Sales Executive

This job is with Springer Nature, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Job Title:           Sales Executive, Nature Careers

Location:          London, Hybrid            

Full time, Permanent   

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature.

At Springer Nature, we recognise that great talent develops through many different paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short term effectiveness and long term growth in mind.  

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused Sales Executive to join our team. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about delivering exceptional customer service and managing a high volume of customer interactions across Europe.

You'll enjoy a competitive salary, commission structure, and bonuses. Comprehensive training and a collaborative environment support your growth, with opportunities for career advancement within the company. Engage with diverse customers, exceed sales targets, and gain insights into various industries.

If you're customer-focused, thrive in sales, and want to impact Europe's job market, join our team and play a crucial role in connecting job seekers and employers across Europe while advancing your career.

Role Responsibilities

• Use Consultative Selling techniques to sell digital and print advertising solutions to scientific recruiters across Europe, identifying customer needs and recommending appropriate Nature Careers products and services.

• Drive results through a customer-focused sales approach by a strong focus on branded content, digital advertising solutions, and recruitment subscription packages.

• Manage and grow existing client accounts while proactively developing new business opportunities through effective prospecting, networking, and lead generation activities.

• Take an Action-Oriented approach to lead sourcing, cold calling, and sales outreach activities to build and maintain a robust sales pipeline.

• Build trusted client relationships through regular meetings and engagement with clients and agencies, applying Consultative Selling skills to understand advertising objectives and deliver tailored solutions.

• Demonstrate strong Product and Service Knowledge by creating clear, customised proposals incorporating relevant products from the Springer Nature portfolio of journals, websites, and advertising solutions.

• Apply effective Project Management skills to coordinate sales activities, manage multiple opportunities simultaneously, and ensure timely delivery of client requirements.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sales activity within CRM systems, providing clear revenue reporting and sales forecasts to management on a weekly basis.

• Develop comprehensive market awareness through continuous research of competitor offerings, strengths, weaknesses, and market trends, leveraging Product and Service Knowledge to position Springer Nature solutions effectively.

• Attend exhibitions, career fairs, conferences, trade shows, and industry events to generate leads, build relationships, and identify new business opportunities.

• Demonstrate Collaboration by working closely with internal teams including Sales, Production, Marketing, Editorial, and Online Development to deliver high-quality customer solutions and achieve shared business objectives.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including advertising clients across academia, government, and industry, ensuring a high standard of customer service while consistently delivering against commercial targets.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Comfortable with prospecting and cold calling

• Excellent phone manner and high level of customer service

• Strong organisational skills, ability to cope under pressure

• Good knowledge of general office computer software and CRM systems (including MS Office and Salesforce)

• Client oriented and pro-active sales approach

• Ability to demonstrate lead generation and new business development techniques.

Desirable

• Previous sales experience preferably within B2B environment and comfortable with cold calling

• Fluency in French would be an advantage, however this is not an essential requirement

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.

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