At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new customer acquisition and manage complex sales cycles with engineering teams.
- Company: Join a fast-growing deep-tech startup founded by aerospace engineers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, equity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Europe and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Shape the European go-to-market strategy and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 6-10+ years in technical sales, strong communication skills, and a passion for engineering.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 125000 € per year.
Sift is building the infrastructure that modern engineering teams rely on to design, test, and operate complex machines. Our platform provides real-time observability for high-frequency telemetry, enabling engineers to debug complex systems faster, identify failures earlier, and operate safely in environments where reliability is mission-critical.
Sift was founded by engineers who worked on some of the most ambitious aerospace programs in history — including Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship at SpaceX. Those programs exposed the limits of existing tools for telemetry analysis, system debugging, and mission-critical validation. Sift was built to solve those challenges and is now supporting teams building advanced systems across aerospace, defense, robotics, energy, and industrial manufacturing.
We are expanding our go-to-market presence across Europe and are hiring a Sales Manager based in London to help build and grow Sift’s customer base in the region. This role is ideal for an experienced sales professional proficient in highly technical sales, familiarity with the European hardware / defense landscape, and interest in kickstarting a new sales region for a high growth startup.
The Role
As a Sales Manager at Sift, you will own complex sales cycles with engineering and technical teams building some of the most advanced systems in the world. You will work closely with the existing sales and technical teams to identify new opportunities, guide customers through technical evaluations, and close deals that deliver measurable engineering value. This role involves working with technical stakeholders such as engineering leaders, systems engineers, and program managers, while also aligning executive buyers around commercial outcomes. The role is based in London, with travel across Europe for customer meetings, industry events, and technical evaluations when required.
Responsibilities
- Drive New Customer Acquisition
- Identify and develop new opportunities with engineering-driven organisations across Europe
- Prospect into target accounts and build relationships with technical and executive stakeholders
- Develop account strategies and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities
- Run Technical Sales Cycles
- Lead discovery conversations to understand system architecture, telemetry workflows, and engineering challenges
- Partner with solutions engineering and product teams to guide technical evaluations and pilots
- Define success criteria and drive evaluations toward clear business outcomes
- Close High-Value Deals
- Manage opportunities from initial conversation through contract signature
- Align technical validation with commercial decision-making
- Navigate procurement, legal, and security processes typical in enterprise and government-adjacent environments
- Collaborate Cross-Functionally
- Work closely with Solutions Engineering, Product, and Customer Success teams
- Share insights from the field to improve product positioning and sales strategy
- Help Develop Sift’s European Playbook
- Be the lead point of contact for Sift in the EMEA market
- Work with leadership to identify the best expansion strategy for the team
- Help interview and hire as the team expands
- Maintain Forecast Accuracy
- Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting
- Clearly communicate deal progress, risks, and next steps to leadership
What You’ll Gain
- Experience selling a highly technical product to advanced engineering teams
- Exposure to complex enterprise sales cycles
- Opportunity to help shape the European go-to-market strategy for a fast-growing deep-tech company
- Close mentorship from experienced enterprise sellers and technical teams
- Exposure to customers building cutting-edge systems in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial technology
We’re Looking For Someone Who
- Is based in London or able to work from London
- Has 6-10+ years of experience in a quota-carrying sales role
- Has experience selling technical or complex products (SaaS, engineering software, or infrastructure platforms) in complex organizations
- Is comfortable engaging technical stakeholders such as engineers and architects
- Demonstrates strong curiosity and the ability to learn complex technical concepts quickly
- Has a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets
- Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and executive audiences
- Thrives in early-stage environments where processes are still evolving
- Is highly motivated and willing to invest the effort required to succeed in complex enterprise sales
Location: This role is based onsite in London, United Kingdom and will require travel and work within the EU.
Compensation: Base salary £75,000–£125,000 (GBP) per year, plus £75,000–£125,000 (GBP) commission, equity, and benefits.
Founding Enterprise Sales Manager (Europe) in London employer: Sift Stack
Sift is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets engineering excellence. Based in London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth through mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge projects in aerospace and defense. With competitive compensation packages and the opportunity to shape the European go-to-market strategy for a high-growth startup, Sift is committed to empowering its team members to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in advanced technology sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Enterprise Sales Manager (Europe) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on Sift! Understand our products and the challenges we solve for engineering teams. When you know your stuff, you can have meaningful conversations with technical stakeholders and show them how you can add value to their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Sales Manager at Sift. Tailor your approach to highlight your familiarity with complex sales cycles and technical products, so you can impress us during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
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 Sift team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Enterprise Sales Manager (Europe) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Founding Enterprise Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in technical sales and any relevant achievements that align with Sift's mission. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about Sift and how your background fits into our vision. Be sure to mention your familiarity with the European hardware and defense landscape, as it's super relevant for this role.
Showcase Your Technical Acumen:Since we’re all about complex systems and engineering, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical knowledge. Whether it’s through specific projects or experiences, let us know how you’ve engaged with technical stakeholders and navigated complex sales cycles.
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 us you’re keen on joining the Sift team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sift Stack
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Founding Enterprise Sales Manager, you'll be dealing with highly technical products. Make sure you understand Sift's platform and its applications in engineering. Brush up on telemetry analysis and system debugging concepts so you can confidently discuss how Sift can solve complex challenges.
✨Research the European Market
Familiarise yourself with the European hardware and defence landscape. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges in the market. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to driving new customer acquisition in the region.
✨Prepare for Technical Conversations
Expect to engage with technical stakeholders like engineers and program managers. Prepare questions that show your understanding of their needs and challenges. Think about how you can guide them through technical evaluations and align their requirements with Sift’s offerings.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've met or exceeded revenue targets in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing complex sales cycles and how you've navigated procurement and legal processes. This will demonstrate your capability to close high-value deals effectively.