Head of Solution Specialists for Databases

About Springer Nature Group

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.

About the Role

Are you a high-energy sales leader ready to lead a global team with new sales responsibility for at least three solutions for the Corporate and Academic Market? As Head of Solution Specialists for Databases, you lead a dynamic, international team responsible for driving new business for flagship products like Springer Materials, Adis Insight, and Springer Protocols.

Ideally the candidate also wants sales responsibility for some key accounts to sell directly to.

This is your opportunity to shape the next chapter of Springer Nature’s growth story - by leading and coaching a team to consistently achieve the annual targets, even in tough market conditions.

Key Performance Metrics

You will be measured and rewarded based on your ability to lead and coach a team 5 Solution Specialists to:

• Achieve and exceed new business revenue targets, delivering consistent year-over-year growth in database sales.
• Increase win rates by improving the percentage of closed deals from qualified opportunities.
• Accelerate sales cycles, reducing the average time from initial contact to deal closure.
• Expand strategic accounts, growing revenue and product adoption within key customer organizations.
• Drive high engagement, retention, and development of your team, ensuring all Solution Specialists meet or exceed their individual targets.
• Maintain a robust, high-quality pipeline with accurate forecasting and opportunity assessment

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead & Inspire: Manage, coach, and develop a global team of Solution Specialists, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Drive Growth: Secure new business wins across Europe, North America, and China, and expand our influence within customer organizations.
• Collaborate: Work closely with Product Management, local sales reps and Marketing to develop and execute winning sales strategies and tactics.
• Champion Excellence: Lead from the front—your track record in prospecting and new customer acquisition sets the standard for your team.
• Share Knowledge: Contribute to department-wide knowledge sharing and product development, ensuring we stay ahead.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential (all are must have requirements)

• Experience and a track record as a sales leader responsible for winning new business for research solutions by convincing technical buyers such as faculty deans, department and research leaders of the product value for them and their researchers.
• Proven sales leadership, with experience building and leading high-performing sales teams, ideally in research solutions or database sales.
• Commercial acumen, with strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to assess pipelines, forecast accurately, and think several steps ahead.
• Customer focus, skilled at engaging technical and economic buyers, identifying needs, and demonstrating must-have product capabilities.
• Growth mindset, thriving on challenges, adapting quickly, and motivating your team to bounce back stronger from setbacks.

What You Can Expect from Us

• The chance to work for a global, innovative company at the forefront of scientific discovery
• Competitive salary and bonus plan
• Professional onboarding with extensive product and sales training
• Access to a wide range of online resources for self-development
• A results-driven, collaborative environment with strong team support and ongoing coaching

Leadership Development Opportunities

At Springer Nature, we believe in investing in our leaders. As Head of Solution Specialists for Databases, you will benefit from a tailored offering:

• Personalized leadership coaching, including feedback and support from your manager.
• Participation in global leadership development initiatives designed to accelerate your growth.
• A clear path to Sales Director Databases for top performers, supporting your personal career growth.

Ready to Lead the Change?

If you’re ambitious, self-motivated, and passionate about winning new business while developing others to excel, we want to hear from you. Join us and become part of a team

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent.

Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/