Director of Sales - United Kingdom

Axelera AI is not a regular deep‑tech startup. We are creating the next‑generation AI platform that supports anyone who wants to advance humanity and improve the world around us. In just four years we have raised $120 million, built a world‑class team of 220+ employees (including 49+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), and launched Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3‑5x increase in efficiency and performance.

We are seeking a seasoned Sales Director to lead and expand our sales efforts across the UK market. The role focuses on hardware OEMs and enterprise customers in the industrial, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Based in the UK, this strategic leadership role drives revenue, strengthens market presence, and builds long‑term customer relationships in Europe’s most innovation‑driven technology ecosystem.

• Design and implement a comprehensive sales strategy tailored to the UK’s industrial ecosystem and mature OEM networks.
• Focus on long‑term account development, recurring revenue models, and value‑based solution selling.
• Own overall sales performance in the UK, focusing on pipeline growth, strategic account expansion, and market share development.
• Leverage vertical expertise in Industry 4.0, automotive innovation, and smart manufacturing.
• Cultivate and grow relationships with major hardware OEMs and enterprise clients across the UK.
• Understand complex technical requirements and public/private procurement processes to deliver scalable Edge AI solutions that align with regulatory and operational standards.
• Identify and formalise partnerships with system integrators, industrial alliances, and technology distributors in the UK.
• Lead co‑selling and joint go‑to‑market initiatives to expand reach and strengthen brand credibility.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high‑performing local sales team where appropriate.
• Build a results‑oriented culture with structured planning, forecasting, and accountability aligned with quarterly targets and long‑term growth objectives.
• Effectively communicate the business and technical value of Edge AI and computer vision solutions to technical stakeholders and C‑level executives.
• Collaborate closely with global product, marketing, and engineering teams to align the product roadmap with market needs and ensure strong product‑market fit and timely go‑to‑market execution in the UK.
• Travel across the UK to meet key customers, attend trade shows and industry events, and engage with the broader innovation ecosystem.
• Maintain deep insight into local market dynamics, trends, and opportunities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline).
• 10+ years of enterprise sales or business development experience in high‑tech industries, ideally with a focus on Edge AI, computer vision, or embedded systems.
• Proven track record working with hardware OEMs, industrial clients, and technology partners in the UK.
• Demonstrated success in building regional sales strategies and consistently meeting or exceeding revenue objectives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills suited to complex enterprise environments.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional European languages is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK and Europe.

This is a hybrid/remote role based in the UK, with frequent travel to customer and partner sites across the country. Proximity to major industrial and technology hubs (e.g., Midlands, Greater London, Manchester) is preferred.

An attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances, and the option to receive company shares. An open culture that supports creativity, continual innovation, collaborative ownership, and freedom with responsibility.

At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team.