Business Development Representative

About the role

As a , you will play a vital role in identifying and engaging potential clients for our enterprise AI products. Your primary responsibility will be to serve as the first point of contact for prospective customers, understanding their business needs and demonstrating how Cohere's AI solutions can address their challenges, particularly in natural language processing and AI integration. This role is focused on driving revenue growth by qualifying leads, nurturing relationships, and supporting the expansion of our customer base. You will work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop targeted outreach strategies and ensure a seamless customer experience from initial contact through to deal closure. The position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-growing company at the forefront of AI technology, contributing directly to our revenue and growth objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct research to identify and target potential accounts across various sectors such as finance, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector, utilizing tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other prospecting platforms.
• Make over 40 outbound calls daily to decision-makers, including CTOs, CIOs, and other senior executives, to introduce Cohere's AI solutions and generate interest.
• Send personalized, tailored emails to prospects, leveraging insights gained from research to increase engagement and response rates.
• Qualify leads based on the BANT framework (Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline) to ensure prospects align with Cohere's ideal customer profile.
• Record all interactions, communications, and lead status updates accurately in Salesforce, maintaining a clean and organized sales pipeline.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to refine messaging, develop outreach campaigns, and improve response rates, with a target of increasing response effectiveness by at least 15%.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor offerings, and Cohere's product roadmap to position solutions effectively and answer prospect questions confidently.
• Manage smaller sales opportunities independently, guiding prospects from initial contact through to final agreement, including negotiations and closing.
• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with prospects to support future sales opportunities and referrals.
• Assist in developing sales strategies and outreach plans to expand Cohere's presence in target markets.
• Provide feedback to the product and marketing teams based on customer interactions, helping to shape product development and marketing messaging.
• Track and report on sales activities, pipeline status, and key performance metrics regularly to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed to build relationships and promote Cohere's solutions.
• Support onboarding and training initiatives for new team members, sharing best practices and insights gained from customer interactions.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by sharing knowledge, collaborating on challenges, and supporting team goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in business development, sales, or a similar role, with a proven track record of exceeding lead generation targets in SaaS or technology environments.
• Native or fluent Spanish language skills, with excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and compelling manner to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working with CRM systems such as Salesforce or HubSpot, including maintaining accurate records and utilizing data for outreach optimization.
• Familiarity with sales enablement platforms and tools to enhance outreach and engagement efforts.
• Basic understanding of AI, machine learning, or enterprise software sales, with some knowledge of natural language processing (NLP).
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple prospects simultaneously.
• Proactive mindset with a problem-solving attitude and resilience in the face of rejection or challenges.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with team members and cross-functional teams.
• A builder mentality, eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the success of the sales team and company.
• Willingness to work on-site in the United Kingdom, as this is an on-site role based at the company's UK office.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in closing sales deals, especially within SaaS or AI-related products.
• Knowledge of AI, machine learning, or NLP concepts to better understand and communicate product value.
• Experience working in a multicultural or international sales environment.
• Familiarity with industry-specific challenges in sectors like finance, healthcare, or public sector markets.
• Additional language skills beyond Spanish and English.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency with LinkedIn Sales Navigator for prospecting and research.
• Experience with CRM tools such as Salesforce or HubSpot for managing leads and sales activities.
• Familiarity with sales enablement platforms to support outreach efforts.
• Basic knowledge of NLP and AI concepts to facilitate technical conversations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with prospects.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Practical notes

• Employees receive a weekly lunch stipend of £75 to support daily meals.
• The company provides comprehensive health and dental benefits, including a dedicated mental health budget to support overall well-being.
• Cohere offers RRSP matching, 401K, or pension scheme options to help employees plan for their future.
• Parental leave is topped up to 100% of salary for up to six months for either parent, supporting work-life balance.
• Annual enrichment benefits include allowances for arts and culture, fitness and wellness activities, quality time, and workspace improvements to promote personal growth and comfort.
• An education and learning stipend is available to cover expenses related to conferences, courses, and coaching, encouraging continuous professional development.
• Employees enjoy six weeks (30 working days) of paid vacation each year to support rest and rejuvenation.
• A travel budget is provided for visiting other company offices, especially for remote employees, along with an annual company offsite event to foster team bonding.
• A $500 home office stipend is allocated to help set up a productive workspace at home.
• For employees not near an office, a co-working benefit is available to facilitate a professional environment outside of the home.
• Cohere maintains a remote-friendly culture with physical offices in Toronto, San Francisco, New York City, London, Paris, and Montreal, supporting flexible working arrangements.