About Sifted
Sifted is a new media platform, backed by the Financial Times, reporting on the world of technology and startups in Europe. Two-and-a-half years after launching, our high-quality journalism is a must-read for many founders, investors and people working in startups across the continent.
Our team of reporters, based across Europe, aren’t chasing the latest funding announcements or product releases; plenty of other sites have got that covered. We are telling the stories that should be told — big startup trends, compelling company profiles and the everyday lessons that come from growing a business and messing up along the way.
The sales operations manager will be a key member of the commercial (advertising and sponsorship) function at Sifted, an FT backed startup about fast-growth European technology companies.
Reporting into the commercial director and working closely with the head of sales, they will be responsible for managing daily operations to achieve the revenue goals for our sales team including, but not limited to, sales forecasting, sector performance, market mapping and client segmentation, sales process optimisation and technology planning for sales tools to help achieve new and repeat business targets.
The ideal candidate for this role is expected to have strong analytical, communication and team working skills and will have a data-first approach when supporting the team.
The sales operations manager will:
- Conduct in-depth analysis of the advertising and sponsorship business at Sifted, developing a deep understanding of the clients we work with and the products we sell with the goal of supporting the sales process and opportunity development.
- Ensure operational excellence across the sales team to give salespeople the best chance at meeting revenue (booked and delivered) targets.
- Provide effective reports which monitor sales forecast, pipeline, sales individual and team performance, sector performance at a regular cadence to senior management within the commercial team.
- Working with other senior managers, spearhead the creation of a sales playbook which documents best practice in sales processes and support on implementing strategies for sales process effectiveness.
- Support the adoption and usage of sales tools which aid performance improvement, consistent reporting and data-driven decision making.
- Champion the administration of systems, including meticulous usage of CRMs and other sales enhancing tools.
- Be responsible for the maintenance and interactive development of said tools, with the aim of improving on reporting and sales results.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with cross-functional partners within the business, for example within product and subscription teams, to align on reporting and business needs.
- Support on market mapping and identifying new market sectors.
Requirements
You will have:
- Proven experience of at least three years in a similar environment
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), and exceptional data skills.
- Sales pipeline and forecasting process experience - with experience using (and improving!) sales CRMs and other tools.
- A positive and can-do attitude - you’re willing to take on new projects and challenges and approach them with enthusiasm and have a team mentality.
- Commercial acumen; you “get” advertising and sponsorship within media and understand the customer and their clients.
Benefits
- £40,000-£45,000 PA
- Shiny technical equipment — we’re a Mac shop generally, but are open to whatever suits your needs
- £1,000 annual learning budget to spend on personal development
- 25 days of annual leave plus local public holidays and 3 bonus days off over Christmas
- Regular team socials, both in-person (when possible) and online
- Proper mental health care. We offer free access to a comprehensive mental healthcare solution.