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: Embrace diversity and creativity in a collaborative, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a dynamic, fast-growing international organisation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in enterprise sales, technical fluency, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ 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 Manchester 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 attractive compensation packages, including pension plans and share options, while encouraging collaboration and ownership within our teams. Located in the UK, you will be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of AI technology, with opportunities to engage with major industrial hubs and contribute to meaningful advancements in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales - United Kingdom in Manchester
✨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 innovation during interviews. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to Axelera AI's mission and make a real impact in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common sales scenarios and think about how you'd tackle them. This shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you note can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales - United Kingdom in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Sales. Highlight your experience in enterprise sales, especially within the high-tech industry, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with our focus on Edge AI and hardware OEMs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for innovation and how your background can help us drive revenue and build long-term relationships in the UK market.
Showcase Your Technical Fluency:Since we're all about cutting-edge technology, make sure to demonstrate your technical fluency in your application. Discuss your understanding of Industry 4.0, automotive innovation, and how you can leverage these insights to benefit our clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
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. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's innovative approach.
✨Tailor Your Strategy
Before the interview, think about how you would develop and execute a sales strategy specifically for the UK market. Be ready to discuss your ideas on long-term account development and value-based solution selling, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've successfully cultivated relationships with hardware OEMs and enterprise clients. Highlight your ability to navigate complex procurement processes and deliver scalable solutions that meet regulatory standards.
✨Be a Team Player
Demonstrate your collaborative spirit by discussing past experiences where you worked closely with product, marketing, and engineering teams. Emphasise how you can contribute to building a results-oriented culture and align sales efforts with broader company goals.
