This is a permanent role with Nielsen Sports based in Cologne (hybrid working). This will be a combination of business development / sales responsibilities as well as some sales support work. You will be focusing on the German, Swiss, Austrian and some Eastern European markets. 

Key Responsibilities – New Business Focus

This role is centered on driving significant revenue growth through the acquisition of new clients and strategic development of existing accounts, with full ownership of the sales cycle.

1. Strategic Sales & New Client Acquisition (Hunting)

• Revenue Accountability: Hold direct sales and profitability responsibility for a defined client cluster, managing and achieving annual revenue and profit targets.

• Market Strategy: Collaborate on the co-development and aggressive implementation of our market and sales strategies.

• Target Identification: Define high-potential customer segments and actively identify and qualify new target customers (New Business Focus).

• Full Sales Cycle Ownership: Evaluate customer needs, plan and execute compelling sales pitches, and manage timely follow-up throughout the entire sales process.

• Negotiation: Lead negotiations with customer decision-makers, in close cooperation and alignment with leadership.

2. Account Development & Relationship Building (Farming)

• Key Account Growth: Strategically develop and expand business within selected existing customer accounts.

• Network Expansion: Proactively cultivate and grow a strong personal industry network and build lasting high-level customer relationships.

• Representation: Professionally represent the company at key trade fairs and business events.

3. Cross-Functional Coordination & Delivery

• Proposal Management: Lead the creation of winning sales proposals in collaboration with internal subject matter experts (or by guiding and controlling the preparation efforts of employees).

• Project Oversight: Serve as the main commercial contact person for the customer throughout the project lifecycle.

• Product Expertise: Rapidly establish and maintain comprehensive product knowledge across our full suite of services (media, market research, and consulting solutions).

•  Internal Alignment: Ensure timely and cost-optimized delivery of project results through seamless coordination and close exchange with all relevant internal departments (media, research, consultancy) and commercial peers across different markets.

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious professional to drive new business growth.

1. Required Experience & Expertise

• Professional Background: Minimum of 2-3 years of proven experience in B2B sales or business development, preferably within project-based or consulting environments.

• Education: Successfully completed university degree (e.g., Sports Management, Media, Business Administration, or equivalent).

• Industry Interest: Demonstrable passion and a strong interest in the Sports, Esports/Gaming, and Entertainment sectors.

• Market Knowledge: Good foundational knowledge of the international (especially European) sports ecosystem and its key stakeholders (e.g., rightsholders, brands/sponsors, media partners).

• Sector Acumen: Initial experience working within the sports or gaming industry and/or a high level of technical product knowledge.

2. Key Skills & Competencies

• Communication: Exceptional presentation and strong communication skills.

• Negotiation: Initial practical experience in sales negotiations, with a desire to quickly develop these skills further.

• Languages: Native German speaker with fluent written and verbal English skills (C1/C2 level).

• Mindset: Highly customer-oriented, proactive, and results-driven thinker with strong analytical capabilities and effective organizational skills.

•  Soft Skills: High social competence, a strong service mentality, and the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.

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