Senior Sales Director
- Location
- United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom
About Us
Skift is the leading business intelligence and media company in travel, delivering news, research, and global events that power smarter decisions across the industry. We convene senior leaders and innovators who rely on Skift for clarity, insight, and meaningful connection in a fast-moving global market.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a highly consultative, relationship-driven Sales Director to join Skift and drive new business across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) while growing our existing account base. This is a true builder role for a self-starter with a proven track record of running a full sales cycle, from prospecting through closed deals. You will work closely with the Skift Studio team, our in-house agency, to deliver premium client solutions. We are actively seeking candidates based in the UK or the UAE with strong leadership instincts and a background in B2B travel.
Why This Role Matters
As Skift expands its footprint across content, sponsorship, and live events, new revenue depends on sellers who can build pipelines independently and sell with a real command of the client’s business. This is not a lead-management or order-taking seat. Your mission is to break new business, turn those wins into lasting relationships, and deliver a high-touch client experience. Success in this role requires equal parts resourcefulness and rapport: the strongest candidates are natural hunters who don’t wait for leads to land in their lap, listen more than they pitch, and stay resilient through longer, consultative deal cycles.
Some of What You’ll Do
Pipeline & Business Development
- Independently build a large pipeline of leads to drive RFPs and IOs while engaging clients across all levels of business titles and responsibilities.
- Take ownership of running existing accounts while actively pursuing new business across your assigned territory and account list.
- Develop client relationships through in-person and virtual meetings, industry conferences, and networking events.
Client Strategy & Proposals
- Create and present compelling proposals and pitches to advertising partners and prospects, persuasively articulating Skift’s product benefits.
- Collaborate directly with the Skift Studio team on client proposals and presentations.
- Facilitate sales contracts and media plans while staying current with travel industry news and trends.
Forecasting & Collaboration
- Accurately forecast business and record all client interactions in the HubSpot CRM.
- Work closely with the sales management team on cohesive business strategies and interact with the campaign performance team to effectively manage campaign delivery.
- Provide weekly sales activity reports and collaborate with sales leadership to align on all weekly activity.
Success Metrics
- First 60 Days (Immersion & Pipeline): Learn the Skift ecosystem (Skift, Skift Meetings, Women Leading Travel, Audio, Digital) and launch active outreach campaigns to build and monitor a qualified pipeline.
- First 120 Days (Pitching): Present pitches and proposals to prospective partners while collaborating with sales management on priorities, including attending business conferences and in-person meetings.
- Securing Deals: Finalize sponsorship and content agreements while expanding a strong pipeline for renewals and upselling among active accounts.
- Ongoing Success: Consistently meet or exceed 1H and FY goals, deliver regular weekly performance updates, and continuously cultivate client relationships.
How We Work
Skift's culture is diverse, cohesive, and full of people who love what they do and bring the best of themselves to work. We are remote but very connected and caring about each other.
How To Apply
If this role sounds like a fit, we'd love to hear from you. PLEASE SEND US A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH YOUR RESUME sharing why you're interested and how your experience aligns with Skift's mission.
Skift is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of travelers around the world. We welcome applicants from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Here's what you can expect next
If selected to interview, a Skift team member will reach out to schedule next steps.
