At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales efforts to expand Valpas' network of bed bug safe hotels across Europe.
- Company: Valpas, a pioneering tech company in modern hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, equity options, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making travel safer and more sustainable.
- Qualifications: Proven enterprise sales experience, ideally in hospitality or travel.
- Other info: Be the first hire in London, shaping the future of our European operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
About Valpas
Valpas is redefining what a safe stay means in modern hospitality. We’re building the world’s first network of bed bug safe hotels—and making this the new market standard. Trusted by over 300 hotel companies, our technology is ushering in a safer, more sustainable era of travel. We’re 18 people strong, present in +80 destinations and growing 2x YoY. You’ll join a deeply committed, international team backed by world‑class partners and investors.
Why this role matters
You’ll lead the charge in landing and expanding Valpas with hotel groups across Europe, anchored in London and focused on scaling the UK market once the founder has opened it up. Your mission - open doors, build trust, and turn conversations into closed agreements and long‑term partnerships within a quarter or two. You’ll also be the first hire on the ground in London – helping establish what will become a central commercial hub for Valpas over time. This role comes with real influence over how we build, hire, and operate in Europe and beyond. This is not a “bag‑carrying” sales role. It’s a strategic seat at the table. You’ll co‑create the growth playbook with our founder‑CEO and be trusted to execute it with excellence.
Your week might look like
- Working a curated room of decision‑makers at a London industry event, turning ABM leads into live pipeline
- Closing a multi‑property deal with a leading European hotel group after a focused, insight‑led sales cycle
- Advancing a global opportunity with a UAE‑based hospitality group following an earlier in‑person meeting
- Debriefing with Product and Marketing on what resonated most in the UK market – and what travels globally
- Reviewing pipeline and priorities with the CEO to stay aligned on strategy
What we’re looking for
- A proven track record in enterprise sales, ideally in hospitality or travel, with deal sizes in the six‑figure+ range
- You’ve made your number before. You’ve done full‑cycle sales – from discovery to negotiation to close, repeatedly. You know your close rates. You know what excellence looks like
- Firsthand experience – or a deep understanding – of what it takes to sell a new category vs. an established one
- You know how hoteliers think – from luxury to economy – and how to speak their language
- Clear, persuasive communicator in English; other languages are a big plus
- Strong presentation and negotiation skills, both in‑person and virtual
- Entrepreneurial mindset - you’re not just hitting numbers, you’re building something lasting
- Based in London
- Willing to travel extensively, often with short notice
What you’ll get
- The chance to sell a differentiated product that sets the standard in a wide‑open market, with a +96% renewal rate and love from the hotels already on board
- A founder‑built sales playbook you can trust – and elevate with your own expertise
- Generous upside – total comp target of £1–2M over 5 years via base, variable, and equity
- Entry base salary – £5,000–6,000/month depending on experience and career stage
- Commission – 5–10% on the deals you close, adjusted based on base salary level
- Equity – meaningful upside aligned with both long‑term company growth and your base
- Support from a values‑first team that prizes clarity, collaboration, and doing the right thing
- A role that drives real impact – every hotel group you bring in makes travel safer for people, preserves places, and helps eliminate unnecessary chemical waste from the planet
Sales Executive employer: UK Startup Jobs
Contact Detail:
UK Startup Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with decision-makers in hospitality. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that can lead to those all-important conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to showcase your expertise. When you get the chance to meet potential clients, come armed with insights about their needs and how Valpas can solve their problems. We want to see you turning those discussions into deals!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up like a champ! After meetings, send personalised follow-ups that recap key points and next steps. This shows you’re serious about building partnerships and keeps you top of mind for decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website! Apply through StudySmarter to stay updated on opportunities and resources that can help you land that Sales Executive role. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see that you understand the challenges and opportunities in this space, especially when it comes to innovative solutions like ours at Valpas.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in enterprise sales, particularly in hospitality or travel. We’re looking for someone who knows how to close deals and can speak the language of hoteliers, so don’t hold back on those success stories!
Be Clear and Persuasive: Your written application should reflect your communication skills. Use clear and persuasive language to convey your ideas and experiences. Remember, we value clarity and collaboration, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
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 to join our team at Valpas!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Startup Jobs
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand Valpas and its unique selling points. Familiarise yourself with their technology and how it sets a new standard in hospitality. This will help you articulate why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare to discuss your proven track record in enterprise sales, especially in hospitality or travel. Bring specific examples of past deals you've closed, focusing on your full-cycle sales experience. Highlight your close rates and what strategies worked best for you.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research the current trends in the hospitality industry, particularly around safety and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how you would approach selling a new category like bed bug safe hotels and how you can leverage your understanding of hoteliers' needs to build trust and close deals.
✨Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Valpas is looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset. During the interview, share examples of how you've built lasting relationships and contributed to growth in previous roles. Show that you're not just focused on hitting numbers but also on creating a meaningful impact in the industry.