Growth Manager in Sheffield

Company Overview

Ultimate Languages is a growing language services provider (LSP) delivering translation, localization, and language solutions to global organisations. Operating in a rapidly expanding market driven by globalisation, multilingual digital content, and AI‑enabled localization, Ultimate Languages is at a pivotal growth stage where structured sales capability and repeatable revenue generation are critical next steps.

Role Purpose

The Growth Manager will be responsible for building the commercial foundations of Ultimate Languages’ sales function. This is a hands‑on, hybrid role combining new business development, account growth, and sales infrastructure design. Unlike a traditional Business Development Manager joining a mature sales team, this role is designed for a builder: someone who can create their own pipeline, validate go‑to‑market approaches, and progressively shape what a scalable sales function looks like for a modern LSP. This role reflects industry practice where early‑stage LSP growth roles span Account Manager (AM) and Business Development Manager (BDM) responsibilities until sufficient scale is achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• New Client Acquisition (Primary Focus)
  • Proactively identify and engage organisations requiring translation, localization, and multilingual content services across key verticals (e.g. technology, hospitality, corporate services, etc.).
  • Build and manage a self‑generated sales pipeline through outbound prospecting, LinkedIn networking, referrals, events, and targeted outreach.
  • Lead discovery calls and conduct consultative sales conversations, diagnosing client challenges and positioning tailored language solutions.
  • Own the full sales cycle: prospecting, qualification, proposal development, negotiation, and closing.
• Account Growth & Revenue Expansion
  • Manage early client relationships post‑sale, ensuring a strong handover and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross‑selling additional services (e.g. MTPE, multilingual DTP, ongoing localization programs).
  • Grow revenue from existing accounts by understanding evolving client needs and aligning services accordingly.
  • Act as a trusted commercial point of contact in close collaboration with Operations and Project Management.
• Growth Strategy & Sales Foundations
  • Develop and execute an initial data‑driven growth plan, aligned with Ultimate Languages’ strategic goals and target markets.
  • Help define:
  • Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs)
  • Target industries and use cases
  • Early pricing and packaging strategies
  • Establish repeatable sales processes, including pipeline stages, qualification criteria, and basic forecasting.
• Marketing & Website Conversion Collaboration
  • Work closely with Marketing and Leadership to improve website‑led lead generation, messaging, and conversion paths.
  • Provide market feedback on:
  • Buyer objections
  • Decision‑making drivers
  • Competitive positioning
  • Support the development of sales‑enablement materials, case studies, and value propositions grounded in real client conversations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Operations, Vendor Management, and Digital Services to ensure commercially viable solutions are delivered.
  • Translate client requirements into commercially sound service proposals that reflect operational realities.
  • Contribute to shaping how AI‑assisted translation and localization solutions are positioned commercially, in line with industry trends.

What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)

• A consistent, self‑generated pipeline of qualified opportunities.
• First repeatable wins from outbound and referral‑based sales.
• Clear visibility on which markets, services, and messages convert best.
• Foundations in place for scaling into a dedicated sales team (future BDMs / AMs).

Required Experience & Skills

• Experience
  • Proven experience in Business Development, Sales, or Growth within the translation, localization, or language services industry.
  • Demonstrated success in B2B consultative selling, ideally selling complex or service‑based solutions.
  • Experience operating in environments without established sales infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong understanding of localization services, translation workflows, and language technology trends.
  • Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
  • Ability to operate independently, create structure, and thrive in ambiguity.
  • Commercial mindset with analytical thinking and comfort using CRM tools and sales metrics.
  • Confidence engaging senior stakeholders and decision‑makers.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is typical within the industry, though equivalent experience is valued.

Role Characteristics

Hybrid AM / BDM role at the outset, evolving as the company grows. High autonomy, high accountability. Opportunity to shape the long‑term commercial direction of Ultimate Languages. Fast‑growing, high‑pressure environment typical of revenue‑driving roles in the language services sector.

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience