Account Executive, Acquisition Sales (Midmarket Digital Natives & Emerging Markets) - Chicago, Illinois

Role Overview

Confluent is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Account Executive to join our New Logo Acquisition Team in Chicago, Illinois. This role focuses on driving net-new customer acquisition within the mid-market segment by introducing Confluent’s leading data streaming platform. As an Account Executive, you will be responsible for the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing deals. You'll work with digital natives and emerging markets, leveraging consultative selling and strategic methodologies like MEDDPICC to build strong customer relationships and deliver value.

A Day in the Life

Your typical day as an Account Executive at Confluent will involve a mix of activities:

• Prospecting and Lead Generation: Identifying and qualifying potential customers through various channels, including networking, research, and marketing campaigns.
• Customer Meetings: Conducting discovery calls and in-person meetings to understand customer needs and challenges.
• Solution Design: Collaborating with Solutions Engineers to develop tailored solutions that address specific customer requirements.
• Value Proposition Development: Crafting and presenting compelling value propositions that highlight the benefits of Confluent’s platform.
• Negotiation and Closing: Negotiating contract terms and closing deals to achieve sales targets.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders at customer accounts.
• Pipeline Management: Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date sales pipeline in Salesforce.
• Internal Collaboration: Working closely with marketing, business development, and channel teams to maximize territory potential.
• Continuous Learning: Staying informed about Confluent’s offerings, industry trends, and competitive landscape.

Why Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago is a major hub for technology and business, offering a vibrant and diverse market for Confluent's data streaming platform. The city boasts a strong presence of digital native companies and emerging markets, providing ample opportunities for net-new customer acquisition. Additionally, Chicago's central location and excellent transportation infrastructure make it easy to travel to customer sites throughout the Midwest and beyond. Confluent's Chicago office provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, fostering innovation and growth. With its rich culture, diverse economy, and thriving tech scene, Chicago is an ideal location for an Account Executive to build a successful career at Confluent.

Career Path

Confluent is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for career growth and development. The Account Executive role is a stepping stone to various leadership positions within the sales organization. Potential career paths include:

• Senior Account Executive: Taking on larger and more complex accounts, leading strategic sales initiatives, and mentoring junior team members.
• Sales Manager: Leading and managing a team of Account Executives, responsible for achieving team sales targets and developing individual sales skills.
• Regional Sales Director: Overseeing sales operations for a specific geographic region, responsible for driving revenue growth and market share.
• Vice President of Sales: Leading the entire sales organization, responsible for developing and executing sales strategies to achieve company goals.

Salary & Benefits

Confluent offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for the Account Executive role in Chicago is $120,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on experience and performance. In addition to base salary, Account Executives are eligible for performance-based bonuses. Confluent's benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Professional development opportunities and training programs
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities
• Commuter benefits
• Parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance

Confluent Culture

Confluent is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture. The company values teamwork, innovation, and customer success. Employees are encouraged to ask hard questions, provide honest feedback, and support each other. Confluent believes in empowering its employees to make a difference and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. The company also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you are a team player with a passion for data and a desire to make an impact, Confluent is the right place for you.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the Account Executive position at Confluent in Chicago, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Confluent Careers website. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in Confluent and how you can contribute to the company's success. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the qualifications listed in the job description. Confluent is looking for talented and motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow.

FAQ

1. What is Confluent?

   Confluent is a data streaming platform built on Apache Kafka. It enables organizations to process and analyze data in real-time, helping them to react faster, build smarter, and deliver dynamic experiences.

2. What does an Account Executive do at Confluent?

   An Account Executive is responsible for driving net-new customer acquisition by introducing Confluent’s platform to prospective clients. They manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting to closing deals.

3. What skills are required for this role?

   Key skills include B2B sales experience, consultative selling, deal execution, pipeline management, and strong communication skills.

4. What is the salary range for this position?

   The estimated salary range for the Account Executive role in Chicago is $120,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on experience and performance.

5. What are the benefits of working at Confluent?

   Confluent offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, an employee stock purchase plan, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

6. What is the company culture like at Confluent?

   Confluent fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture, valuing teamwork, innovation, and customer success.

7. What opportunities are there for career growth at Confluent?

   Confluent is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for career growth and development, with potential career paths including Senior Account Executive, Sales Manager, and Regional Sales Director.

8. What is MEDDPICC?

   MEDDPICC is a sales methodology that stands for Metrics, Economic Buyer, Decision Criteria, Decision Process, Paper Process, Identify Pain, Champion, and Competition. It helps sales professionals to understand the key factors influencing a customer's purchasing decision.

9. What is Confluent's approach to diversity and inclusion?

   Confluent emphasizes diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. The company is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment.

10. How can I prepare for an interview at Confluent?

    To prepare for an interview at Confluent, research the company and its products, understand the role requirements, and be ready to discuss your relevant experience and skills. Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to ask questions about the company and the role.