Senior Account Executive / Business Development Director

Senior Account Executive / Business Development Director

Cognite Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Cognite operates at the forefront of industrial digitalization, building AI and data solutions that solve some of the world’s hardest, highest-impact problems. With unmatched industrial heritage and a comprehensive suite of AI capabilities, including low‑code AI agents, Cognite accelerates the digital transformation to drive operational improvements. Our moonshot is bold: unlock $100B in customer value by 2035 and redefine how global industry works.

What Cognite is relentless to achieve – we thrive in challenges, challenge assumptions, execute with speed and ownership. If you view obstacles as signals to step forward, not back, you’ll feel at home here. Join us where AI and data meet ingenuity and forge the path to a smarter, more connected industrial future.

Responsibilities • Qualify and close existing in-flight deals; • Through active prospecting, generate new pipeline and provide insights and advise to prospective clients on how Cognite’s solutions will address the most important areas of their value chain; • Develop direct relationships with key stakeholders in Digital, IT, Business, etc., including C‑suite relationships in assigned priority accounts; • Lead qualified opportunities coordinating with internal Tech Sales, Services, Product Management, Dealdesk, Executives and partners; • Build and execute effective account and opportunity pursuit and close plans; • Meet and exceed sales targets; • Maintain accurate forecasts; • Maintain detailed account and close plans; • Be “on the road” a lot – it is expected that you will spend 40‑50% of your time on client sites, conferences, events or other activities.

Impact You Bring • 4‑7 years of experience in a high‑paced environment (e.g., business development, start‑up, sales, consulting, strategy, etc.) • High level of energy, drive, ambition, and ability to thrive in ambiguity • Curiosity and coachability – eager to learn, willing to take feedback, and open to new ways of working • Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, including comfort with numbers and business cases – Excel/PowerPoint savvy • Detail oriented, strong relationship‑building skills and a focus on a high level of customer service • Self‑motivated, who can work independently and proactively to resolve issues and take ownership of processes and results with minimal supervision • Familiarity and high interest in relevant technology, such as Big Data, IoT, Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Business Intelligence

Required Qualifications • Previous training in Command of the Message, MEDDPICC and Salesforce is a plus, but not a requirement • Proven experience of selling at C‑Level in both business and IT is an advantage, but not required • Fluency in German and English are required; excellent written and verbal communication skills, including good presentation skills

Preferred Experience • Minimum Bachelor’s degree; a relevant Master’s degree is preferred

Equal Opportunity

Cognite is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment at work and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive the same level of consideration for employment.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Sales and Business Development