Account Executive - Defence & Intelligence

About the Role: 

Based in France, the France Account Executive will be responsible for growing Planets Government sales pipeline and book of business in the Ministère des Armées and the Armées Françaises. The ideal candidate for this position is a driven, independent thinker, who can also be creative in finding new and dynamic ways to expand Planet’s government business. This person will have a proven track record of selling in government and defense, with an extensive network and able to navigate procurement processes and frameworks. They will identify, qualify, negotiate, and close large and medium-size deals and drive sales revenue targets. Most likely, the ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Military Operations and Intelligence as well as designing, forming and selling complex solutions to government customers.

This role involves developing an extensive pipeline of new sales leads, providing product and sales demonstrations to prospective customers, and formulating appropriate business. To support this, the France D&I Account Executive should have the ability to forecast accurately when managing the incoming pipeline of opportunities. The need to source, sell, co-sell, and close deals means that the ideal candidate should be familiar with the concepts of solution selling, carrying quota and closing. Above all else, we want our potential Government Sales Executive to enjoy our unique value proposition and join us in Planet’s mission to see change and change the world.

This is a full-time, remote position based in France. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Work to develop the sales pipeline needed to achieve or exceed your sales targets and goals
• Work in close collaboration with the Global D&I Sales team and Leadership
• Work with Planet’s marketing team to run campaigns to attract and identify new opportunities
• Prospect and develop business relationships, close sales, and manage customer expectations as the company grows
• Collaborate with the wider Commercial team (for example Customer Success) to foster and grow customer relationships
• Engage qualified prospects and take them through the journey of identifying a fit for Planet solutions and negotiating through agreement/contract/procurement obstacles to achieve an ultimate win
• Manage the contracting and Government procurement process
• Work closely with Solution Engineering staff to design a solution that answers customer needs and work in a cohesive manner to achieve technical validation that underpins a successful sale
• Work closely with our post sales organization and customer success team to ensure a successful onboarding for new customers
• Work strategically to develop the adequate sales pipeline needed to achieve or exceed your sales targets and goals
• Maintain an extensive level of pipeline hygiene using Salesforce.com
• Collaborate and innovate as needed to create customer-facing presentations and proposals unique to the prospect and situation

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate professional experience
• 6+ years of related experience in software solutions and SaaS required along with a track record of success
• 6+ years’ experience selling to government customers including understanding the nuances of Government sales cycles and how to navigate through the process
• Success finding and winning business with Government customers; in particular the Ministère des Armées and the Armées Françaises
• Deep understanding of military operations and planning and the role of intelligence supporting military Commanders that could include Planet’s services.
• Excellent relationships across Ministère des Armées and the Armées Françaises and Agencies and the partner ecosystem
• Ability to satisfy French Nationality and other requirements to hold a Security Clearance
• Excellent communication skills and fluent/native French speaker
• Self-starter, able to work independently under tight deadlines in start-up environment
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills
• Negotiation and persuasion skills
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
• Experience with Salesforce.com or a similar CRM System

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Ability to speak other languages
• Existing Security Clearance at suitable level for engaging all levels of Command
• Active Armed Forces Reserve or veteran as a relevant intelligence professional

Application Deadline:

11:45p / 23:45 CET on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off 
• Employee Wellness Program 
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity 
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

Compensation:

The expected starting gross salary range for this role is listed below. Individual placement within this range is determined objectively based on gender-neutral criteria such as your skills, qualifications, and professional experience. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and/or equity.

#LI-REMOTE

France Salary Range 60700 - 75850 EUR