New Business Development Manager

Job Description

This is an out-and-out new business role, a perfect fit for a driven, proactive sales professional who thrives on finding, developing, and closing new opportunities.

As New Business Sales Manager, you’ll be responsible for introducing Emerald’s new platform and latest product acquisitions to new customers in both the academic and corporate sectors. You’ll play a pivotal role in positioning Emerald as the go-to partner for organisations looking to access cutting-edge research, data, and insights that support learning, innovation, and growth.

This isn’t a maintenance role, it’s about creating momentum, building new relationships, and bringing fresh thinking to how Emerald’s products are introduced and adopted. You’ll act as the bridge between our new solutions and the market, translating customer needs into commercial success.

Location: We perform at our best when we feel trusted and are able to choose an approach to working that suits us best, which is why we are a remote-first company. However, we also believe in face to face collaboration, and our UK colleagues meet once a month for team time and quarterly for company get togethers in our Leeds office, so we ask that you be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions.

About our Recruitment Process: We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the 'perfect candidate' – we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply.

We receive a high volume of interest in our roles and may close applications early if we reach capacity. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you require additional time to complete your application due to accessibility needs or other circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to support you.

Day to day we’ll trust you to:   

• Identify and win new business across academic, research, and corporate sectors in the UK.
• Take Emerald’s new digital platform and product acquisitions to market with energy and creativity.
• Build strong relationships with prospective customers and understand their evolving needs.
• Manage the full sales process — from first contact to final payment.
• Work collaboratively with product, marketing, and customer success teams to ensure smooth delivery and ongoing client satisfaction.
• Deliver consistent, accurate sales forecasting and pipeline management.
• Represent Emerald at conferences, webinars, and events, acting as an ambassador for our brand and values.
• Consistently meet or exceed quarterly and annual sales targets.

You’ll need to have:   

• A proven track record in new business sales — ideally B2B or solution-based.
• Confidence managing the complete sales cycle from pipeline to payment.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to understand client needs and position value effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivation, resilience, and a results-driven mindset.
• Experience in publishing, digital content, EdTech, or professional services is a plus, but not essential.

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we've been flexified so you can trust that we're a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You'll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills.

You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as 38 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work-life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here.

Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note - Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at peopleteam@emerald.com and let us know.