Account Executive Enterprise AI & Cloud

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Account Executive - Enterprise AI & Cloud
• Company: DataDirect Networks (DDN)
• Location: Germany (Remote)
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Category: Sales & Business Development
• Date Posted: June 4, 2025
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: Remote

🚀 Role Summary

DDN, a global leader in AI and multi-cloud data management, seeks a high-energy, results-driven Account Executive to drive revenue growth by selling advanced data storage and management solutions to organizations at the forefront of AI innovation. This role requires a proven track record of success in the AI space, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex sales cycles with enthusiasm and agility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and related infrastructure requirements, enabling them to articulate the value proposition of DDN's solutions effectively.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Sales Execution: Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve and exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets. Prospect, qualify, and close new business opportunities within assigned territories or accounts. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in target organizations. 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.
• AI Market Expertise: Stay at the forefront of AI industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. Articulate the value proposition of DDN's solutions in the context of AI workloads and challenges. Engage in thoughtful discussions about AI applications, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements. Collaborate with the product team to provide market feedback and influence product roadmap.
• Pipeline Management: Maintain an active and healthy pipeline of AI-workload opportunities. Accurately forecast sales projections and report on sales activities. Utilize CRM systems to track all customer interactions and sales progress.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales engineers, product specialists, and customer success teams to ensure client satisfaction. Partner with marketing to develop targeted campaigns and attend industry events. Collaborate with leadership to refine sales strategies and processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus.

Experience: 7+ years of successful enterprise sales experience, with at least 3 years selling AI-related technologies or solutions.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding multi-million dollar sales quotas in a high-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and related infrastructure requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• 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.

Required Attributes:

• Passion for AI and its potential to transform industries.
• Ability to work at an extremely fast pace and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to exceed expectations.
• Adaptability and resilience in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a consultative sales approach.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per year (based on market research for AI-focused sales roles in Germany)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range estimate is based on market research for AI-focused sales roles in Germany, considering the required experience level and the company's size and industry standing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data storage and management solutions for AI and multi-cloud environments.

Company Size: Mid-sized, with a strong global presence and a focus on innovation and customer success.

Founded: 1998, with a rich history of driving AI and data storage industry advancements.

Team Structure:

• Sales team: Focused on driving revenue growth and customer acquisition.
• Product team: Responsible for developing and maintaining DDN's cutting-edge data storage and management solutions.
• Customer success team: Dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction and driving customer lifetime value.

Development Methodology:

• Agile/Scrum methodologies for product development and sales process optimization.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation, with a strong emphasis on customer feedback and market trends.

Company Website: www.ddn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's company culture emphasizes innovation, customer-centricity, and a strong commitment to driving AI industry advancements. The company's success is built on its ability to attract and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is well-suited for an experienced sales professional with a strong background in AI-related technologies and a proven track record of success in enterprise sales. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of AI workloads, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements, enabling them to effectively articulate the value proposition of DDN's solutions to potential clients.

Reporting Structure: The Account Executive will report directly to the Vice President of Sales and work closely with the sales engineering, product specialist, and customer success teams to ensure client satisfaction and drive revenue growth.

Technical Impact: The Account Executive will play a critical role in driving revenue growth and customer acquisition for DDN's advanced data storage and management solutions. By effectively articulating the value proposition of DDN's solutions to potential clients, the Account Executive will help drive the adoption of AI and data management technologies across various industries.

Growth Opportunities:

• Career Progression: DDN offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the sales organization, with potential paths to management or senior sales roles.
• Technical Skill Development: The Account Executive will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and related infrastructure requirements, enabling them to better serve their clients and drive revenue growth.
• Leadership Development: As the Account Executive builds relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in target organizations, they will develop their leadership skills and gain valuable experience navigating complex sales cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's fast-paced, high-growth environment offers ample opportunities for career advancement and professional development. The Account Executive role provides a unique platform for sales professionals to make a significant impact on the AI industry and drive revenue growth for a leading data storage and management solutions provider.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings and team-building events.

Office Location(s): Germany (Remote)

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: The Account Executive will work remotely, utilizing virtual collaboration tools to communicate with colleagues and clients.
• Home Office Setup: DDN will provide the necessary hardware and software for the Account Executive to create a productive home office environment.
• Team Interaction: The Account Executive will collaborate with various teams, including sales engineering, product specialists, and customer success, to ensure client satisfaction and drive revenue growth.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's remote work environment offers Account Executives the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while maintaining a strong connection to the company's mission and culture.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Phone/Screen Interview: A brief phone or video call to assess the candidate's communication skills, AI industry knowledge, and sales experience.
• In-depth Interview: A more comprehensive discussion focused on the candidate's understanding of AI workloads, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements, as well as their sales approach and strategy.
• Role-playing Exercise: A mock sales presentation or negotiation scenario to evaluate the candidate's ability to articulate the value proposition of DDN's solutions and close deals.
• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss the candidate's fit with DDN's company culture and long-term growth potential.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation: (N/A for this role)

ATS Keywords: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's AI industry knowledge, sales experience, and cultural fit. The role-playing exercise and final interview provide valuable insights into the candidate's ability to drive revenue growth and customer acquisition for DDN's advanced data storage and management solutions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A for this role)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Customer-centricity: DDN places a strong emphasis on understanding and addressing the unique needs of its clients, ensuring that its solutions meet the specific requirements of AI workloads and data management challenges.
• Innovation: DDN fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging its employees to challenge the status quo and develop cutting-edge data storage and management solutions.
• Collaboration: DDN values a collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Continuous learning: DDN encourages its employees to stay at the forefront of AI industry trends and emerging technologies, providing opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: The Account Executive will work closely with various teams, including sales engineering, product specialists, and customer success, to ensure client satisfaction and drive revenue growth.
• Code review culture: (N/A for this role)
• Peer programming practices: (N/A for this role)
• Knowledge sharing: DDN encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with one another, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's company culture emphasizes customer-centricity, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing a unique platform for sales professionals to drive revenue growth and make a significant impact on the AI industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• AI market dynamics: The Account Executive must stay at the forefront of AI industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics to effectively articulate the value proposition of DDN's solutions to potential clients.
• Complex sales cycles: The Account Executive will navigate complex sales cycles with enthusiasm and agility, building relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in target organizations.
• Competitive landscape: The Account Executive will compete against established competitors and emerging startups in the AI data storage and management solutions market, requiring a deep understanding of the competitive landscape and a strong sales strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI technology specialization: The Account Executive will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and related infrastructure requirements, enabling them to better serve their clients and drive revenue growth.
• Conference attendance and certification: DDN encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and pursue relevant certifications, providing opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Technical mentorship and leadership development: As the Account Executive builds relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in target organizations, they will develop their leadership skills and gain valuable experience navigating complex sales cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's fast-paced, high-growth environment offers ample opportunities for career advancement and professional development. The Account Executive role provides a unique platform for sales professionals to make a significant impact on the AI industry and drive revenue growth for a leading data storage and management solutions provider.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• AI technology fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss AI workloads, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements in detail, demonstrating a deep understanding of the AI landscape and DDN's solutions.
• Sales strategy and approach: Articulate a clear and compelling sales strategy for driving revenue growth and customer acquisition in the AI data storage and management solutions market.
• Competitive landscape: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the competitive landscape, including established competitors and emerging startups in the AI data storage and management solutions market.

Company & Culture Questions:

• DDN's value proposition: Articulate a clear and compelling understanding of DDN's value proposition in the context of AI workloads and data management challenges.
• AI industry trends: Discuss recent trends and developments in the AI industry, demonstrating a strong understanding of the market dynamics and emerging technologies.
• DDN's company culture: Describe what you find appealing about DDN's company culture and how your personal values align with the company's mission and goals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: DDN's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's AI industry knowledge, sales experience, and cultural fit. By demonstrating a deep understanding of AI workloads, data pipelines, and infrastructure requirements, as well as a clear and compelling sales strategy, the candidate will be well-positioned to drive revenue growth and customer acquisition for DDN's advanced data storage and management solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Account Executive - Enterprise AI & Cloud position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided.
• Prepare for the phone or video screen interview by reviewing AI industry trends, DDN's solutions, and your sales experience.
• Research DDN's company culture and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with the company's mission and goals.
• Practice your sales pitch and role-playing exercise, focusing on articulating the value proposition of DDN's solutions and closing deals.
• Prepare for the final interview by reflecting on your long-term career goals and how this role aligns with your professional development and growth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and sales industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.