Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government

Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government

Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Pearson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive growth in the UK Government market through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and workforce transformation.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on transforming learning and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping workforce solutions for government customers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in consultative selling and managing complex sales cycles in the public sector.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

Pearson is looking for a commercially focused Strategic Partner Sales Lead - UK Government to drive growth across the UK Government market through strategic partner channels, consultancy, and technology partnerships. In this role, you'll identify and progress high-value opportunities across government, working closely with partners and internal Pearson teams to shape joined-up workforce transformation solutions. This could include assessment, learning and development, AI upskilling, apprenticeships, digital credentials, talent solutions, and evaluation services. You'll be joining Pearson's Global Enterprise Sales Team at an exciting time, helping government customers address critical workforce challenges and supporting Pearson's mission to become a trusted skilling partner to enterprises and governments.

What You'll Own

  • Drive revenue growth across UK Government through strategic partner-led and direct opportunities.
  • Build and develop opportunities with strategic partner networks.
  • Lead complex sales pursuits from qualification through to proposal, negotiation, and close.
  • Manage bid/no-bid decisions, account planning, stakeholder mapping, and opportunity strategy.
  • Lead or support large RFPs, tenders, and competitive public sector sales processes.
  • Work with internal Pearson teams to shape integrated, multi-product workforce transformation solutions.
  • Engage senior stakeholders, including C-suite, government, partner, and internal decision-makers.
  • Build strong customer and partner relationships that support long-term growth.
  • Maintain strong pipeline management, forecasting accuracy, and sales discipline.
  • Act as the accountable lead across the full sales journey, ensuring opportunities are actively led from start to finish.

About You

  • Proven experience consultative selling into or working closely with the UK public sector.
  • Experience working on large RFPs, tenders, competitive bids, or complex enterprise opportunities.
  • Strong track record of winning and securing large government or enterprise deals.
  • Experience managing high-value sales targets, ideally in complex solution-led environments.
  • Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and C-suite decision-makers.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience working with strategic partners, consultancies, systems integrators and technology partners.
  • Able to bring together multiple teams and solutions to create a clear, compelling customer proposition.
  • Background in workforce transformation, learning and development, assessment, skills, HR technology, EdTech, or related enterprise solutions.
  • Commercially sharp, adaptable, and comfortable working at pace when opportunities need a quick turnaround.
  • Able to listen carefully to customer needs, interpret challenges, and shape practical solutions that deliver impact.
  • You have substantial sales experience, with a strong track record of building trusted public sector relationships, navigating complex sales cycles, and delivering results.
  • You are confident engaging senior stakeholders, spotting growth opportunities, and leading deals through to completion.

Location

This is a UK-based hybrid-working role, whereby you'll work flexibly between your home and Pearson offices.

Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government employer: Pearson

Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.

Pearson

Contact Details:

Pearson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government

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 Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government at Pearson, 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 Pearson. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partner Sales Lead – UK Government

Consultative Selling
Public Sector Sales Experience
RFP Management
Complex Bid Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Negotiation Skills
Relationship Building

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 Pearson:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Pearson. 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 Pearson

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 Pearson 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 Pearson 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 Pearson’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.