Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) – the leading destination for innovative management thinking. We reach lifelong learners to improve the practice of management in a changing world. This mission inspires each of us to unlock the leader in everyone – including you!
The opportunity
The Strategic Relationship Manager, Higher Education will work closely with the Regional Director, India & Middle East to develop and execute strategic sales initiatives aimed at expanding market presence and achieving revenue targets in the higher education sector in India. This role requires a consultative approach to build long-term partnerships with key stakeholders, understand client needs, and deliver tailored solutions that drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in solutions-based sales, exceptional relationship management skills, and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales Strategy Development & Execution: Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies aligned with organizational goals to achieve or exceed regional sales targets.
- Client Relationship Management: Build and nurture strong relationships with key decisionmakers and influencers within higher education institutions, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
- Needs Assessment & Solution Development: Collaborate with clients to understand their unique needs and propose customized solutions from HBP’s product portfolio, including cases, simulations, and online learning tools.
- Sales Forecasting & Reporting: Track and analyze sales performance, generate regular reports, and provide accurate sales forecasts to senior management. Identify gaps and implement strategies to achieve sales objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams—including marketing, product management, and customer success—to align sales strategies with business objectives and leverage customer insights for product enhancements.
- Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis: Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities, providing valuable insights to inform sales strategies and product offerings.
- Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement: Represent HBP at industry events, conferences, and seminars to network with key stakeholders, promote the organization's mission, and establish thought leadership within the higher education sector.
- Resource Utilization: Leverage internal resources such as Tableau, Salesforce, global sales support, and marketing tools to maximize sales outcomes and enhance customer experience.
Requirements
- 7-14 years of experience in business development, solution-based sales, or consultative selling.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Deep understanding of the higher education landscape, including industry trends, challenges, and opportunities (preferred).
- Strong consultative approach with the ability to ask relevant questions, assess needs, and deliver tailored solutions.
- Proficiency in CRM tools such as Salesforce and data analytics tools like Tableau.
- Willingness to travel approximately 50% across the calendar year/
What we offer
As a mission-driven global company, Harvard Business Publishing is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, trust, and engagement where everyone is welcome, valued, respected, and feels they belong. In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, we offer meaningful programs focused on career development and employee wellness, such as education reimbursement and early-release Summer Fridays!
HBP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Top Skills
What We Do
At Harvard Business Publishing, we believe in the power of leadership to inspire, to transform, and to advance the global good. We empower leaders with breakthrough ideas that solve problems, that elevate performance, and that unlock the leader in everyone. We help leaders move the world forward.
Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) was founded in 1994 as a not-for-profit, independent corporation that is an affiliate of Harvard Business School. We inform and inspire professionals, corporations, educators, and students around the world with the best in management thinking and practice. Through our articles, books, case studies, simulations, videos, learning programs, and digital tools, we reach thousands of organizations and millions of subscribers and social media followers.
With over 600 employees located in Boston (HQ), New York City, Australia, France, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, we serve as a bridge between academia and enterprises around the globe.
Our three market units—Education, Corporate Learning, and Harvard Business Review Group—produce a variety of media including print and digital (Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review Press books, Harvard Business School cases), events (participant-centered learning seminars, custom events, webinars), digital learning (Harvard ManageMentor, HMM Spark), blended learning, and campus experiences. Through these platforms, HBP is able to influence real-world change by maximizing the reach and impact of its essential offering—ideas.
Working at Harvard Business Publishing brings you into a global, dynamic organization that’s constantly discovering—new markets, new technologies and media platforms, and new groundbreaking ideas. You’ll find your co-workers intellectually curious and highly engaged. We collaborate. We experiment. We are always learning
