Strategic Account Executive

About Secondmind

Secondmind exists to help automotive innovators design better vehicles faster and achieve greater sustainability through machine learning (ML). We are driven by a desire to achieve sustainability in our operations and through the products we develop for our customers.

Our positive working culture is founded on a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. We foster open communication and cross-functional collaboration, enabling diverse teams to work together to solve complex challenges. Our flexible workplace plan ensures a healthy work-life balance, accommodating various working styles and personal needs, whether through remote work options or adaptable schedules.

We also prioritize personal and professional growth by offering development opportunities, including training and mentorship. This nurturing environment empowers our employees to thrive, continuously learn, and contribute meaningfully to our mission of advancing automotive system design and calibration with our data-efficient machine learning solutions.

Founded in 2016 and supported by investors such as Mazda Motor Corporation, Amadeus Capital, Atlantic Bridge and Cambridge Innovation Capital, Secondmind was recently recognized with the Automotive Testing Technology International 'Alternative Powertrain Test Innovation of the Year Award 2024'; selected for the Tech Nation Future Fifty scale-up program, and named by Bloomberg as one of the UK’s 25 Startups to Watch 2024.

About the role

Secondmind is seeking a Strategic Account Executive to drive growth across Europe’s leading automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and off-highway/on-highway engine/EV manufacturers. This role is focused on acquiring new customers and expanding existing strategic accounts by selling SaaS-based advanced ML solutions for Design Space Exploration and Test Calibration. The ideal candidate is a consultative seller who thrives in complex enterprise sales, balancing technical credibility with executive-level engagement.

Key responsibilities

• New business development: Identify, qualify, and close new customer opportunities within strategic automotive and industrial accounts across Europe.
• Full sales cycle ownership: Manage opportunities from inception to close, including prospecting, lead follow-up, solution positioning, proposals, contract negotiation, and deal closure.
• Solution selling: Collaborate with Solution Consultants and Services teams to design and sell proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements that demonstrate measurable business value.
• Account growth: Nurture and expand relationships within existing accounts using the LAER (Land, Adopt, Expand, Renew) methodology to ensure long-term customer success and retention.
• Market focus: Develop and execute account and territory business plans, identifying high-potential sub-segments and markets to target.
• Executive engagement: Present Secondmind’s business value at multiple levels—from technical teams to senior executives—adapting messaging to different stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Partner with Marketing to align campaigns with sales strategy and provide structured feedback from customers to Product Development.
• Team contribution: Operate effectively in a team-oriented, flexible environment while also working independently to deliver results.

What skills, experience, and qualifications do you need to succeed in this role?

Essential

• At least 5 years’ experience in a sales capacity or sales support role with a proven track record of selling enterprise SaaS/software solutions into complex, multi-stakeholder accounts (preferably in automotive, Tier 1, or related industries).
• Strong ability to navigate and influence multiple decision makers across technical and executive levels.
• Experience writing proposals, negotiating complex contracts, and closing seven-figure deals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Hubspot) and structured sales processes.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Engineering or Technology subject is required. Ideally the candidate should have experience in the automotive industry, knowledge of engineering simulation tools, design space exploration, and calibration.
• Familiarity with proof-of-concept selling and SaaS subscription business models.
• Experience in developing account/territory business plans and executing go-to-market strategies.

Location: We offer a hybrid working environment, with a flexible work schedule to support a work life balance within the UK. The Secondmind office is based in Cambridge, a few minutes walk from the train station.

Our culture - what we can offer you

We offer an inclusive working environment that stimulates innovation, continuous learning, and thrives on growth and change.

Our culture is underpinned by our values; they are what we stand for, part of our DNA. They help us to attract and retain the right talent and customers, make the right decisions and clarify how we should all behave and treat one another, they are:

• Delight every customer
• No bar too high
• Give more than take
• Make the impossible, possible
• Celebrate differences, act as one

Learn more about our values on our website.

We also offer a number of benefits including:

• Competitive salary and commission plan - reviewed annually
• 25 days annual leave, plus statutory bank holidays
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance of 4x salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Eyecare Policy
• Dental Cash Plan
• Stock Options (where applicable)
• Free 24 hour access on-site gym
• Discount Shopping & Wellbeing Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Values Award Scheme
• Cambridge Botanic Garden membership
• Social events, game nights and sports groups

We are an equal opportunities employer, and aim to ensure all candidates are treated equally and fairly through the application process and beyond. We actively encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds, and encourage our people to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work. If you require assistance or an accommodation through the interview process due to a disability, to apply for one of our roles, please contact [email protected].