At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales growth and build relationships with key clients across EMEA.
- Company: Join Charles River Development, a leader in investment management software.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life support, inclusive culture, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel and engage with diverse clients across the region.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in financial technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in enterprise sales, strong leadership, and industry knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
Who We Are
Charles River Development (CRD), a State Street company, is a leading provider of investment management software and services to the global financial industry. The Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) helps institutional investors streamline front‑ and middle‑office operations across the investment lifecycle — from portfolio construction and order management to compliance monitoring and reporting. CRD serves more than 600 clients worldwide, including asset managers, wealth managers, insurance companies, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and alternative asset managers. Our solutions are delivered through a cloud‑native SaaS platform and as part of State Street Alpha — a front‑to‑back‑to‑custody operating model designed to help institutions manage their investment operations more effectively. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia‑Pacific, CRD is driving change in how the investment management industry operates, with greater use of data, AI, and support for a broader range of asset classes.
Why This Role Is Important to Us
The Head of Sales, EMEA is a strategic commercial leadership role responsible for expanding CRD's presence in the region, deepening senior client relationships, and driving sustained commercial growth in a competitive and evolving market. As investment managers continue to consolidate technology platforms and modernize operating models, State Street Alpha and the broader CRD solution set are well positioned to meet those needs. This executive will build and lead a high‑performing regional sales organization, deliver against ambitious growth objectives, and serve as a senior sponsor for a number of the firm's most strategic client and prospect relationships.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Commercial Performance & Revenue Leadership – Own and deliver annual bookings and revenue objectives across the EMEA region, including new business acquisition, client expansion, and pipeline growth.
- Sales Organization Leadership & Talent Development – Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of regional sales leaders, enterprise account executives, and business development professionals across EMEA.
- Go‑to‑Market Strategy & Market Expansion – Shape and execute the regional go‑to‑market strategy across CRD's core client segments, including institutional asset managers, wealth managers, asset owners, insurers, private‑markets GPs, hedge funds, and alternative asset managers within the EMEA region.
- Executive Client Engagement & Strategic Pursuits – Serve as the senior executive relationship owner for CRD's most complex and strategically important client and prospect engagements across EMEA; represent CRD externally at select industry forums and conferences as a senior voice on market trends and industry change.
- Cross‑Functional Alignment & Commercial Enablement – Partner closely with leaders across Product Management, Marketing, Client Management, Professional Services, and the Alpha Platform team to align commercial priorities with product direction, client needs, and delivery readiness that directly applies to the unique challenges and requirements for this region.
- Champion the adoption of AI‑enabled selling – Support the use of tools, digital engagement capabilities, and data‑driven sales practices as part of how the regional team operates.
- Operational Excellence & Sales Discipline – Establish and reinforce a consistent sales process including structured discovery, solution qualification, executive engagement, forecasting discipline, and deal governance.
What We Value
- Executive presence and credibility – A leader who can engage confidently at the most senior levels, both internally and with clients.
- Deep industry knowledge and consultative instincts – A leader who understands the investment management landscape and can engage clients as a trusted advisor.
- Operational discipline and data literacy – Someone who makes decisions grounded in pipeline data, market analysis, and commercial metrics.
- Advocate and champion for diverse requirements and regional nuances – A leader who supports diverse needs and regional differences.
- Collaborative style – The ability to work effectively across teams, align stakeholders, and drive shared outcomes.
- Innovation orientation – Openness to AI‑enabled tools, digital‑first selling approaches, and evolving buyer engagement practices.
Education & Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
- 10 or more years of enterprise sales experience in financial services technology, investment management technology, or fintech, with a demonstrable track record of meeting or exceeding commercial targets.
- 5 or more years of senior sales leadership and people management experience, including management of managers and distributed regional teams.
- Deep familiarity with the institutional investment management landscape — including asset managers, wealth managers, insurance companies, pension funds, hedge funds, and alternatives managers — and a command of the key commercial, operational, and regulatory priorities facing these institutions.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, long‑cycle enterprise sales processes involving multiple executive stakeholders, procurement governance, and competitive displacement.
- Experience with investment management software platforms is highly preferred.
- Strong commercial acumen including experience with forecasting, pipeline analytics, CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), and revenue operations frameworks.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel across the EMEA region and internationally as required.
- Ability to speak multiple languages not required but an added benefit.
- Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills.
- Familiarity with AI and digital selling tools, and a commitment to continuously evolving how the sales organization operates in a technology‑enabled environment.
About State Street
Across the globe, institutional investors rely on State Street to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. The company values employees, fosters an inclusive culture, and offers development opportunities, flexible work‑life support, and volunteer days.
Head of Sales EMEA, Charles River Development, Managing Director employer: State Street
State Street is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK financial sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, inclusive culture, and flexible work-life balance, we empower our team members to thrive while contributing to meaningful governance initiatives. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values your insights and fosters your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales EMEA, Charles River Development, Managing Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like State Street. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales EMEA, Charles River Development, Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to State Street.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on State Street's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at State Street
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with State Street.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at State Street will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former State Street employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.