About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Outside Sales Manager to spearhead our growth in the Higher Education sector across the Benelux region. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership with hands-on business development, as you will lead and inspire a team of six sales professionals while driving transformative, solution-based sales at the institutional level. If you thrive in managing complex sales cycles, closing large-scale deals with government, enterprise, or institutional clients, and expanding beyond traditional models to deliver innovative solutions, we want to hear from you!

Outside Sales Management: Key Responsibilities (50% time)

Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team: Manage, coach, and develop a team of six talented sales professionals, driving success in the Higher Education sector across the Benelux region. Strategic Business Planning: Partner with the Sales Manager to craft a dynamic annual business plan and ensure its seamless execution throughout the year. Drive Digital Transformation: Identify priority accounts and implement innovative strategies to accelerate the transition to digital solutions, positioning our offerings at the forefront of education technology. Achieve Outstanding Results: Monitor team performance closely, ensuring alignment with ambitious pipeline goals and sales targets while fostering accountability and excellence. Collaborate Across Teams: Work together with Product and Marketing teams to align offerings with customer needs and execute impactful sales strategies that resonate with the market. Build Trusted Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with key academic institutions and trade partners, becoming a trusted advisor in the Higher Education space. Deliver Accurate Forecasts: Support the Sales Manager with precise sales forecasting and reporting to drive informed decision-making and sustained growth. Champion a High-Performance Culture: Collaborate with Sales teams across Pearson and the broader Higher Education division, fostering innovation, teamwork, and exceptional outcomes for customers and the business.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in shaping the future of education technology while driving growth in one of Pearson’s most dynamic regions!

Business Development: Key Responsibilities (50% of time)

As the education landscape continues to transform, there is a clear shift from traditional textbook adoption toward innovative digital solutions that prioritise skills development and employability. In this dynamic environment, the Outside Sales Manager will play a crucial role in driving this evolution by:

Shape the Future of Education: Develop and execute a strategic business plan to expand custom and digital solutions, driving growth in a rapidly evolving market focused on skills, employability, and innovation. Lead High-Level Engagements: Identify new business opportunities and build strong relationships with stakeholders, leading impactful conversations to secure and deliver solutions beyond traditional textbook adoptions. Leverage Global Expertise: Explore cutting-edge solutions from Pearson International Higher Education, such as Inclusive Access, and assess their feasibility for implementation in the Benelux region. Scale Proven Success: Identify opportunities to expand existing successful programs, such as the online initiative developed with Hogeschool van Amsterdam, ensuring scalability and market impact. Target Institutional Growth: Engage private business schools to unlock institutional opportunities with Pearson’s digital offerings. Drive Revenue Strategy: Define competitive pricing strategies for solutions, create tailored quotes, and negotiate effectively to close deals. Bridge Teams for Seamless Delivery: Act as the vital link between sales, product, and delivery teams to ensure that solutions are scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with Pearson’s capabilities and resources.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead innovation in higher education while driving digital transformation and institutional growth in one of Pearson’s most dynamic regions!

The role will report into the Sales Manager, Benelux and can be either a hybrid or remote role. 

Profile requirements

Proven Sales Expertise: At least 5+ years of experience in B2B sales or business development, with a strong, demonstrable track record of consistently driving and sustaining business growth. Proven Sales Management experience: At least 3 years of experience in directly managing a sales team.  Strategic Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, craft innovative solutions, and deliver results in complex sales environments. Outstanding Communication & Negotiation Skills: Strong interpersonal and negotiation abilities, with a talent for building trust and influencing stakeholders at all levels. CRM Proficiency: Hands-on experience using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to enhance sales efficiency, track performance, and manage pipelines effectively. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree or additional certifications in business, sales, or a related field is a plus. Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the higher education or education technology sectors is highly desirable; a passion for transforming education through digital solutions is essential. Flexibility & Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel across the Benelux region as needed to meet clients, support the team, and drive business growth. Valid Driver’s License: Required for travel within the region. Language Proficiency: Fluent in both Dutch and English; proficiency in Dutch is an advantage for engaging with diverse stakeholders across the region. Leadership Potential: Experience in leading or mentoring teams is a plus, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to inspire high performance. Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving market environment with a focus on achieving ambitious goals.

This role requires a proactive, results-oriented professional who thrives on building relationships, driving innovation, and delivering impactful solutions that shape the future of higher education.