Founding Sales Lead - AI / SaaS

Founding Sales Lead - AI / SaaS

Job Reference: PH-ANS-[10/20-01]

Job Description:

People Hive is supporting a client in the search for a high-performing Founding Sales Lead to build and scale the commercial organisation of an innovative AI technology company transforming the independent hotel industry.

The client is developing an AI-powered operating platform that automates hotel workflows, starting with digital marketing and revenue-generating activities. With strong early sales traction and significant seed-stage funding, it is ready to establish a scalable sales organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on sales leader who excels at closing deals and building repeatable sales processes from the ground up.

The successful candidate will own the full sales cycle, build sales playbooks, manage the pipeline, develop go-to-market strategies, optimise outbound prospecting, recruit and mentor sales representatives, and leverage AI tools to maximise productivity.

Critical Requirements

• 3-10 years of sales experience with a proven track record of consistently exceeding targets
• Experience in high-velocity, high-volume SMB or mid-market sales
• Demonstrated ability to remain hands-on in closing deals while building and leading a sales team
• Ability to work in person in New York City four days per week
• Authorisation to work in the United States without visa sponsorship

Important Requirements

• Previous experience building or significantly improving a sales process or sales organisation
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor or manage sales representatives
• Strong understanding of sales metrics, conversion rates, pipeline management and forecasting
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Highly organised, analytical, proactive and accountable for results

Nice to Have

• Experience selling hospitality or hotel technology
• Background in vertical SaaS or selling to owner-operated businesses
• Knowledge of digital marketing, paid search, SEO, websites or performance marketing
• Experience in an early-stage startup
• Familiarity with independent hotels or short-term rental operators
• Fluency in Spanish

Benefits

• Equity

Location:

New York City, New York, USA

Languages required:

English; Spanish is a plus

Working arrangement:

Hybrid (in person in New York City four days per week)

Employment:

Full-time

Salary:

Up to $230,000 OTE + Equity