At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales for a mission-driven platform tackling AI disinformation in government.
- Company: Exciting seed-stage startup backed by industry leaders, focused on national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, equity options, and flexible hybrid work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of government sales and make a real impact on national resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in government sales, understanding of long-cycle deals, and SC clearance eligibility.
- Other info: Join early in a fast-paced environment with significant growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re hiring the founding sales hire focused on UK Government for a London-based, well backed by some huge names in the industry - even the government. It’s a seed-stage startup. You’ll be joining early, but not too early. The product works. Government buyers are already using it. The company is well funded, moving fast, and operating in one of the most strategically relevant sectors of the next decade. This isn’t a polished GTM engine (yet). You’ll be helping build it.
What This Company Does
They’ve built a mission-led platform for governments and enterprises to detect, attribute, and respond to AI-enabled disinformation and narrative attacks. As governments invest in narrative defence, national resilience, and information integrity, this company is providing the tooling to operate in today’s hostile, fast-moving information environments. Their platform fuses open and dark data, maps adversarial narratives, attributes threat actors, and enables rapid, evidence-led response. Most competitors stop at monitoring. This goes further.
Why This Role Exists
The company has early traction across central government and is now expanding their presence across the public sector and affiliated organisations. You’ll be the first AE focused on government. The GTM is founder-led today. You’ll be working directly with leadership to develop the approach and win critical early contracts.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and close complex sales cycles into departments like MOD, Home Office, FCDO, and others
- Engage senior stakeholders across risk, comms, intelligence, and policy teams
- Help define how government GTM works - campaigns, messaging, partnerships, targeting
- Provide structured feedback into product and positioning
- Operate with a high degree of autonomy and trust
This Could Be a Good Fit If You:
- Have sold into central government, national security, or defence
- Understand long-cycle sales and how to navigate multi-stakeholder deals
- Are comfortable educating buyers on emerging categories
- Have SC clearance or are eligible for it
- Want to help shape something from the start, not just run a process someone else designed
This Probably Isn’t a Fit If You:
- Only have commercial-sector sales experience
- Need established processes, brand recognition, or large teams
- Aren’t motivated by public sector outcomes or national security work
Package and Process
- Base: £80k-£100k
- OTE: Double OTE (uncapped)
- Equity: Yes
- Location: London hybrid (HQ-based)
- Interview process:
- Apply on Linked or Meritt
- Introductory call
- Founder interview
- Strategy / deal simulation
- Final with CTO
Founding Account Executive - London 2 days a month in office - Large Government Sales - Seed - Risk and Disinformation £80-100k 2X OTE employer: meritt.
Contact Detail:
meritt. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Account Executive - London 2 days a month in office - Large Government Sales - Seed - Risk and Disinformation £80-100k 2X OTE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the government sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in navigating complex sales cycles and working with government stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like this exciting startup. Express your enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute to their growth in the government sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s product and understand the landscape of AI-enabled disinformation. Be ready to discuss how you can help shape their go-to-market strategy and win those critical early contracts. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Account Executive - London 2 days a month in office - Large Government Sales - Seed - Risk and Disinformation £80-100k 2X OTE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Mission: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about tackling disinformation and supporting government initiatives. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in this crucial area!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with government sales or national security. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of these sectors, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for this role. Remember, we want to get to know you quickly!
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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at meritt.
✨Know Your Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK government structure and key departments like MOD, Home Office, and FCDO. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you tailor your pitch and demonstrate how the company's platform can address their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience selling into central government or similar sectors. Highlight any long-cycle sales you've navigated and how you managed multi-stakeholder deals. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to engage in a strategy or deal simulation during the interview process. Prepare by thinking through potential sales scenarios you might face and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Public Sector Work
Make it clear why you're motivated by public sector outcomes and national security. Share any relevant experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to these areas. This will resonate well with the company's mission-led focus.