About this role
Perplexity is building an enterprise BDR organization focused on generating qualified pipeline and driving growth. The incoming Sales Leader will inherit an existing team of Business Development Representatives while hiring, coaching, and leading BDR managers to build high-performing groups.
This role exists to scale pipeline generation through effective management while remaining adaptable to rapid changes in products and buyer behavior. Ideal candidates are creative and agile sales development leaders who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution, bringing original ideas rather than relying on imported playbooks.
What you will do
- Hire, onboard, and develop BDRs and BDR managers while setting clear expectations for team performance and talent development.
- Take ownership of the organization's contribution to sourced pipeline and qualified opportunities by focusing on conversion quality rather than activity volume.
- Formulate the sales development strategy across inbound and outbound motions in partnership with broader Sales leadership.
- Foster a culture of creative experimentation involving targeting, messaging, campaigns, and AI-native workflows.
- Maintain an agile approach to shifting business priorities by translating new information into fast execution.
- Establish a reliable management operating rhythm that includes regular one-on-ones, pipeline reviews, and performance scorecards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, RevOps, and Strategic Finance on campaign strategy, lead quality, and headcount planning.
What you need
- Bring over 8 years of experience in SaaS sales or business development, featuring at least 3 years in a sales development leadership role.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of scaling a multi-team pipeline generation organization within a high-growth environment.
- Possess the ability to hire, coach, and develop managers while building accountability through other leaders.
- Apply a creative approach to pipeline generation with concrete examples of tested campaigns, channels, or workflows.
- Show demonstrated agility and sound judgment when operating in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.
- Utilize a data-driven operating style that encompasses funnel analysis, capacity planning, and pipeline forecasting.
- Maintain hands-on experience with modern prospecting tools, AI-native sales workflows, and Salesforce CRM.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree or possess equivalent professional experience.
Nice to have
- Prior closing experience strongly preferred
Benefits
- Offers Equity
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the compensation for this role?
The salary range is $220K to $320K with additional offers of equity.
Where is the position located?
The role is located in San Francisco.
What tools and systems will I use in this position?
The role involves hands-on experience with modern prospecting tools, AI-native sales workflows, and CRM systems such as Salesforce.
What leadership responsibilities are included in the job?
You will inherit a team of Business Development Representatives, hire, coach, and lead BDR managers, and build a leadership bench.