Head of Sales (SaaS)
2 days ago
London
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors: Rail & Transportation Civils & Construction Manufacturing & Supply Chain Technology & Cyber Security Logistics & Intermodal Freight Defence Our search directors, search consultants and in-house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest levels of organisational leadership and management. Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition. Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or that of a long-term permanent appointment - Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution. We have been exclusively appointed by a Transportation business on a retained search for a Head of Sales( SaaS) Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Head of Executive Search, Senior Consultant and the Business Development Director. This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the details that sit behind the job specification. Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience) § The role requires an established ‘black book’ of senior Transportations sector contacts, enabling direct access to key decision makers. § Experience within long sales cycles, typically 18 to 22 months. § SaaS / software / technology led sales experience with a complete understanding of associated commercial models. § Strong understanding of the UK Transportation Business industry § Capability of building and managing a qualified pipeline, providing clarity on future revenue and growth rather than relying on ad hoc or low hanging opportunities. Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours) § Self-awareness, gravitas. § Stakeholder management. § Ability to inspire teams across different business areas. § A measured and considered approach to sales. Working Arrangements & Location: Flexible working available. With the requirement of being in office once every two weeks / twice per month Ford & Stanley Executive Search Pre-Submission Process: First Engagement: A short engagement and introductory conversation to position the opportunity, gauge candidate's early interest level and arrange a time and date for a more detailed discussion. NDA sent (if applicable) upon receipt of signed NDA - Candidate Opportunity Brief shared. Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where candidates and executive search consultant explore and discuss the opportunity brief. Candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the key essentials and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstances. The search consultant will utilise the information captured during candidate discovery to start to build your profile on suitability. Recommendations may be made at this point for adjustments or updates to your CV. The ‘shortlist’: Shortlisted candidates, having taken time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the client’s business are reengaged where they are asked to provide additional specific information on their suitability (if/where applicable). Final checks of key notes, package details and logistical alignments made. Finishing touches are then made to your profile before submission along with our notes and recommendations. Interview Process: 1st Stage Interview: A 30–45 minute Teams interview with (Business Development Director) and (Chief Operating Officer) 2nd Stage Interview: A face-to-face interview Exploring strategic approach, stakeholder engagement, leadership style and cultural fit. Good to knows: Our client are at a critical point in the growth of there software product with the market relatively untapped and an opportunity to capitalise on a relatively new capability. They currently hold about 20% market share with limited visibility of where the other 20% fits and an opportunity to develop a strategy that develops that. This role comes with 2 direct reports. The Head of SaaS will operate at a senior level, with a direct reporting line to the Business Development Director and close day to day interaction with the Chief Operating Officer within a flat organisational structure. This role is ultimately driving the growth of the software product . A scalable, data aggregation and integration platform. The business is on an upward trajectory and will be turning over a profit this year. Our client is already applying AI within there software product but sees a significant untapped opportunity to provide a single point of contact. Our client operates in a fast moving, evolving environment, requiring the ability to prioritise, adapt quickly, and make progress amid changing market dynamics and competing demands Key Responsibilities: Define and lead the strategy for the software product to scale the business beyond its current ~20% market share, identifying where future growth sits across. Increase the size, quality and visibility of the sales pipeline, moving beyond incumbent and low‑hanging opportunities to support long, complex sales cycles. Engage senior decision‑makers at MD / CxO level, leveraging an established network to accelerate access, influence and commercial outcomes. Raise senior‑level awareness of the platform, ensuring key stakeholders understand its capability, value and future potential. Develop and execute a structured go‑to‑market approach, replacing ad‑hoc selling with clear prioritisation and account focus. Lead and develop the commercial team, providing direction, structure and support within a flat, high‑autonomy environment. Provide clear commercial insight to senior leadership, offering pipeline visibility, market intelligence and confidence in future growth. Feed market and customer insight into product direction, helping shape roadmap priorities, including AI‑driven use cases. Budget: Competitive salary Available Supporting benefits Car Allowance Salary reviews: Annually Holidays: Standard holiday entitlement of 25 days increases to 27 days after 4 years Additional day leave for birthday. Pension Life Insurance Critical Illness cover Employee Assistance Programme Buy and Sell Annual Leave Cycle to Work Scheme Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption leave Private medical insurance Additional details will be shared once a call is booked in. Executive Search Delivery Team: Tom Norton – Head of Executive Search: (Client Recommendations/Advisory, Offer Negotiations, Consulting, Networking) Josh Winfield – Senior Consultant (Headhunting, Networking, Research, Search, Longlisting, Interviews, Data & Market Intel, Market Intelligence & Shortlisting) Ralitsa Kuzeva – Executive Assistant: (Data, Diary Management and Coordination) About Ford & Stanley Executive Search: Please see the supporting appendix: Executive Search Candidate Journey Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an ongoing basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs. We place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Services advertised by Ford & Stanley Executive Search are those of an executive search and talent advisory business