management.
- Build a healthy, qualified pipeline with the coverage and velocity required to deliver the plan; ensure CRM quality, stage integrity and reliable, evidence-based forecasts.
- Lead pursuit strategy for the most important, complex and competitive opportunities—from executive sponsorship and value proposition through proposal, negotiation, contracting and handover.
- Build trusted executive relationships across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, CRO and healthcare organizations, positioning IQVIA Language Solutions as a strategic multilingual content and workflow partner.
- Partner across IQVIA to create integrated opportunities that combine Language Solutions with broader data, technology, clinical and commercial capabilities, and mobilize IQVIA account leaders around shared customer priorities.
- Work closely with Account Management, Presales, Delivery, Technology, Quality, Marketing, Finance, Pricing and Legal to ensure that solutions are differentiated, commercially sound, operationally viable and implemented successfully.
- Bring customer, market and competitive insight into go-to-market priorities, offering development, investment decisions and the evolution of IQVIA’s AI-enabled, human-assured language portfolio.
- Represent IQVIA Language Solutions in executive customer engagements, industry forums and selected thought-leadership opportunities.
What success looks like
- The sales team consistently achieves quota and delivers sustainable bookings, revenue and gross-margin growth.
- A strong, well-qualified pipeline converts into new logos, new buying centers and larger strategic opportunities.
- Forecasts are reliable, CRM and opportunity management are disciplined, and commercial risks are surfaced early.
- Sellers perform at a higher level through clear expectations, active coaching, strong deal leadership and a visible talent pipeline.
- Executive relationships deepen and integrated IQVIA pursuits create measurable customer value beyond translation fulfillment.
What you bring
- 10+ years of progressive commercial experience, including significant leadership of enterprise sales teams across countries, regions or complex markets.
- A proven record of building teams and consistently achieving ambitious revenue targets in language services, localization, multilingual content, life sciences technology, professional services or a closely related field.
- Deep knowledge of the localization ecosystem and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, CRO or healthcare customer needs.
- Demonstrated ability to create and execute sales strategy, set quotas, improve seller productivity and turn pipeline discipline into predictable growth.
- A coaching-led leadership style: you set a high bar, develop people thoughtfully, recognize performance and address gaps directly.
- Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise pursuits and influencing C-suite and senior functional leaders.
- Strong commercial judgment across value-based selling, pricing, margin, proposals, negotiation, contracting and competitive positioning.
- The ability to lead effectively in a global, matrixed organization and align diverse teams around a clear commercial outcome.
- Curiosity about AI, localization technology and evolving content workflows, with the judgment to balance automation, human expertise, quality, security and compliance.
- Executive presence, resilience and the communication skills to inspire a team, earn customer trust and represent a growing business internally and externally.
Why join IQVIA Language Solutions?
You will join at a pivotal point: the team is scaling its commercial organization, broadening into new life sciences workflows and building a more connected, technology-enabled portfolio. This role offers the mandate to shape the sales organization, develop outstanding commercial talent and win meaningful business with the backing of IQVIA’s global reach, healthcare expertise and customer relationships. If you are energized by building high-performing teams, challenging the traditional localization model and creating a more strategic role for multilingual content in healthcare, this is an opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.
Sr Director & Head of Sales, IQVIA Language Solutions in London employer: IQVIA, Inc.
At IQVIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in the heart of the healthcare industry. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on global health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Director & Head of Sales, IQVIA Language Solutions 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 Sr Director & Head of Sales, IQVIA Language Solutions at IQVIA, Inc., 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 IQVIA, Inc.. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sr Director & Head of Sales, IQVIA Language Solutions. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Director & Head of Sales, IQVIA Language Solutions 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 IQVIA, Inc.:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for IQVIA, Inc.. 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 IQVIA, Inc.
✨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 IQVIA, Inc. 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 IQVIA, Inc. 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 IQVIA, Inc.’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.
