Sales Lead - Central Government

As the Central Government Sales Lead, you will shape Microsoft’s engagement with the Dutch central government at the highest strategic level. This is not just a sales role—it’s a leadership position that requires political acumen, a deep understanding of societal priorities, and the ability to influence transformation agendas. You will report directly to the Public Sector Lead and represent Central Government within the Senior Leadership Team.

Your mission: enable the Dutch government to modernise citizen services and civil servant work environments through Microsoft’s technology stack—including AI, cloud, security, CRM, and digital sovereignty. You will combine commercial excellence with strategic thinking to drive impact across one of the most critical sectors in the Netherlands. You will also act as the executive sponsor for key client relationships, with regular engagement at the CxO level to co-develop innovative digital transformation opportunities. Equally important, you will lead as a “people-first” manager, fostering an inclusive and supportive team culture where your team members are inspired to excel and feel valued.  

What makes this role unique?

• You will set the strategic direction for Microsoft’s central government business.
• You will engage at C-level and policy level, influencing decisions that shape public services.
• You will lead a high-performing team, orchestrating complex deals and partnerships that deliver societal value.

Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic influence, commercial leadership, and societal impact. You will be at the forefront of shaping how technology empowers government and citizens in the Netherlands.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the strategic sales plan for central government entities in the Netherlands.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders, including framework agreements and strategic programs.
• Team Leadership: Lead and coach a team of Account Executives and Technical Specialists, fostering growth and excellence.
• Business Growth: Drive pipeline health, revenue growth, and customer success while maintaining a strong focus on public value creation. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Orchestrate cross-functional teams to deliver transformative solutions aligned with government priorities.
• Strategic Engagement: Represent Central Government within Microsoft’s Public Sector leadership, ensuring alignment with societal and compliance objectives.
• Market Influence: Leverage industry insights, competitive intelligence, and emerging technology trends to shape account strategies and influence product direction.
• Innovation Advocacy: Promote adoption of Microsoft’s latest technologies, including AI and cloud solutions, to accelerate customer transformation and deliver tangible business outcomes.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure compliance with Microsoft policies, maintain accurate forecasting, and drive disciplined execution across all engagements.

Required/Minimum Qualifications:  

• Relevant academic background in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in sales, marketing, advertising, or leading high-performance sales and technical-sales teams.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams in complex, multi-tiered organizations.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving revenue growth and managing strategic pipelines.
• Experience in public sector engagements, particularly with central government entities.
• Ability to coach and develop team members, fostering both personal and business growth.
• Familiarity with Microsoft’s technology stack and solution areas (e.g., AI, cloud, security, CRM).
• Fluent in Dutch and English, with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications: 

• Experience navigating Dutch government procurement processes and framework agreements (e.g., SLM Rijk).
• Exposure to digital sovereignty, compliance, and resilience strategies in public sector contexts.
• Certifications in sales leadership, public sector management, or cloud technologies.
• Experience with cross-functional orchestration and team leadership.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.