Account Executive, Defence & Intelligence, France
About this role
Expanding the government sales pipeline within the Ministère des Armées and the Armées Françaises requires dedicated leadership to manage complex defense accounts. Planet operates a constellation of imaging satellites that delivers empirical datasets through a cloud-based platform, supporting users in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors.
Working remotely from France, the Account Engineer will drive revenue targets by identifying, qualifying, and closing deals with defense customers. Success in the role requires navigating government procurement frameworks, understanding military operations and intelligence, and maintaining accurate pipeline hygiene using Salesforce.com. Candidates who thrive here are independent thinkers with established networks across French defense agencies and a strong background in software solutions and SaaS sales.
What you will do
- Develop and expand the sales pipeline to meet or exceed revenue targets within the Ministère des Armées and the Armées Françaises.
- Engage prospective defense customers and guide them from initial identification to contract negotiation and procurement completion.
- Collaborate with marketing to run targeted campaigns and identify new business opportunities.
- Partner with Solution Engineering to design customer solutions and achieve technical validation.
- Maintain pipeline hygiene and accurate forecasting using Salesforce.com.
- Coordinate with customer success and post-sales teams to ensure smooth onboarding for new clients.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or possess commensurate professional experience.
- Demonstrate at least 6 years of related experience in software solutions and SaaS sales.
- Bring a minimum of 6 years of experience selling to government customers, including navigating government sales cycles.
- Possess a deep understanding of military operations, planning, and intelligence roles supporting military commanders.
- Maintain excellent professional relationships across the Ministère des Armées, the Armées Françaises, associated agencies, and the partner ecosystem.
- Satisfy French nationality and other requirements necessary to hold a security clearance.
- Communicate fluently in French and English with strong writing and presentation abilities.
Nice to have
- Ability to speak other languages
- Existing security clearance at a suitable level for engaging all levels of command
- Active armed forces reserve or veteran status as a relevant intelligence professional
Benefits
- Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and company-wide days off
- Employee Wellness Program
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Equity and volunteering paid time off
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote policy for this role?
This is a full-time, remote position based in France. If you are located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.
What is the expected compensation for this position?
The expected starting gross salary range is €60.700 to €75.850 EUR, and the role is also eligible to receive commission, discretionary bonuses, and equity.
What CRM tool is used to manage the sales pipeline?
Candidates should maintain an extensive level of pipeline hygiene using Salesforce.com or a similar CRM system.
What security clearance requirements apply?
The candidate must have the ability to satisfy French nationality and other requirements to hold a security clearance.