At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategies for SMBs across EMEA, driving growth and customer engagement.
- Company: Join Microsoft, a leader in innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, AI-driven environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in sales or marketing, with a focus on IT products.
The predicted salary is between 95300 - 136100 £ per year.
At Small Medium Enterprises and Channel (SME&C), we are leading a high-growth, AI-powered global sales team—one that is deeply connected to our partners and driven by customer success. By uniting our Small Medium Business, Corporate, Strategy, and Partner teams, we are unlocking the largest customer opportunity, backed by the industry’s most significant investments. Leveraging the power of AI and our extensive partner ecosystem, we are redefining how businesses of all sizes adopt technology to drive growth and innovation. SME&C is more than a sales organization—it’s a culture of innovation, opportunity, and inclusivity. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, high-performing, and customer-obsessed team where collaboration, connection, and continuous learning fuel everything we do. If you thrive in a fast-paced, digital-first environment and are eager to make a meaningful impact, explore how SME&C can be the next step in your career. Together, we are shaping the future of business.
The Small and Medium Business (SMB) segment within SME&C is at the leading edge of growth and transformation. It’s a tremendous growth engine for the company dedicated to bringing the Microsoft cloud to millions of SMB customers worldwide through scalable routes to market, growing revenue, market share and net new customers while enabling a high level of customer and partner experience.
The Vendor Digital Sales (VDS) organization drives scalable growth across the SMB market, combining digital sales, data and AI-driven insights, and partner-led execution to reach and engage customers at scale. The organisation focuses on accelerating acquisition, increasing solution adoption and creating sustained customer value across Microsoft’s cloud and AI portfolio.
As the EMEA SMB Sales Lead, VDS, you will be accountable for the execution of VDS global strategy for Grow, Migrate and Acquire across all VDS Sales Motions (Top Growth Accounts (TGA) and Scale Motion) within EMEA. You will work with the Core VDS team for vendor sellers readiness on GTM Frontier Conversation, CSA solution plays and scale Agentic AI to drive productivity. You will champion the Frontier Transformation narrative, deliver EMEA Revenue Accountability and adopt agentic capabilities.
To be successful, you must have a deep understanding of the local market, customer acquisition engines and upsell/cross-sell motions across services/products and the respective routes to market. You will work in a regional SMB OU/ Sales Unit pod of SMB Business Leads and Partner Sales, plus a v-team of key business partners from the Vendor Digital Sales, partner team (GPS), GTM marketing, and operations teams, driving alignment on the SMB GTM strategy and sales execution plan through the development of a holistic sales target attainment plan, and ensure always on execution with the right level of investments to address customer needs and accelerate their digital transformation. This role is flexible in that you can work up to 50% from home.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Execution of global VDS strategy of the given territory across Top Growth Accounts and VDS Scale sales motions, accelerate acquisitions, grow and scale across solution areas (CSA).
- Own business plan end-to-end to drive VDS Cloud FRA, input to forecast, CoE/bridge actions for in-quarter CoE/CAP in partnership with CLO and quota retirement for the OU.
- Guide extended vendor sales leadership to develop execution plans for solution plays and hold them accountable for meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) targets, growth targets, optimizing return on investment (ROI) and aligning priorities with key stakeholders.
- Contribute insights to rhythm of business (ROB), and a governance model for evaluating progress on plan execution, identifying gaps in plan execution, and taking corrective action as needed.
- Orchestrating unified VDS execution plan across SU SMB team, GS&O and GCPS.
- Facilitate collaboration across the business to identify needs for additional capacity or capabilities, coordinate efforts to build upon them as needed, and identify potential partners to help achieve revenue, customer acquisition and consumption targets and drive business transformation.
- Support the realization of deals that are complex, represent significant market share, and/or penetrate competitor's market share by working directly with key stakeholders (ex. via Channel Sales, Swarm).
- Drive Partner Aligned Execution based on Global strategy and close Top Deals with PSS and pass leads to partners for co-sell execution.
- Use Nymeria, CPTv2, and TGA account signals to select and prioritize outbound execution and convert inbound/outbound campaign engagement into customer upsell, cross sell, and expansion across both motions.
- Share SMB customer insights and recommendations to shape programs that drive customer acquisition and participate in SMB customer events, and delivery of customer webinars.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Economics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years relevant Sales or Marketing experience with Information Technology products and/or services OR equivalent experience.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
VDS SMB Sales Lead - EMEA employer: Microsoft
At Microsoft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of AI Business Solution Sales Manager. Our culture is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and customer success, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact, supported by industry-leading resources and a commitment to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VDS SMB Sales Lead - EMEA
✨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 VDS SMB Sales Lead - EMEA at Microsoft, 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 Microsoft. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a VDS SMB Sales Lead - EMEA. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace VDS SMB Sales Lead - EMEA
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 Microsoft:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Microsoft. 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 Microsoft
✨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 Microsoft 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 Microsoft 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 Microsoft’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.