At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leadership to shape sales strategy and optimise operations.
- Company: Join Zendesk, a leader in customer experience software.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and inclusive culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving AI adoption and improving sales efficiency.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Sales Operations, SaaS experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
About Zendesk & This Opportunity
At Zendesk, we build software designed to make customer experiences simple and seamless. We believe our internal operations should run the exact same way. We are looking for a Sales Operations Manager to partner closely with our EMEA leadership. Reporting to the Director of GTM Operations, EMEA, you will be the strategic operations partner for the Regional VP of UK & Ireland. This is a high-visibility role. This role goes beyond reporting and dashboard management; you will actively shape regional strategy, manage key sales rhythms, and act as a trusted representative of regional sales leadership in global forums.
Core Responsibilities
- Operational Partner: Partner closely with RVPs on forecasting, performance analysis, GTM planning, pipeline management, and regional execution.
- Leadership Proxy: Act as a stand-in for the Regional Sales Leader when needed, representing regional interests and nuances in cross-functional and global forums.
- Sales Rigor: Own core regional sales processes end-to-end, including territory planning, demand generation tracking, performance reporting, and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).
AI & GTM Automation
- AI Adoption Leader: Drive the rollout, adoption, and scaling of AI automation tools and processes across the EMEA GTM organization to improve sales velocity and efficiency.
- Process Optimization: Identify regional process bottlenecks, design simple, automated workflows, and document scalable solutions that can benefit the wider global team.
Data & Tech Stack Management
- Actionable Insights: Analyze data across Salesforce and BI tools to deliver practical recommendations regarding regional growth, pipeline health, and market coverage.
- Local SME: Serve as the regional subject matter expert for Zendesk’s sales tech stack, ensuring high data quality and pipeline precision.
- Global Alignment: Collaborate with global peers in GTM Ops, Enablement, and RevOps to influence tooling, process improvements, and standard KPIs.
What We Are Looking For
- SaaS Experience: 5+ years of experience in a Sales Operations or Revenue Operations role, ideally within a fast-paced, scaling SaaS environment.
- Change Management & Tech Savvy: A proven ability to drive software adoption—specifically AI or automation tools—and a clear understanding of how to get sales teams aligned behind new technology.
- Data Fluency: Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience using Salesforce and BI tools (SQL knowledge is a plus) to solve business problems.
- Balanced Execution: The ability to manage long-term strategic projects (like territory modeling) while efficiently handling day-to-day tactical requests.
- Collaborative Mindset: High autonomy within your assigned regions, paired with a team-first approach to working with global peers and centres of excellence.
- Curiosity for AI & Innovation: A demonstrable curiosity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a passion for solving complex operational problems by experimenting with tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) to drive workflow efficiency.
The intelligent heart of customer experience
Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love. Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.
As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law. Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.
If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here. Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.
Sales Operations Lead employer: Zendesk, Inc.
At Zendesk, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. With flexible hybrid work arrangements, we ensure that our team members can balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to meaningful service management solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Operations Lead
✨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 Operations Lead at Zendesk, Inc., 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 Zendesk, Inc.. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Operations Lead. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Operations Lead
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 Zendesk, Inc.:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zendesk, Inc.. 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 Zendesk, Inc.
✨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 Zendesk, Inc. 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 Zendesk, Inc. 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 Zendesk, Inc.’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.
