Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by acquiring new customers and expanding existing accounts in the automotive sector.
- Company: Join Secondmind, a pioneering tech company focused on sustainable automotive innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with cutting-edge machine learning solutions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sales, preferably in SaaS or automotive, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Strategic Account Executive
Sales & Business Development · United Kingdom (Covering Europe)
About Secondmind
Secondmind exists to help automotive innovators design better vehicles faster and achieve greater sustainability through machine learning (ML). We are driven by a desire to achieve sustainability in our operations and through the products we develop for our customers.
Our positive working culture is founded on a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. We foster open communication and cross-functional collaboration, enabling diverse teams to work together to solve complex challenges. Our flexible workplace plan ensures a healthy work-life balance, accommodating various working styles and personal needs, whether through remote work options or adaptable schedules.
We also prioritize personal and professional growth by offering development opportunities, including training and mentorship. This nurturing environment empowers our employees to thrive, continuously learn, and contribute meaningfully to our mission of advancing automotive system design and calibration with our data-efficient machine learning solutions.
Founded in 2016 and supported by investors such as Mazda Motor Corporation, Amadeus Capital, Atlantic Bridge and Cambridge Innovation Capital, Secondmind was recently recognized with the Automotive Testing Technology International \’Alternative Powertrain Test Innovation of the Year Award 2024\’; selected for the Tech Nation Future Fifty scale-up program, and named by Bloomberg as one of the UK’s 25 Startups to Watch 2024.
About the role
Secondmind is seeking a Strategic Account Executive to drive growth across Europe’s leading automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and off-highway/on-highway engine/EV manufacturers. This role is focused on acquiring new customers and expanding existing strategic accounts by selling SaaS-based advanced ML solutions for Design Space Exploration and Test Calibration. The ideal candidate is a consultative seller who thrives in complex enterprise sales, balancing technical credibility with executive-level engagement.
Responsibilities
- New business development: Identify, qualify, and close new customer opportunities within strategic automotive and industrial accounts across Europe.
- Full sales cycle ownership: Manage opportunities from inception to close, including prospecting, lead follow-up, solution positioning, proposals, contract negotiation, and deal closure.
- Solution selling: Collaborate with Solution Consultants and Services teams to design and sell proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements that demonstrate measurable business value.
- Account growth: Nurture and expand relationships within existing accounts using the LAER (Land, Adopt, Expand, Renew) methodology to ensure long-term customer success and retention.
- Market focus: Develop and execute account and territory business plans, identifying high-potential sub-segments and markets to target.
- Executive engagement: Present Secondmind’s business value at multiple levels—from technical teams to senior executives—adapting messaging to different stakeholders.
- Collaboration: Partner with Marketing to align campaigns with sales strategy and provide structured feedback from customers to Product Development.
- Team contribution: Operate effectively in a team-oriented, flexible environment while also working independently to deliver results.
What skills, experience, and qualifications you need to succeed in this role
Essential
- At least 5 years’ experience in a sales capacity or sales support role with a proven track record of selling enterprise SaaS/software solutions into complex, multi-stakeholder accounts (preferably in automotive, Tier 1, or related industries).
- Strong ability to navigate and influence multiple decision makers across technical and executive levels.
- Experience writing proposals, negotiating complex contracts, and closing seven-figure deals.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
- Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Hubspot) and structured sales processes.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Desirable
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Engineering or Technology subject is required. Ideally the candidate should have experience in the automotive industry, knowledge of engineering simulation tools, design space exploration, and calibration.
- Familiarity with proof-of-concept selling and SaaS subscription business models.
- Experience in developing account/territory business plans and executing go-to-market strategies.
Location: We offer a hybrid working environment, with a flexible work schedule to support a work life balance within the UK. The Secondmind office is based in Cambridge, a few minutes walk from the train station.
Our culture – what we can offer you
We offer an inclusive working environment that stimulates innovation, continuous learning, and thrives on growth and change.
Our culture is underpinned by our values; they are what we stand for, part of our DNA. They help us to attract and retain the right talent and customers, make the right decisions and clarify how we should all behave and treat one another, they are:
- Delight every customer
- No bar too high
- Give more than take
- Make the impossible, possible
- Celebrate differences, act as one
Learn more about our values on our website.
We also offer a number of benefits including:
- Competitive salary and commission plan – reviewed annually
- 25 days annual leave, plus statutory bank holidays
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance of 4x salary
- Private Medical Insurance
- Eyecare Policy
- Dental Cash Plan
- Stock Options (where applicable)
- Free 24 hour access on-site gym
- Discount Shopping & Wellbeing Platform
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Values Award Scheme
- Cambridge Botanic Garden membership
- Social events, game nights and sports groups
We are an equal opportunities employer, and aim to ensure all candidates are treated equally and fairly through the application process and beyond. We actively encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds, and encourage our people to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work. If you require assistance or an accommodation through the interview process due to a disability, to apply for one of our roles, please contact hr@secondmind.ai.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic Account Executive employer: Secondmind
Contact Detail:
Secondmind Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Secondmind and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in machine learning and sustainability. Tailor your pitch to show how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Secondmind team. Let’s get you that Strategic Account Executive role!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Account Executive role. Highlight your experience in sales, especially in SaaS and the automotive industry. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Secondmind!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about machine learning and sustainability in the automotive sector. Show us your personality and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements. Did you close a significant deal or improve a process? Quantify your successes to demonstrate your impact. We love numbers that tell a story!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Secondmind!
How to prepare for a job interview at Secondmind
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Secondmind's products and services. Understand their machine learning solutions and how they apply to the automotive industry. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in enterprise sales, especially in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated multi-stakeholder accounts and closed significant deals, as this is crucial for the Strategic Account Executive role.
✨Engage with the Team
Secondmind values collaboration, so be prepared to demonstrate how you work well in a team. Share experiences where you've partnered with others to achieve a common goal, and highlight your adaptability in a flexible work environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in their culture and growth opportunities. Inquire about their approach to account management or how they support professional development, which aligns with their commitment to nurturing talent.