Strategic Account Executive

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Strategic Account Executive to join our dynamic sales team. This role will focus on cultivating and closing new business opportunities by understanding customer needs, positioning Applause's solutions effectively, and developing long-term relationships with key stakeholders in target accounts. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of solution selling, account planning, and consistently exceeding targets.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage prospective customers through various channels, including cold calling, networking events, referrals, and online research. Create and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads to drive net new business growth.
• Understand client needs and pain points deeply to position Applause's testing and digital quality solutions effectively. Conduct thorough needs assessments, deliver tailored presentations, and provide insightful product demonstrations that address customers' unique challenges.
• Articulate the value proposition of Applause's services, highlighting key differentiators and benefits. Communicate how our solutions align with the client's business objectives to establish strong relationships and close deals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive account plans for targeted prospects, outlining strategies to penetrate new markets and industries. Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, Client Services, and Executive Leadership, to drive successful customer engagements.
• Lead negotiations, handle objections, and craft compelling proposals that align with the customer's requirements and budget. Ensure the timely closure of deals while maintaining a win-win approach.
• Meet and exceed assigned sales quotas and revenue targets, reporting progress regularly to sales management. Utilize SF tools to track sales activities, update customer information, and provide accurate sales forecasts.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to position Applause effectively within the marketplace. Leverage this knowledge to drive competitive advantage and adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Foster strong, long-lasting customer relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals. Provide exceptional post-sales support, collaborating with customer success teams to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
• Positively contribute to our core values: In It Together, Create Value for Customers, Be Accountable, Celebrate Authenticity, and Crush Your Goals

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA is a plus).
• 10+ years of experience with a proven track record of success in B2B sales, preferably in services, software testing, SaaS, or technology industries.
• Demonstrated ability to drive net new business growth and meet/exceed sales targets consistently to Fortune 500 companies.
• Strong consultative selling skills, with the ability to understand complex customer requirements and offer tailored solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute sales plans effectively.
• Motivated to advance growth in an entrepreneurial, rapidly growing company environment.

Company Description

Applause ensures digital quality for websites, mobile apps, IoT products and in-store interactions in a way no other approach can – via its technology platform and managed global community of over 600,000 on-demand digital experience experts. Only real people on real devices in real locations can provide the real issues and feedback that brands need to deliver great digital customer experiences. Thousands of companies of every size – including Google, FOX, Nike, BMW, PayPal, and Slack – rely on Applause to dramatically decrease the time and cost of delivering great digital experiences for their customers. Learn more at www.applause.com.

Applause is a place where everyone belongs and where we believe everyone deserves the exceptional. Since our founding, we have continued to celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We have a global workforce that, like our crowd, embraces diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. Our employees bring their true self to Applause. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you are qualified to perform the essential functions of this job, but believe you require a reasonable accommodation to do so, please click here to complete an accommodation request. Please note Applause will only review requests for applications that have been submitted. We will review your qualifications and follow up with you regarding your request if your qualifications meet our current needs.

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