At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business across EMEA by selling WGSN's trend forecasting platform to major brands.
- Company: Join WGSN, the global leader in consumer trend forecasting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and great learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with flexible working arrangements and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape relationships with top brands and influence strategy in a growing company.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in complex sales; experience with subscription or data products is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
WGSN is the global authority on consumer and trend forecasting. We help the world's leading brands create the right products, experiences and strategies for tomorrow's consumer. Our forecasts, data and advisory services power decision-making across fashion, beauty, consumer tech, interiors, food & drink and lifestyle industries.
Some sales roles are one call and a signature. This isn't one of them. At WGSN, a single deal can mean winning over marketing, consumer insights and product/NPD teams inside the same organisation - finding the right people, building a case with each of them, and running a genuine consultative process (RFPs included) to get a $500m+-turnover business adopting our trend forecasting platform end to end. If you're good at that kind of selling - reading an organisation, mapping who actually needs to be won over, and threading a deal through several departments rather than one stakeholder - we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do
- Owning new business acquisition across EMEA - this is a hunting role, not account management
- Selling WGSN's desktop subscription (our core product), plus our mindset consultancy and API offering, into large organisations across retail, FMCG, fashion, beauty, luxury, interiors and consumer tech
- Mapping the buying group inside target accounts and multi-threading across departments to land and expand each deal
- Running consultative sales cycles - demos, RFPs, negotiation - for six-figure subscription contracts
- Working alongside a dedicated SDR to keep your pipeline full
What We're Looking For
- 4+ years selling subscription, research, data or insight products - you might be at somewhere like Mintel, Euromonitor, Canvas8, Stylus or Business of Fashion today, or another business where the sale runs through a complex buying committee rather than a single decision-maker
- A track record of multi-threading a deal across departments, not just closing with one champion
- Comfort with consultative, multi-stakeholder sales cycles and RFPs - this isn't transactional SaaS selling
- Fluent English; a second European language (French or German) is a plus
- Genuine curiosity about the sectors we serve - retail, tech, beauty, interiors, hospitality and beyond
Why Join WGSN?
WGSN is entering an exciting new growth phase, fuelled by strong investment and an ambitious five-year strategy centred on year-on-year expansion. Enterprise is a strategic priority as we move the business upstream, and this role offers real scope to shape how we build relationships with the world's largest brands - with the autonomy to influence strategy, a significant earning opportunity, and the chance to help build one of the highest-performing enterprise teams in the business.
What We Offer
- 25 days of holiday per year - with an option to buy/ sell up to 5 days
- Pension, Life Assurance and Income Protection
- Flexible benefits platform with options including Private Medical, Dental Insurance & Critical Illness
- Employee assistance programme, season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
- Volunteering opportunities and charitable giving options
- Great learning and development opportunities
More About WGSN
WGSN is the global authority on consumer trend forecasting. We help brands around the world create the right products at the right time for tomorrow's consumer.
Our values
- We Are Everywhere - The future is everything, it happens everywhere. WGSN is the world-leading forecaster because we track and analyse consumer behaviours, product innovation, design and creativity, everywhere.
- We Are Future Focused - We utilise our global resources and intelligence to research, source and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to produce our forecasts. Everything we do is focused on working with our customers to create a successful and positive tomorrow.
- We Are Rigorous - We source, review and assess quantitative and qualitative data to produce robust, actionable forecasts. To provide credible insights and design solutions for our clients, it is essential that rigour runs through everything we do.
Our culture
An inclusive culture is one of our key priorities. We want our people to truly be themselves and thrive. We love having a diverse team of people who bring new ideas, different strengths and perspectives & reflect the global audience we work with.
Inclusive workforce
We are committed to supporting the environment and sustainability, including ensuring our pension plan defaults to sustainable options and striving to net zero by 2030. Recognising great performance is a key part of our culture. Our Awards schemes recognise and reward the brilliant achievements of our people.
We offer a flexible working environment with a wide range of flexible, hybrid and agile working arrangements. Conversations about flexible working have always been—and will continue to be—actively encouraged here, but we do not offer full remote working.
We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable during the process, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.
A Note for Applicants
We use AI to help our team screen applications and identify candidates whose skills and experience match the role. This technology removes personal information to promote a fair and unbiased process. We believe this tool helps us find the best talent while maintaining transparency and fairness.
Senior Business Development Manager, EMEA — WGSN employer: WGSN
WGSN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to thrive in their roles. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to extensive growth opportunities while working alongside a talented team in a vibrant EMEA location. Join us to lead innovative sales strategies and make a significant impact in the fast-paced world of SaaS.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager, EMEA — WGSN
✨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 Senior Business Development Manager, EMEA — WGSN at WGSN, 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 WGSN. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Business Development Manager, EMEA — WGSN. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager, EMEA — WGSN
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 WGSN:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for WGSN. 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 WGSN
✨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 WGSN 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 WGSN 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 WGSN’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.
