Key Skills

Job Description

Company Description Digital Skills Authority is a global industry awarding body specializing in advanced digital and digital business skills. Founded in 2016, it operates internationally with growing offices and hubs across the USA, UK, UAE, Germany, India, and Singapore. The organization designs, develops, and issues industry certifications that enable individuals and organizations to succeed with digital and emerging technologies, practices, strategies, and business models. Its key programs include the Certificate in Online Business Series, offering team-to-board level certifications in e-commerce, digital business, and marketing, as well as the Master in Digital Management Program. Digital Skills Authority also offers Professional Diploma qualifications in technical and future-focused areas such as Internet-of-Things, virtual worlds, coding and analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Role The Sales Director is responsible for leading and delivering sales performance across Europe and selected international markets for Digital Skills Authority's certifications, partnerships, training and awards portfolio. Based in our new offices in The Hague, the Sales Director will recruit, build and lead a high-performing sales organisation, establishing the structure, culture, processes and performance standards required to deliver ambitious revenue growth. The Sales Director will work closely with the Vice President, who also serves as European Managing Director, and the President of Digital Skills Authority. The Vice President will have overall responsibility for regional business development and the broader European business, while the Sales Director will have specific responsibility for sales leadership, sales execution and delivery against agreed commercial objectives. The role combines strategic sales leadership with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will be expected to build relationships with major customers and partners, lead significant opportunities, develop the sales team, establish effective sales operations and continuously improve sales performance. Reports to: Vice President Europe / President Location: The Hague, Netherlands (10-minutes from the Peace Palace and walking distance to city centre). Key ResponsibilitiesSales Leadership & Revenue Delivery Lead the sales function across Europe and selected international markets. Translate the organisation's regional and commercial strategy into clear sales plans and measurable objectives. Develop and execute annual and quarterly sales plans in conjunction with the Vice President / European Managing Director. Take ownership of agreed sales targets, revenue delivery and sales performance. Identify opportunities to increase sales across certifications, training, partnerships, awards and related products and services. Develop appropriate sales channels, territories and routes to market. Monitor sales performance and take corrective action where required. Building & Leading the Sales Team Recruit and build a high-performing sales team in the Netherlands and across relevant European markets. Establish appropriate sales roles, territories, responsibilities and reporting structures. Set clear objectives, targets and performance expectations. Establish a strong culture of accountability, performance and continuous improvement. Coach, mentor and develop sales team members. Establish effective onboarding, training and sales development programmes. Manage individual and team performance against agreed objectives. Scale the sales organisation in line with business growth. New Business & Sales Development Lead the identification, qualification and conversion of new business opportunities. Personally manage and support significant or strategic sales opportunities. Build relationships with senior decision-makers across corporate, education, government, institutional and channel markets. Develop compelling commercial propositions and sales approaches. Lead negotiations and manage opportunities through to successful completion. Work closely with the Vice President / European Managing Director on major regional opportunities and strategic accounts. Strategic Accounts & Partnerships Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers and strategic partners. Establish account-development plans for major customers. Identify opportunities for account growth, cross-selling and expansion. Work with the wider organisation to ensure strong customer retention and development. Support the Vice President / European Managing Director in developing significant regional partnerships and business relationships. Sales Operations & Forecasting Establish and maintain effective sales processes and operating rhythms. Own sales pipeline management and ensure opportunities are accurately recorded and progressed. Develop robust sales forecasting and reporting. Establish appropriate sales KPIs and performance dashboards. Monitor conversion rates, sales cycles, pipeline value and other key performance indicators. Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Vice President / European Managing Director and President. Continuously improve sales processes, tools, systems and methodologies. Market & Customer Insight Market & Customer Insight Maintain a strong understanding of customer needs, buying behaviours, market trends and competitive activity across the relevant markets. Translate market and customer insight into actionable sales opportunities and priorities. Gather and communicate customer and prospect feedback to inform propositions, messaging and product development. Monitor competitor activity and market positioning. Provide the Vice President / European Managing Director with regular insight into market opportunities, customer sentiment and emerging trends. Key Benefits 30-days holiday International Travel Flexitime Competitive Salary and Commission About You Essential skills & attributes Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales and revenue targets. Strong strategic and commercial thinking, with the ability to translate business objectives into effective sales strategies. Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, with experience building, motivating and developing high-performing sales teams. Strong coaching and mentoring capability, with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement. Excellent communication, presentation, influencing and negotiation skills. Highly commercially aware, with a strong understanding of profitability, pricing, margins and commercial performance. Data-driven approach, with the ability to analyse sales performance, pipeline metrics and market trends to make informed decisions. Strong sales forecasting and pipeline management skills. Customer-focused, with the ability to build strong, credible relationships with key clients and stakeholders. Confident decision-maker with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment. Resilient, ambitious and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Strong strategic planning and organisational skills. Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to work effectively across departments and at senior leadership level. High level of integrity, professionalism and emotional intelligence. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and capitalise on new commercial opportunities. Experience Significant senior-level sales experience, ideally within a Sales Director, Head of Sales or equivalent role. Proven experience leading and developing sales teams. Demonstrable success in delivering revenue growth and achieving challenging sales targets. Experience developing and implementing sales strategies and processes. Experience managing sales performance through KPIs, CRM systems and data. Experience in new business development, account growth and strategic relationship management. Experience managing complex sales cycles and negotiating high-value contracts. Experience recruiting, developing and retaining sales talent. Experience working closely with senior leadership and contributing to wider business strategy. Qualifications Essential: No specific degree required where significant relevant commercial experience can be demonstrated. Relevant professional sales/commercial experience. Desirable: Degree or higher in Business, Sales, Marketing, Economics or a related discipline. Professional qualification in sales, leadership, management or a relevant commercial discipline. Relevant industry-specific qualifications or certifications, where applicable. International Languages Fluent English, Dutch, French and German Any other languages to business fluency are highly desirable. Personal attributes The successful candidate will be: Results-driven – focused on delivering measurable commercial outcomes. Strategic – able to see the bigger picture while maintaining strong execution. Inspirational – capable of motivating and developing others. Commercially astute – understands what drives profitable growth. Accountable – takes ownership of outcomes and commitments. Analytical – comfortable using data to inform decisions. Resilient – able to remain effective under pressure and in challenging circumstances. Influential – able to gain buy-in from customers, colleagues and senior stakeholders. Adaptable – comfortable responding to changing markets and business priorities. Collaborative – works effectively as part of a wider leadership team. Customer-focused – understands the importance of long-term customer relationships. Ambitious – motivated by growth, achievement and continuous improvement. Applications close 30th September 2026. Start November 2026. Please send your C.V. with a covering letter, describing why we should choose you for the job. If you have already applied via a previous posting of this role, please don't feel you need to apply again, and will be reviewing along side all candidates applying by the deadline.

Core Responsibilities

The Sales Director will lead and build a high-performing sales organization across Europe and international markets to drive revenue growth. They are responsible for executing sales strategies, managing key accounts, and establishing effective sales operations and performance standards.

Requirements

Candidates should have significant senior-level sales experience with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and leading teams. Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Benefits

• 30-days holiday
• International travel
• Flexitime
• Competitive salary
• Commission