At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive customer acquisition and manage complex sales cycles with engineering teams.
- Company: Join Sift, a pioneering tech company transforming engineering processes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, equity, and benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence Sift's European strategy and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Shape the future of advanced systems in aerospace and defence while growing your career.
- 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) employer: Sift
Sift is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the engineering and technology sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, Sift offers mentorship from seasoned professionals and the opportunity to shape the European go-to-market strategy for a pioneering deep-tech company. The collaborative work culture in London fosters innovation and creativity, making it an ideal environment for ambitious sales professionals eager to engage with cutting-edge systems in aerospace, defense, and robotics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Enterprise Sales Manager (Europe)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on Sift! Familiarise yourself with our platform and the challenges we’re solving for engineering teams. When you understand our tech inside out, you’ll be able to engage in meaningful conversations with potential clients and show them how we can add value to their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal meeting, being able to clearly articulate how Sift’s solutions can help engineering teams is key. We recommend rehearsing with friends or colleagues to get comfortable with the technical details and sales strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, don’t wait around – take the leap and show us why you’d be a great fit for the Sales Manager role at Sift!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Enterprise Sales Manager (Europe)
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.
Showcase Your Technical Acumen:Since this role involves engaging with engineering teams, make sure to highlight your understanding of complex technical concepts. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between technical and commercial discussions!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sift
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Sales Manager at Sift, you'll be dealing with highly technical products. Make sure you understand the ins and outs of telemetry workflows and system architecture. Brush up on relevant engineering concepts so you can engage confidently with technical stakeholders.
✨Research the European Market
Familiarise yourself with the hardware and defence landscape in Europe. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges in the industry. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate that you're not just another sales candidate, but someone who truly gets the market.
✨Prepare for Complex Sales Cycles
Expect to navigate intricate sales processes involving multiple stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar situations. Highlight your ability to align technical validation with commercial outcomes to show you can close high-value deals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
At Sift, collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss how you've worked cross-functionally with teams like Solutions Engineering and Product in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to share insights and improve strategies, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
