Account Executive - Chicago

About Maneva
Maneva, a startup founded by an ex-Google Deepmind researcher, is an AI service provider revolutionizing manufacturing operations with cutting-edge AI solutions for autonomous factory operation and optimization. Our solution generates AI-powered actions and insights using off-the-shelf hardware or existing vision systems for real-impact manufacturing problems in products and equipment inspection, production efficiency, safety, and more.

Position Overview

The Account Executive role is designed to be an intense high-growth, high-responsibility role founding and scaling early customer acquisition in the local region.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven business development professional with a proven track record in sales to the manufacturing sector. The ideal candidate will have experience engaging with plant managers and technical teams, demonstrating the value of AI-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency, quality, and safety. This role focuses on expanding Maneva’s footprint by delivering tailored AI-powered visual cognitive solutions to manufacturing clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executive presence: As the founding Account Executive, you will work closely with our CEO and CTO to recruit and onboard our first partners & customers. 
• Execute the sales playbook: Supported by Maneva’s leadership, this role will play a major role in building out our partnerships & sales motion from the ground up
• Client Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with local manufacturing clients, understanding their operational challenges and objectives.
• Opportunity Discovery: Conduct on-site or virtual assessments to identify high-impact areas where AI solutions can drive operational improvements, such as quality control, waste reduction, production flow and efficiency, and workplace safety.
• ROI Analysis: Collaborate with clients to assess potential returns on investment for implementing AI-powered visual cognitive tasks, demonstrating clear financial benefits.
• Solution Consultation: Work with internal AI solution specialists to design and recommend tailored applications that address clients' specific needs and deliver measurable improvements.
• Business Development: Develop and manage a pipeline of local manufacturing clients, leading all stages from prospecting and presentations to negotiation and close, with a focus on expanding business through effective solution sales.
• Continuous Improvement Expertise: Apply knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement practices to support clients in implementing sustainable and impactful solutions.
• Training and Support: Provide clients with onboarding and support, guiding them through the AI deployment process and ensuring smooth adoption of solutions.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Experience: 3+ years of successful solution sales experience, preferably within the manufacturing industry, with a demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Business Development Skills: Demonstrated success in client relationship building, software enterprise B2B sales, and business development.
• Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in conducting ROI calculations and data-driven problem-solving.
• Ideal Background: Worked within manufacturers, or in adjacent industries that interacted directly with (i.e. selling to) manufacturers such as OEMs and system integrators, in roles such as continuous improvement, field sales, or engineering
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality control standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn about vision AI applications, and develop the ability to translate technical benefits into client-focused value propositions.
• Travel Requirement: Ability and willingness to drive and travel to client sites as needed.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology in manufacturing.
• Competitive salary with a commission structure and professional growth opportunities.
• Flexible, remote work with local travel for client engagements.