Director of Sales

About Us Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us. In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands. We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer. Are you up for the challenge? Position Overview We are seeking a seasoned Director of Sales – France to lead and expand our sales efforts across the French market, with a primary focus on hardware OEMs and enterprise customers in the industrial, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Based in France, this strategic leadership role is essential for driving revenue, strengthening our market presence, and building long-term customer relationships in one of Europe’s most dynamic and innovation-driven technology ecosystems. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical fluency, a proven record in enterprise sales, and the ability to navigate France’s regulatory, procurement, and partner landscapes. Key Responsibilities Develop and Execute the France Sales Strategy Design and implement a comprehensive sales strategy tailored to the French market’s industrial ecosystem and mature OEM networks. Focus on long-term account development, recurring revenue models, and value-based solution selling. Drive Regional Revenue and Market Penetration Own overall sales performance in France with a focus on pipeline growth, strategic account expansion, and market share development. Leverage vertical expertise in Industry 4.0, automotive innovation, and smart manufacturing. Manage Strategic OEM and Enterprise Accounts Cultivate and grow relationships with major hardware OEMs and enterprise clients across France. Understand complex technical requirements and public/private procurement processes to deliver scalable Edge AI solutions that align with regulatory and operational standards. Build Strategic Partnerships Identify and formalize partnerships with system integrators, industrial alliances, and technology distributors in France. Lead co-selling and joint go-to-market initiatives to expand reach and strengthen brand credibility. Lead Sales Operations 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 both quarterly targets and long-term growth objectives. Leverage Technical Expertise in Edge AI Effectively communicate the business and technical value of Edge AI and computer vision solutions to technical stakeholders and C-level executives. Act as a trusted advisor and thought leader within the French industrial technology ecosystem. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with global product, marketing, and engineering teams to align the product roadmap with market needs, ensuring strong product-market fit and timely go-to-market execution in France. Market Engagement and Travel Travel across France to meet key customers, attend trade shows and industry events (e.g., Global Industrie, Sido Lyon, or VivaTech), and engage with the broader innovation ecosystem. Maintain deep insight into local market dynamics, trends, and opportunities. Qualifications 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 France. 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 French and English is required. Willingness and ability to travel regularly across France and Europe. Location This is a hybrid/remote role based in France, with frequent travel to customer and partner sites across the country. Proximity to major industrial and technology hubs (e.g., Île-de-France, Lyon) is preferred. What We Offer This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team. Note: Emphasis on equal opportunity and diversity are part of our values. #J-18808-Ljbffr