Sales Account Executive

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a company that has been at the forefront of AI and high-performance data storage innovation for over two decades. DataDirect Networks (DDN) is a global market leader renowned for powering many of the world's most demanding AI data centers, in industries ranging from life sciences and healthcare to financial services, autonomous cars, Government, academia, research and manufacturing.

"DDN's A3I solutions are transforming the landscape of AI infrastructure." – IDC 

“The real differentiator is DDN. I never hesitate to recommend DDN. DDN is the de facto name for AI Storage in high performance environments” - Marc Hamilton, VP, Solutions Architecture & Engineering | NVIDIA 

DDN is the global leader in AI and multi-cloud data management at scale. Our cutting-edge data intelligence platform is designed to accelerate AI workloads, enabling organizations to extract maximum value from their data. With a proven track record of performance, reliability, and scalability, DDN empowers businesses to tackle the most challenging AI and data-intensive workloads with confidence. 

Our success is driven by our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and a team of passionate professionals who bring their expertise and dedication to every project. This is a chance to make a significant impact at a company that is shaping the future of AI and data management. 

Our commitment to innovation, customer success, and market leadership makes this an exciting and rewarding role for a driven professional looking to make a lasting impact in the world of AI and data storage. 

The Opportunity

As an Account Executive focusing on new logo acquisition in the Western US region, you will be a critical part of DDN's aggressive growth strategy in the AI infrastructure market. This is a high-energy, results-driven role for professionals with a passion for AI to join our rapidly growing sales team. You will hunt for net new business opportunities, build relationships with key decision-makers, and articulate how DDN's solutions deliver measurable business outcomes in the GenAI era.

This role requires an exceptional sales professional who thrives in a high-velocity environment, has a proven track record of success in the AI space, and is passionate about connecting cutting-edge technology to transformative business value.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Execution:

• Identify, pursue, and close net new business opportunities within assigned territory
• Develop comprehensive account strategies to target and penetrate new logos
• Build and maintain strong relationships with C-level executives and key decision-makers
• Conduct compelling product demonstrations and presentations tailored to the specific needs of AI-focused clients
• Negotiate contracts and close deals with a sense of urgency
• Develop & execute strategic sales plans to achieve/exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets

AI Market Expertise:

• Articulate the business value of DDN's AI infrastructure solutions, with emphasis on GenAI and "above the stack" technologies
• Translate technical capabilities into measurable business outcomes and ROI for customers
• Stay at the forefront of AI industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics
• Engage in thoughtful discussions about AI applications, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements
• Collaborate with our product team to provide market feedback and influence product roadmap

Pipeline Management:

• Maintain an active and healthy pipeline of AI-workload opportunities
• Provide accurate forecasting and pipeline management
• Utilize CRM systems to track all customer interactions and sales progress
• Exceed quarterly and annual sales targets consistently

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Sales Engineers, Solution Architects, and cross-functional teams to develop tailored solutions
• Work closely with product specialists and customer success teams to ensure client satisfaction
• Partner with marketing to develop targeted campaigns and attend industry events
• Adapt quickly to market changes and evolving customer needs in the fast-paced AI landscape

The Professional We Need

We are seeking a high-caliber sales professional who embodies our core attributes:

1. Creative Problem Solving: You identify innovative approaches to customer challenges, finding unique ways to position DDN solutions where others see obstacles.
2. Relentless Tenacity: You pursue opportunities with focus and determination, navigating complex sales cycles with persistence until you achieve results.
3. Information Synthesis: You excel at gathering and analyzing large amounts of information to identify key decision drivers and business priorities.
4. Fearless Confidence: You approach new opportunities with conviction, confidently engaging with executives and technical leaders alike.
5. Honesty & Integrity: You build trust through transparent communication and principled customer relationships.
6. Customer Delight Focus: You obsess over delivering exceptional value and ensuring customer success through measurable business outcomes.
7. High Intelligence: You quickly grasp complex technical concepts across the AI stack and effectively translate them into business language.
8. Always-On Work Ethic: You embrace the demanding nature of building market leadership in a high-growth industry.
9. Passionate Drive: You bring enthusiasm and commitment to every customer interaction, inspiring confidence in DDN's solutions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of successful enterprise sales experience, with at least 3 years selling AI-related technologies or solutions, with a demonstrated focus on Business Outcomes and ROI
• Experience selling Business solutions to the C-Suite / SVP / & VP levels of F1000 companies
• Proven track record exceeding sales targets in enterprise technology sales
• Demonstrable track record of consistently meeting or exceeding multi-million-dollar sales quotas in a high-growth environment
• Demonstrated success in net new business acquisition and new logo hunting
• Knowledge of GenAI, LLMs, and "above the stack" technologies and their business applications
• Experience with outcome-based selling approaches and value articulation
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and related AI infrastructure requirements
• Strong executive presence and communication skills at all levels
• Ability to navigate and influence complex buying committees
• Bachelor's degree is required; advanced degree a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling data storage, data management, or infrastructure solutions for AI workloads
• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms and their AI/ML services
• Familiarity with data analytics, big data technologies, and data science workflows
• Active network within the AI community or relevant industry verticals
• Experience selling AI applications or AI infrastructure

Why DDN?

Join us in revolutionizing the AI infrastructure landscape. At DDN, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Sell cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the AI revolution
• Work with innovative customers who are transforming their industries
• Develop your career in a high-growth, high-reward environment
• Learn from industry leaders and technology visionaries
• Be part of a company operating at "unreasonable velocity" to lead the market

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the AI revolution, selling solutions that are critical to advancing the field. The successful candidate will thrive in our high-growth, fast-paced environment and play a key role in driving our company's success in the dynamic AI market. If you're passionate about AI, have a proven track record of sales success, and are ready to move at an unreasonable velocity, we want to hear from you!

DDN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

DDN Core Competencies:

DDN has a very strong orientation towards these four characteristics and any successful employee will demonstrate these capabilities: 

• Self-Starter - Takes independent action to identify and solve problems. Seeks out relevant information needed to make decisions. Gets involved with new initiatives. 
• Success/Achievement Orientation - Delivers quality results consistently. Targets, achieves (or exceeds) measurable results. Sets challenging goals, focuses on critical priorities, and is accountable. 
• Problem Solving - Recognizes problems and responds with a systematic assessment that identifies and addresses cause of issue. Practical, realistic, and resourceful. 
• Innovative - Builds and improves key business processes that enhance the effectiveness of DDN. Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, and solves problems creatively.

DataDirect Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.