At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand sales efforts across the UK, focusing on hardware OEMs and enterprise customers.
- Company: Join Axelera AI, a pioneering deep-tech startup transforming the AI landscape.
- Benefits: Attractive compensation, pension plan, employee insurances, and company shares.
- Other info: Hybrid/remote role with travel opportunities across the UK and Europe.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while driving innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in enterprise sales, technical fluency, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About Us
Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us. In just four years, we have raised a total of $370 million and have built a world-class team of 220+ employees (including 49+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 18 different countries and with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands. We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer. Are you up for the challenge?
Position Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Sales Director to lead and expand our sales efforts across the UK market, with a primary focus on hardware OEMs and enterprise customers in the industrial, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Based in the UK, this strategic leadership role is essential for driving revenue, strengthening our market presence, and building long-term customer relationships in one of Europe’s most innovation-driven technology ecosystems. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical fluency, a proven record in enterprise sales, and the ability to navigate the UK’s regulatory, procurement, and partner landscapes.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and Execute the UK Sales Strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive sales strategy tailored to the UK’s industrial ecosystem and mature OEM networks. Focus on long-term account development, recurring revenue models, and value-based solution selling.
- Drive Regional Revenue and Market Penetration: Own overall sales performance in the UK, focusing on pipeline growth, strategic account expansion, and market share development. Leverage vertical expertise in Industry 4.0, automotive innovation, and smart manufacturing.
- Manage Strategic OEM and Enterprise Accounts: Cultivate and grow relationships with major hardware OEMs and enterprise clients across the UK. Understand complex technical requirements and public/private procurement processes to deliver scalable Edge AI solutions that align with regulatory and operational standards.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Identify and formalise partnerships with system integrators, industrial alliances, and technology distributors in the UK. Lead co-selling and joint go-to-market initiatives to expand reach and strengthen brand credibility.
- Lead Sales Operations: Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing local sales team where appropriate. Build a results-oriented culture with structured planning, forecasting, and accountability aligned with both quarterly targets and long-term growth objectives.
- Leverage Technical Expertise in Edge AI: Effectively communicate the business and technical value of Edge AI and computer vision solutions to technical stakeholders and C-level executives. Act as a trusted advisor and thought leader within the UK industrial technology ecosystem.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with global product, marketing, and engineering teams to align the product roadmap with market needs, ensuring strong product-market fit and timely go-to-market execution in the UK.
- Market Engagement and Travel: Travel across the UK to meet key customers, attend trade shows and industry events (e.g., Advanced Engineering UK, Subcon, or UK Manufacturing Week), and engage with the broader innovation ecosystem. Maintain deep insight into local market dynamics, trends, and opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline).
- 10+ years of enterprise sales or business development experience in high-tech industries, ideally with a focus on Edge AI, computer vision, or embedded systems.
- Proven track record working with hardware OEMs, industrial clients, and technology partners in the UK.
- Demonstrated success in building regional sales strategies and consistently meeting or exceeding revenue objectives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills suited to complex enterprise environments.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional European languages is a plus.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK and Europe.
Location
This is a hybrid/remote role based in the UK, with frequent travel to customer and partner sites across the country. Proximity to major industrial and technology hubs (e.g., Midlands, Greater London, Manchester) is preferred.
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team. At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.
Director of Sales - United Kingdom in Bristol employer: Axelera
Axelera AI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including an attractive compensation package, pension plan, and opportunities for equity ownership. Our collaborative culture empowers team members to take ownership of their roles while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in AI technology from our UK base, strategically located near major industrial and technology hubs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales - United Kingdom in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for AI and technology during interviews. We want to see that fire in your belly! Share your ideas on how you can contribute to our mission at Axelera AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common sales scenarios and think about how you'd tackle them. We love candidates who can think on their feet and offer real solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you note can keep you top of mind and show us you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales - United Kingdom in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in enterprise sales, especially in the high-tech sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Axelera AI!
Showcase Your Technical Fluency:Since we're all about Edge AI and innovation, don’t shy away from demonstrating your technical knowledge. Use specific examples of how you've navigated complex technical requirements in past roles.
Highlight Relationship Building:We’re looking for someone who can cultivate strong relationships with OEMs and enterprise clients. Share stories that showcase your ability to build long-term partnerships and drive revenue growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Axelera AI!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Edge AI and computer vision solutions. Brush up on the latest trends in the industrial, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, as well as the specific challenges faced by hardware OEMs. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
✨Tailor Your Sales Strategy
Prepare to discuss how you would design and implement a sales strategy specifically for the UK market. Think about long-term account development and value-based solution selling. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive revenue and market penetration.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in cultivating relationships with major clients and partners. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building strategic partnerships in the UK, especially with system integrators and technology distributors. Show them you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving sales success.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Sales, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Share your experiences in recruiting, mentoring, and managing high-performing sales teams. Discuss how you foster a results-oriented culture and align team goals with both short-term targets and long-term growth objectives.
