Interim sales leadership & commercial leadership
Sales needs direction.
And someone to make it happen.
A leadership gap, a new market or a sales operation falling short of its potential: these situations call for clear thinking and operational ownership. That is where my international sales and leadership experience comes in.
When interim sales leadership can help
A sales leader is absent or leaves the business. A new team needs priorities. The company is growing, but its structure and responsibilities are struggling to keep pace. Or entry into Germany, Austria or Switzerland needs to be organised effectively.
An interim assignment can bridge this period while establishing a foundation for further development. The task and scope of responsibility should be clearly defined from the start.
First, understand what is holding sales back
Weaker results are a signal, not yet a diagnosis. I look at target customers, positioning, pipeline and sales processes – and at the people working within them. Are expectations clear? Does the offer fit the market? Which decisions are being delayed?
My strength is connecting these different levels. I listen, examine the situation and work with the team to understand where change is needed. That provides the basis for priorities and practical steps.
The responsibilities I can take on
Depending on the situation, this can include leading the sales team, organising market development, strategic customer conversations or developing partnerships. Collaboration between sales, product, marketing and senior management is often just as important.
I stay close to customers and day-to-day business. Objectives, responsibilities and the eventual handover should be clearly agreed. Duration, time commitment and scope depend on what the business actually needs.
The experience I bring
At Rosetta Stone, I progressed from the first B2B employee in Germany to Director DACH and then Senior Director Europe from 2017. I led the European Enterprise & Education business, with P&L responsibility in the double-digit millions and an international team of 45.
As Global Partnership Director at GoodHabitz, I worked on the international partner ecosystem of a growing EdTech business. I also bring operational leadership experience from the repositioning and reopening of Stadthotel Borken during the COVID period.
Businesses where my experience fits
My experience is particularly relevant to B2B businesses in SaaS, technology, EdTech and learning. I understand complex software buying decisions involving HR, L&D, IT, procurement and works councils.
Based in Cologne, I work across the DACH region and internationally, in German and English. Alongside selected interim assignments, I am open to suitable permanent operational roles in sales and commercial leadership.
Let’s talk about your situation.
Tell me briefly what you want to build or change. Together, we can explore whether and how I can help.
hello@sabineschnorr.com ↗Cologne · DACH & international · German & English