Founding Account Executive

As the Founding Account Executive at Gradient Labs, you will own the entire sales cycle, which includes everything from initial outreach and product demonstrations to managing the proof of concept process and closing deals. You'll also be responsible for creating and nurturing business leads, representing Gradient Labs at industry events, and collaborating closely with our teams to ensure that customer feedback shapes our product roadmap.

To qualify for the Founding Account Executive position at Gradient Labs, you should ideally have 3-5 years of proven experience in closing deals at an early-stage B2B SaaS company. A self-starter mentality, strategic thinking abilities, and comfort with technical discussions are essential for success in this role.

The Founding Account Executive plays a pivotal role in driving revenue growth for Gradient Labs. You will be responsible for building and managing the sales pipeline, establishing relationships with key decision-makers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring customer insights into our strategic planning—all while being at the forefront of our mission to enhance customer service through AI.

Joining Gradient Labs as a Founding Account Executive offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and customer experience. You will be instrumental in shaping the sales engine of a pioneering AI product, collaborating with talented professionals, and being part of a transformative journey in redefining how businesses operate.

Gradient Labs fosters a collaborative, innovative, and fun team culture. As a Founding Account Executive, you'll be working in a dynamic, remote-first environment, alongside passionate individuals who are committed to achieving collective success. You'll have the opportunity to interact closely with the leadership team and contribute to a culture of creativity and teamwork.

When answering this question, outline a specific sales strategy that highlights your approach to client engagement and relationship building. Discuss how you tailored your strategy to meet customer needs, the tools you used to track your success, and the measurable results obtained. Emphasize adaptiveness, as this aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit needed at Gradient Labs.

For this question, share your criteria for qualifying leads based on factors such as budget, need, authority, timing, and compatibility with your product. Discuss your process for prioritizing leads, utilizing CRM tools, and how you have successfully converted leads into sales. Linking this to Gradient Labs' innovative tech solutions will display your alignment with their vision.

Reflect on a specific circumstance where you encountered resistance or challenges in the sales process. Explain how you identified the client's concerns, the steps you took to address them, and the final outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and resilience, aligning with the dynamic environment at Gradient Labs.

Discuss your methods for staying informed about the latest sales strategies and technological advancements. Mention relevant publications, webinars, and professional networks you engage with. This shows your proactive mindset and commitment to personal development, which are crucial at Gradient Labs as you navigate a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Highlight the importance of collaboration, particularly the value in working with marketing and product teams to gain insights and tailor your sales approach. Provide examples of how you have partnered with other departments to drive successful outcomes, showcasing your teamwork skills that align with Gradient Labs' emphasis on cross-functional engagement.

When faced with objections, it's crucial to listen actively and empathize with the customer's concerns. Explain that you clarify their objections, provide relevant solutions, and leverage data or success stories to build credibility. This structured response demonstrates your sales acumen and preparedness for handling complex customer scenarios, an essential part of the role at Gradient Labs.

Share a specific instance where you invested time in understanding a stakeholder's needs and aligning solutions with their goals. Mention follow-ups, personalized interactions, or value-added services that kept you top of mind. This exemplifies relationship-building, a core responsibility of the Founding Account Executive at Gradient Labs.

Prepare a thoughtful answer that demonstrates your understanding of Gradient Labs' mission and product offering. Discuss how you see AI transforming customer service and why you are passionate about contributing to this vision. Showing genuine interest and knowledge reflects your commitment to the company’s goals.

Success can be measured through various KPIs such as monthly sales targets, lead conversion rates, and the number of new partnerships established. Emphasize how you will track progress and iterate on your strategies to achieve results, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement that aligns with the growth mindset at Gradient Labs.

Reflect on your passion for sales and how it drives you to build strong customer relationships and deliver solutions that truly meet client needs. Discuss the excitement of working in a fast-paced, startup atmosphere, where you have the opportunity to create significant impact and contribute to a team's growth and success. This highlights your entrepreneurial spirit, a valued trait for a Founding Account Executive at Gradient Labs.