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 experience and a passion for driving growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers all team members.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Permanent, Full-time
Location: London, UK – Hybrid Working
Application Deadline: 31st January 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
- 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.
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 https://careers.springernature.com/.
Head of Databases Sales employer: Springer Nature
Contact Detail:
Springer Nature 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 people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand what Springer Nature is all about and how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how you can drive growth and lead a high-performing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your pitch. Focus on showcasing your sales leadership experience and how you've successfully driven new business in the past.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Springer Nature team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Databases Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Databases Sales role. Highlight your sales leadership experience and any relevant achievements in research solutions to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading a global sales team and how your strategic mindset can drive growth at Springer Nature. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you exceed sales targets? How did you improve win rates? Numbers speak volumes, so make sure we see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Springer Nature
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
As a candidate for the Head of Databases Sales, it's crucial to have an in-depth understanding of Springer Materials, Adis Insight, and Springer Protocols. Familiarise yourself with their features, benefits, and how they solve problems for technical buyers. This knowledge will help you confidently discuss how these products can meet customer needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading and inspiring a sales team. Share specific examples of how you've coached teams to achieve targets and fostered a culture of collaboration. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you're not just a sales expert but also a mentor who can drive team performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic mindset and problem-solving skills. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in sales cycles or expanded key accounts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your analytical skills and customer focus.
✨Demonstrate Your Growth Mindset
Springer Nature values candidates who thrive on challenges and adapt quickly. Be ready to share instances where you've turned setbacks into learning opportunities, both for yourself and your team. This will show that you embody the growth mindset they're looking for and can motivate others to bounce back stronger.