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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global sales team to drive new business for innovative research solutions.
- Company: Join Springer Nature, a leader in scientific publishing and open research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, extensive training, and leadership development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research while inspiring a dynamic team to excel.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership and experience in research solutions or database sales.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full-time
Location: London, UK – Hybrid Working
Application Deadline: 2nd March 2026
About Springer Nature Group
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.
About the Role
Are you a high-energy sales leader ready to lead a global team with new sales responsibility for at least three solutions for the Corporate and Academic Market? As Head of Solution Specialists for Databases, you lead a dynamic, international team responsible for driving new business for flagship products like Springer Materials, Adis Insight, and Springer Protocols. Ideally the candidate also wants sales responsibility for some key accounts to sell directly to. This is your opportunity to shape the next chapter of Springer Nature’s growth story - by leading and coaching a team to consistently achieve the annual targets, even in tough market conditions.
Key Performance Metrics
- You will be measured and rewarded based on your ability to lead and coach a team of 5 Solution Specialists to:
- Achieve and exceed new business revenue targets, delivering consistent year-over-year growth in database sales.
- Increase win rates by improving the percentage of closed deals from qualified opportunities.
- Accelerate sales cycles, reducing the average time from initial contact to deal closure.
- Expand strategic accounts, growing revenue and product adoption within key customer organizations.
- Drive high engagement, retention, and development of your team, ensuring all Solution Specialists meet or exceed their individual targets.
- Maintain a robust, high-quality pipeline with accurate forecasting and opportunity assessment.
Role Responsibilities:
- Lead & Inspire: Manage, coach, and develop a global team of Solution Specialists, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Drive Growth: Secure new business wins across Europe, North America, and China, and expand our influence within customer organizations.
- Collaborate: Work closely with Product Management, local sales reps and Marketing to develop and execute winning sales strategies and tactics.
- Champion Excellence: Lead from the front—your track record in prospecting and new customer acquisition sets the standard for your team.
- Share Knowledge: Contribute to department-wide knowledge sharing and product development, ensuring we stay ahead.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
Essential (all are must have requirements)
- Experience and a track record as a sales leader responsible for winning new business for research solutions by convincing technical buyers such as faculty deans, department and research leaders of the product value for them and their researchers.
- Proven sales leadership, with experience building and leading high-performing sales teams, ideally in research solutions or database sales.
- Commercial acumen, with strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Strategic mindset, with the ability to assess pipelines, forecast accurately, and think several steps ahead.
- Customer focus, skilled at engaging technical and economic buyers, identifying needs, and demonstrating must-have product capabilities.
- Growth mindset, thriving on challenges, adapting quickly, and motivating your team to bounce back stronger from setbacks.
What You Can Expect from Us
- The chance to work for a global, innovative company at the forefront of scientific discovery.
- Competitive salary and bonus plan.
- Professional onboarding with extensive product and sales training.
- Access to a wide range of online resources for self-development.
- A results-driven, collaborative environment with strong team support and ongoing coaching.
- Leadership Development Opportunities.
At Springer Nature, we believe in investing in our leaders. As Head of Solution Specialists for Databases, you will benefit from a tailored offering:
- Personalized leadership coaching, including feedback and support from your manager.
- Participation in global leadership development initiatives designed to accelerate your growth.
- A clear path to Sales Director Databases for top performers, supporting your personal career growth.
Ready to Lead the Change?
If you’re ambitious, self-motivated, and passionate about winning new business while developing others to excel, we want to hear from you. Join us and become part of a team.
At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent.
Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here.
If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit our careers page.
Head of Databases Sales employer: MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS
Contact Detail:
MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Databases Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Databases Sales role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your sales skills in interviews! Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led teams to success and closed big deals. We want to see your passion for driving growth and inspiring others.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Know Springer Nature inside out—its products, culture, and market position. This will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Databases Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Databases Sales role. Highlight your sales leadership experience and any relevant achievements in database sales. We want to see how you can drive growth and lead a team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for sales and your strategic mindset. Tell us why you're the perfect fit for leading our dynamic team at Springer Nature.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in managing and coaching teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and foster a culture of high performance, so make sure to highlight those skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
As the Head of Databases Sales, you'll be leading a team focused on flagship products like Springer Materials and Adis Insight. Make sure you understand these products thoroughly—know their features, benefits, and how they solve customer problems. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be managing a global team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to coaching and how you foster a culture of high performance and collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic mindset and problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in sales or team management. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations related to driving growth and expanding accounts.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Focus
Since this role involves engaging with technical buyers, highlight your experience in understanding customer needs. Prepare to discuss how you've identified and addressed client pain points in previous roles. Show that you can not only sell but also build lasting relationships with customers.
