Founders Associate (Sales-Focused)

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a rapidly expanding AI-driven platform focused on content and brand visibility. As one of the earliest commercial team members, you will work intimately with the CEO, contributing to a wide range of activities spanning sales, operations, and the overall growth of the company. The business operates at the forefront of emerging technologies, specifically in Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). Their mission is to empower brands to secure prominent positions within AI-generated responses on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. Already serving over 40 clients across more than 14 diverse industries, Clera benefits from the support of prestigious startup accelerators, including Google Cloud for Startups and Microsoft Founders Hub. This role is perfectly suited for someone at the beginning of their career, possessing a strong desire to learn, a comfort level with navigating uncertainty, and a genuine excitement for the convergence of cutting-edge AI technology and effective go-to-market strategies.

About the role

As a Founders Associate, your primary focus will be on driving sales and contributing to the company's commercial success. You will be instrumental in building and managing the sales pipeline, directly impacting revenue targets and business development initiatives. This position demands a proactive approach, where you will be expected to take ownership of your responsibilities and contribute significantly to the company's expansion. You’ll also have the chance to shape the future of the company by assisting in the development and implementation of scalable sales processes and commercial operations. Beyond the core sales functions, you will be involved in broader company-building activities, including recruitment, forging strategic partnerships, and contributing to key strategic projects as the team grows. Collaboration is key, and you will work across various departments such as sales, marketing, product, and operations, acting as a vital force multiplier for the founding team. You will also represent the company externally, engaging with potential clients, partners, and existing customers.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will be diverse and impactful, directly supporting the CEO and the company’s growth objectives. Key aspects of the role include:

• **Direct Sales Engagement:** Partnering closely with the CEO on all aspects of sales activity. This includes identifying and engaging potential clients (prospecting), conducting outreach, nurturing leads through to closing deals, and maintaining strong relationships with customers.
• **Pipeline Management:** Taking ownership of the sales pipeline, from initial contact to deal closure. You will be directly responsible for growing this pipeline and achieving revenue targets, playing a crucial role in the company’s business development.
• **Process Development:** Supporting the design and execution of robust, scalable sales processes and commercial operations. This involves identifying areas for improvement and implementing efficient workflows.
• **Company Building:** Contributing to wider company-building efforts. This may include assisting with the hiring process, identifying and developing strategic partnerships, and working on other key initiatives to support the company's scaling journey.
• **Cross-functional Collaboration:** Working effectively with teams across sales, marketing, product, and operations. You will act as a bridge and enabler, ensuring seamless collaboration and driving progress.
• **External Representation:** Acting as a company ambassador in interactions with prospects, partners, and clients, effectively communicating the company's value proposition.

What they're looking for

To thrive in this dynamic environment, candidates should possess a blend of commercial acumen, a proactive attitude, and a strong capacity for learning and adaptation. Ideal candidates will have:

• **Experience:** 1-2 years of full-time professional experience following graduation. Prior experience in customer-facing sales or business development roles with a proven ability to grow sales pipelines or contribute to revenue generation is essential.
• **Background:** A background in consultancy (such as strategy or management consulting) or experience within a high-growth startup environment is highly desirable.
• **Proactiveness & Ownership:** The ability and willingness to work closely with founders and take significant ownership across a broad spectrum of responsibilities.
• **Collaboration Skills:** Strong cross-functional collaboration abilities, with the flexibility to switch between commercial and operational tasks seamlessly.
• **Language Proficiency:** Fluency in both German and English at a professional level is a requirement.
• **Technical Acumen (Advantageous):** Exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software as a Service (SaaS), or content/marketing technology would be beneficial.
• **Consulting Experience (Advantageous):** Familiarity with firms like Capgemini Invent, BCG, EY-Parthenon, PwC, or similar strategy/consulting backgrounds would be a plus.
• **Startup GTM Knowledge (Advantageous):** Understanding of go-to-market strategies within early-stage B2B environments would be valuable.

This role is based in South Africa and offers a remote working arrangement. While specific salary ranges vary, early-career sales roles with significant growth potential in the South African tech startup scene can range from R25,000 to R45,000 per month, often with performance-based incentives. The AI and SaaS sectors are burgeoning, offering excellent career progression opportunities, with common employers including various tech startups, established software companies, and digital agencies.

• 1–2 years of full-time work experience (post-graduation)
• Proven customer-facing sales or business development experience with a demonstrable track record in pipeline growth or revenue contribution
• Background in a consultancy (e.g. strategy, management consulting) or a high-growth startup strongly preferred
• Ability and willingness to work closely with a founder/CEO and take ownership across a broad remit
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills — comfortable context-switching between commercial and operational work
• Fluent in German and English (professional level)
• Exposure to AI, SaaS, or content/marketing technology (nice to have)
• Experience at firms such as Capgemini Invent, BCG, EY-Parthenon, PwC, or similar strategy/consulting backgrounds (nice to have)
• Familiarity with go-to-market motions in early-stage B2B environments (nice to have)
• Dealbreaker: Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site in Munich or Hamburg (relocation supported where applicable). This role is not available remotely.