Senior Account Executive / Business Development Director

About Cognite

Cognite leads industrial digitalization by developing AI and data-driven solutions that tackle some of the most critical and impactful challenges globally. Leveraging extensive industrial experience and an advanced range of AI technologies, including low-code AI agents, Cognite propels digital transformation efforts to enhance operational efficiency.

Our ambitious goal is to unlock $100 billion in value for customers by 2035, fundamentally transforming industrial operations worldwide.

Work Environment and Culture

We thrive on challenges, question norms, and prioritize swift execution and ownership. Opportunities to overcome obstacles are viewed as a call to advance, making Cognite a fitting place for those ready to embrace innovation where AI and data intersect with ingenuity to shape a smarter, interconnected industrial future.

Key Responsibilities

• Close current sales deals in progress.
• Actively prospect to generate new business pipelines and advise potential clients on how Cognite's solutions address critical areas of their value chain.
• Establish and nurture direct relationships with important stakeholders across Digital, IT, and Business domains, including executive level contacts within designated priority accounts.
• Lead and coordinate qualified sales opportunities in collaboration with internal teams such as Tech Sales, Services, Product Management, Dealdesk, Executives, and partners.
• Develop and implement robust account and opportunity pursuit and closing plans.
• Consistently meet or surpass defined sales targets.
• Keep forecasts accurate and current.
• Maintain comprehensive account and closure documentation.
• Travel significantly, dedicating about 40-50% of time to client sites, conferences, or events.

Required Experience and Skills

• 4 to 7 years’ experience in dynamic sectors such as business development, startup environments, sales, consulting, or strategic roles.
• High energy, ambition, and the capability to excel amid uncertainty.
• Strong curiosity and openness to learning, with receptiveness to feedback and new methods.
• Analytical thinker comfortable with numbers and business cases; proficient with Excel and PowerPoint.
• Detail-focused with excellent relationship management and customer service orientation.
• Self-driven and capable of working independently while taking responsibility for processes and results with minimal oversight.
• Interest and familiarity with cutting-edge technologies like Big Data, IoT, Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Business Intelligence.

Additional Qualifications

• Previous training in Command of the Message, MEDDPICC, and Salesforce is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Experience selling to C-level executives across business and IT units is a plus.
• Fluent in German and English, with strong verbal and written communication as well as presentation capabilities.
• Minimum education level of a Bachelor’s degree, with preference given to candidates holding a Master’s degree.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Cognite is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates.