At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales efforts, identify opportunities, and build relationships in the public sector.
- Company: Starlight is transforming public services with AI, focusing on social care improvements.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive pay, generous holiday, and a chance to shape strategy.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and make a real impact on public services through technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in B2B SaaS sales, ideally with public sector experience and a strong network.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced startup environment with significant growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Starlight is revolutionising public services through AI, starting with a transformative impact in the social care sector. By working directly with the UK government, we're tackling the fundamental operational challenges that plague public services. Our mission is to dramatically improve the efficiency of government and third-sector operations, allowing workers to focus on what matters most: serving citizens.
Your Mission
As our founding growth hire in the UK, you’ll play a critical role in driving our next phase of growth. You’ll take the lead on identifying new opportunities, developing commercial relationships, and helping us define and scale repeatable sales and go-to-market processes. This is a hands-on, high-impact role with significant room for growth as we scale the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Target identification and outreach: Identify and prioritise high-value prospects across local and central government, and the wider public sector. Conduct outreach via calls, emails, and LinkedIn to generate new business opportunities.
- Pipeline development and deal execution: Build and manage a robust sales pipeline from prospecting through to close. Maintain accurate CRM data and forecasting to support commercial planning.
- Customer relationship management: Serve as a trusted advisor to prospective and current customers. Build long-term relationships that lead to renewals, upsells, and advocacy.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Work with our Operations and Customer Success teams to craft effective sales materials and onboarding experiences. Share feedback and insights from the field to help shape product and marketing strategy.
- Sales infrastructure and strategy: Help define and implement the sales tools, workflows, and processes that will support scale. Collaborate closely with company leadership to refine our commercial approach.
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in B2B SaaS sales, with exposure to the public sector or govtech space.
- A strong network within UK government and/or public services is a must.
- Demonstrated success as an early sales hire or founding commercial team member.
- Comfortable operating autonomously and wearing multiple hats in a startup environment.
- Highly motivated self-starter who can source leads, build relationships, and close deals independently.
- Passion for using technology to improve the public sector.
- Analytical and organised, with excellent CRM hygiene and pipeline discipline.
- Confident communicator with a consultative, value-led sales approach.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package, including base salary, commission, and equity.
- Flexible location: hybrid working with some time in London or around key customer locations.
- Outcome-driven culture: work how and when you work best — we value delivery over desk time.
- Generous time off: 28 days of paid holiday, plus bank holidays.
- High-impact opportunity: shape the future of our UK commercial strategy from day one.
Interview Process
- Introductory call (30 mins): An initial chat with our COO.
- Experience deep dive (45 mins): A more detailed discussion with the COO.
- Task and discussion (90 mins): Includes a 45-minute practical task and a 45-minute conversation with the CEO and COO.
- Culture interview (30 mins): with someone in our management team to ensure there is culture fit alignment.
- Offer discussion (30 mins): If selected, a final call to discuss the offer and next steps.
We’re aiming to hire this person as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Ready to help transform public services across the UK? Apply now with your CV and a short note on why you’re excited about this opportunity.
First Sales Hire (UK) employer: Starlight AI
Contact Detail:
Starlight AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land First Sales Hire (UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the UK government and public sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet potential contacts and decision-makers. Building relationships in these circles can give you a significant edge when applying for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the public sector, especially those related to AI and technology. Being well-versed in these topics will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for improving public services through innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in B2B SaaS sales, particularly any experience you have in the public sector. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified opportunities, built relationships, and closed deals, as this will be crucial for showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Starlight thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they aim to address in the social care sector. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your skills align with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace First Sales Hire (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in B2B SaaS sales, particularly within the public sector or govtech space. Emphasise any previous roles where you were an early sales hire or part of a founding commercial team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: Write a short note that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company’s mission. Mention specific aspects of Starlight's work that resonate with you, especially regarding improving public services through technology.
Showcase Your Network: If you have a strong network within UK government or public services, make sure to mention it. Highlight how these connections could benefit Starlight in identifying new opportunities and building relationships.
Prepare for Interviews: Familiarise yourself with the interview process outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, particularly focusing on your sales strategies and how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starlight AI
✨Research Starlight's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand Starlight's mission and how they aim to revolutionise public services through AI. Familiarise yourself with their work in the social care sector and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Given the importance of having a strong network within the UK government and public services, be ready to share specific examples of your connections and how they can benefit Starlight. Highlight any previous collaborations or relationships that could lead to new business opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Process Knowledge
As the first sales hire, you'll need to define and scale sales processes. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building a sales pipeline, managing CRM data, and executing deals. Share past successes and how you overcame challenges in similar roles.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Starlight values a strong cultural fit, so during the culture interview, express your passion for improving public services through technology. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your alignment with their outcome-driven culture and collaborative spirit.