London | Hybrid working | £90,000 – £110,000 + variable

Are you an experienced commercial leader within the R&D Tax Relief / Innovation Funding sector looking for the opportunity to take ownership of a national sales strategy?

An established and fast-growing international consulting group, specialising in innovation funding, R&D incentives and business performance solutions, is looking to appoint a Sales Director for the UK market.

This is a senior, highly visible position combining commercial strategy, team leadership and hands-on business development. You will have the autonomy to shape the UK sales plan, lead an established commercial team and personally develop relationships with senior decision-makers across the market.

You will report directly to senior international management and play a key role in the next stage of the company's growth in the United Kingdom.

THE ROLE

As Sales Director, you will take full ownership of the UK commercial strategy and lead a team of approximately five professionals across Business Development, SDR, Client Management and Partnerships.

This is not a purely managerial role.

We are looking for a commercial leader who enjoys building teams and building business: approximately half of your focus will be dedicated to leadership, strategy and performance management, while the other half will involve actively generating opportunities, developing your own pipeline and closing strategic clients.

You will have significant visibility within the organisation and the opportunity to directly influence the future development of the UK business.

YOUR MISSION

Your objective will be to accelerate sustainable revenue growth, strengthen the company's market position and build long-term relationships with organisations that can benefit from specialist R&D Tax Relief and innovation funding services.

You will:

Define, implement and own the UK commercial strategy and annual sales plan.
Lead, coach and develop a high-performing commercial team.
Establish clear KPIs, activity metrics and revenue objectives.
Identify new target markets, sectors and strategic accounts.
Build and manage your own pipeline of qualified opportunities.
Generate leads through direct prospecting, networking, referrals and partnerships.
Engage with C-Level executives, Finance Directors, Tax Directors, Innovation Directors and other senior decision-makers.
Lead complex commercial negotiations and secure long-term partnerships.
Develop and retain a diversified client portfolio across different industries and company sizes.
Strengthen indirect sales channels through partnerships and professional networks.
Collaborate closely with Marketing on lead-generation and market-development initiatives.
Ensure accurate CRM management, forecasting and commercial reporting.
Monitor market trends, competitors and emerging opportunities within the UK R&D Tax Relief landscape.
Create a strong performance culture focused on accountability, quality opportunities and sustainable revenue growth.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced and credible sales professional with a strong understanding of the UK R&D Tax Relief market.

Previous experience within this sector is essential.

You should bring:

Solid experience within R&D Tax Credits, R&D Tax Relief, innovation funding or a closely related specialist consultancy environment.
A strong understanding of the value proposition behind R&D Tax Relief services.
A minimum of 8 years' professional commercial experience.
At least 3 years' experience leading and developing sales teams.
Proven ability to build, manage and convert a B2B sales pipeline.
Experience selling complex professional or consultancy services.
Strong commercial judgement and negotiation capability.
Confidence engaging with senior and C-Level stakeholders.
A measurable track record of delivering ambitious revenue targets.
Strong leadership, coaching and people-development skills.
A proactive, resilient and entrepreneurial mindset.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
High levels of autonomy, accountability and commercial drive.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can operate both strategically and commercially: a leader capable of defining the direction of the sales organisation while remaining close to the market and personally generating new business.