External Customer Solutions Consultant

Company Description

Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE. Taylor & Francis Group produces high quality, peer reviewed books and journals.

We produce unique, trusted content by expert authors, spreading knowledge and promoting discovery globally. We aim to broaden thinking and advance understanding, providing academics and professionals with a platform to share ideas and realise their individual potential.

What we offer in return:

1. Competitive salary
2. 20 days annual leave
3. 4 volunteering days annually
4. Additional day off for your birthday
5. Seasonal social and charitable events
6. Training and development opportunities

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Account Manager to lead the growth of our Journals and eBooks business in South Africa and other southern African countries. This role will focus on expanding institutional sales, managing key accounts, and strengthening high-value relationships, particularly with SANLiC (South African National Library and Information Consortium).

The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving a 20% year-on-year growth, ensuring deeper market penetration, and implementing strategic account management initiatives aligned with regional business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Account & Relationship Management: Serve as the key relationship manager for SANLiC, negotiating deals, renewals, and strategic partnerships. Cultivate strong relationships with university libraries, research institutions, and government bodies to expand our footprint. Act as a trusted advisor to institutions, guiding them on emerging trends in Open Access, digital learning, and research dissemination. Engage with Vice Chancellors, Library Directors, Research Heads, and Procurement Teams to ensure long-term customer retention.
2. Business Growth & Revenue Management: Develop and execute a strategic account plan to increase eBooks and journal subscriptions across academic institutions, corporates, and government sectors. Achieve 20% growth over last year's revenue by identifying new business opportunities and upselling to existing clients. Drive adoption of Read & Publish (R&P) agreements, ensuring alignment with evolving Open Access (OA) policies. Work closely with global and regional teams to implement pricing, bundling, and subscription models that maximize revenue.
3. Market Development & Strategic Initiatives: Identify and engage with potential consortium partners, universities, and professional bodies to drive adoption of Taylor & Francis digital resources. Collaborate with marketing and product teams to position eBooks and journal collections effectively in the South African market. Provide market insights and competitive intelligence to shape future account strategies.
4. Internal Collaboration & Reporting: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including marketing, editorial, and customer service teams, to ensure seamless client engagement. Track account performance, pipeline health, and market trends, providing regular reports and forecasts to leadership. Participate in regional and global account management meetings, sharing best practices and strategic inputs.

Qualifications:

1. 5+ years of experience in B2B account management, institutional engagement, or publishing sales (experience in eBooks, journals, or academic publishing preferred).
2. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, managing high-value accounts, and closing complex deals.
3. Strong experience in account management, particularly with consortia like SANLiC.
4. Knowledge of Open Access, Read & Publish models, and digital content licensing is a strong advantage.
5. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
6. Ability to travel across South Africa and, if required, other African regions for key client meetings and industry events.

Additional Information:

You must have the right to live and work in South Africa. This role will be a remote based role in South Africa with frequent travel both across the territory and more widely across Africa to attend conferences and book fairs as required. At Taylor & Francis we care about our colleagues, promoting work-life balance, wellbeing and flexible working. We believe that the skills and experience you bring to Taylor & Francis are invaluable. We want you to have the opportunity to develop your abilities and to innovate and develop in areas which you are passionate about.

Taylor & Francis Group an Informa Business

Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE. We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need!

We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under local law.

This role may also be available on a flexible working or part time basis – please ask the Talent Acquisition team for more information. To find out more about our business and the great career opportunities please go to our Careers page.