Senior Business Development Representative - sports

This is a permanent role within Nielsen Sports based in Cologne (hybrid working). You will be focusing on the German, Swiss, Austrian and some Eastern European markets. 

Key Responsibilities – New Business Development

This role is centered on driving significant revenue growth through the acquisition of new clients, supported by strategic account development and deep cross-functional collaboration.

1. New Business Acquisition & Growth (Core Focus)

• Lead Generation & Prospecting: Define target customer segments and actively identify new potential clients and key growth opportunities (hunting).

• Strategic Sales: Take ownership of the full sales cycle, from initial contact and needs evaluation to negotiation and closing C-level deals.

• Sales Target Accountability: Assume full sales and profitability responsibility for a defined client cluster, managing annual revenue and profit targets.

• Pitch Planning & Execution: Plan, prepare, and execute high-impact sales pitches and customer meetings, effectively presenting our comprehensive service portfolio.

• Network Expansion: Proactively build and maintain a powerful professional network and high-level customer relationships within the industry.

2. Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Strategy Implementation: Collaborate on the co-development and rigorous implementation of ambitious sales strategies tailored to market needs.

• Account Development: Strategically develop selected existing customers by identifying cross- and up-selling opportunities within their organization.

• Proposal Creation: Lead the creation of compelling, high-quality proposals in close collaboration with relevant subject matter experts.

3. Project Coordination & Collaboration

• Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary, high-level contact for the customer throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring satisfaction and managing expectations.

• Internal Coordination: Guarantee the timely and cost-optimized delivery of project results (covering media, market research, and consulting solutions) by coordinating closely with all internal departments (Media, Research, Consultancy).

• Product Expertise: Rapidly establish and maintain excellent product knowledge across our entire service suite.

• Team Alignment: Ensure close cooperation, coordination, and knowledge exchange with the wider Sales & Commercial team and peers in different international markets.

4. Representation

Market Representation: Represent the company professionally at trade fairs, conferences, and business events, both as an attendee and potential speaker ("off and on stage").