At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing sales team in the financial services sector to drive growth and exceed targets.
- Company: Join Version 1, a global tech leader with 30 years of experience and a strong focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of financial services.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in financial services with a track record of exceeding revenue targets.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Company Description
Version 1 is a global technology services company, delivering impactful change to help our customers. Version 1 has celebrated 30 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Anthropic, Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Databricks, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.
We're an award-winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:
- UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft, Outsystems & Oracle partner
- Preferred Services Partner status in the Anthropic Partner Network
- 4000+ strong, 400/450m revenue business
- 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
- Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
- Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW
We're a core values driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them, it's deeply embedded within our DNA. As we continue to deliver significant growth, we have an opportunity for a seasoned IT sales leader to take on a strategic leadership role – Sales Director for Financial Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven, ambitious sales leader to build and manage a high-performing commercial team - growing Version 1's reputation, relationships, and revenue across key target industries within the financial services (FSI) sector, including – Banking, Insurance & Capital Markets.
The role is best suited to a well established sales leader with the drive to lead the challenge of doubling the size of Version 1's existing financial services business in the coming years, in line with Group growth ambitions. The sales operation is rapidly growing and the Sales Director for Financial Services will ensure the organisational structure, sales processes and cadence are executed to high standards of excellence to ensure respective teams meet and exceed commercial targets and objectives against pipeline generation, contract closings and revenue growth.
The Sales Director for Financial Services will be part of the commercial leadership team, accountable for delivering the Revenue number for the financial services sector business, driving business growth and scaling the commercial organisation. The successful candidate will possess a proven ability to build relationships with senior customer stakeholders, understand their needs and to close large, complex deals encompassing AI, digital, data, cloud and managed services.
Delivering the commercial outcomes for an 8-figure revenue stream the FSI business and driving double digit % growth Year on Year. Leading and coaching the financial services sales teams, focused on growing and protecting existing accounts and winning new business in target sub-sectors across UK & Ireland, and the US.
Shaping the global sales strategy for financial services and driving its execution – tracking performance against targets, pivoting where necessary to capitalise on market opportunity, segmenting and expanding the customer base and embedding ways of working that focus on delivery excellence.
Enabling the financial services sales team to develop competitive pricing/contracting strategies and shaping and signing off the commercial approach for qualified deals. Acting as executive sponsor for key deals and customer contracts to drive growth and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction across all financial services accounts.
Challenging the team to introduce prospects and customers to new capabilities and innovation, shaped by our Office of the CTO (OCTO). This will include driving the team to collaborate with Marketing, Pre-Sales and OCTO to pitch "proactive proposals" to customers to cross/up sell the breadth and depth of the Version 1 propositions portfolio to solve customer problems and secure long-term growth in strategic accounts.
Championing a best practice approach to opportunity management – equipping the team to explore routes to market via Version 1 partners and driving excellence in sales execution and deal planning. Ensuring all financial services contracts meet Version 1 standards and risk requirements, and awarded contracts are successfully executed in line with contractual commitments.
Ensuring financial services sales team operate to an exemplary standard at all times – driving and presenting consistently accurate forecast sales data, maintaining high levels of data quality in CRM and bringing to bear sales process best practice.
Qualifications Requirements:
- Experience of managing and successfully delivering against a minimum of 8-figure revenue targets within the financial services sector across serving customers on a global basis.
- Experience of successfully operating within a Private Equity ownership environment is an advantage.
- Experience in sales roles as both an individual contributor and leader, selling technology services such as AI, Software Engineering, Application Modernisation, Cloud Transformation, Data & Digital Services to customers in the financial services sector.
- A detailed understanding of outsourced managed services is also required.
- Adept at managing, motivating, and scaling sales teams to drive commercial success, instilling a high-growth, high-performance mindset to consistently deliver against sales targets.
- Exceptional commercial acumen and written and verbal communication skills.
- Advanced domain knowledge of the three financial services sub-sectors of Banking, Insurance and Capital Markets.
- The drive to bring world class sales processes, accuracy and transparency in forecasting, while managing a multi-stream sales organisation.
- Detailed understanding of off-shore and near-shore delivery and commercial models to support onshore capability offerings.
- Strong working knowledge of technology trends & CIO agendas across digital, data and cloud solutions, particularly within financial services customers.
- Demonstrable experience delivering sales strategies via partner channels.
- Ability to set priorities and drive results in a fast-paced sales environment.
Excellent base salary plus bonus & an opportunity to join our V1 Equity success scheme.
Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Professional Growth: We offer peer mentorship programs and career development opportunities to help you reach your full potential, giving you full access to modern learning platforms to grow your skills.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements.
Supportive Community: Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and mutual support. We provide the latest AI models and technologies, encouraging and coaching you to build digital co-workers to help you drive efficiencies and generate new sources of value your role.
At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their well-being, professional growth, and financial stability. We also offer a range of tech-related benefits, including an innovative Tech Scheme to help keep our team members up-to-date with the latest technology. We prioritise the health and safety of our employees, providing private medical and life insurance coverage, as well as free eye tests and contributions towards glasses. Our team members can also stay ahead of the curve with incentivised certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
Sales Director (Financial Services) (Permanent) in Birmingham employer: Version 1
At Version 1, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning employer that places our employees at the heart of everything we do. With a strong commitment to professional growth, inclusive culture, and work-life balance, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and access to cutting-edge technology. Join us in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact in the insurance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director (Financial Services) (Permanent) in Birmingham
✨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 Sales Director (Financial Services) (Permanent) at Version 1, 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 Version 1. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director (Financial Services) (Permanent). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director (Financial Services) (Permanent) in Birmingham
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 Version 1:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Version 1. 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 Version 1
✨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 Version 1 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 Version 1 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 Version 1’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.
