Founders Associate (Sales-Focused)

<h3>About the Role</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing <strong>AI-powered content and brand visibility platform</strong> as one of the first commercial hires — working directly alongside the CEO across sales, operations, and company building. The company operates in the emerging space of <strong>Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)</strong>, helping brands appear in AI-generated responses on platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. The business already serves 40+ clients across 14+ industries and is backed by leading startup programmes including Google Cloud for Startups and Microsoft Founders Hub.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is hungry to learn, comfortable operating with ambiguity, and excited by the intersection of AI technology and go-to-market execution.</p><h3>What You'll Do</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Partner directly with the CEO on day-to-day sales activity — from prospecting and outreach to closing deals and managing relationships</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Own and grow pipeline, contributing directly to revenue targets and business development initiatives</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Support the design and execution of scalable sales processes and commercial operations</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Assist with company-building activities including hiring, partnerships, and strategic projects as the team scales</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Work cross-functionally across sales, marketing, product, and operations — acting as a force multiplier for the founding team</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Represent the company externally with prospects, partners, and clients</p></li></ul><h3>What We're Looking For</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Required:</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">1–2 years of full-time work experience (post-graduation)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proven customer-facing sales or business development experience with a demonstrable track record in pipeline growth or revenue contribution</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Background in a consultancy (e.g. strategy, management consulting) or a high-growth startup strongly preferred</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Ability and willingness to work closely with a founder/CEO and take ownership across a broad remit</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Strong cross-functional collaboration skills — comfortable context-switching between commercial and operational work</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Fluent in German and English (professional level)</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Nice to have:</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Exposure to AI, SaaS, or content/marketing technology</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience at firms such as Capgemini Invent, BCG, EY-Parthenon, PwC, or similar strategy/consulting backgrounds</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Familiarity with go-to-market motions in early-stage B2B environments</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Dealbreaker:</strong> Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site in Munich or Hamburg (relocation supported where applicable). This role is not available remotely.</p><h3>Compensation &amp; Benefits</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Total compensation:</strong> up to €130,000 (inclusive of sales-related variable component)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Equity:</strong> 0.5–1% (significant early-stage upside)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Direct mentorship and day-to-day collaboration with the CEO</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">High-autonomy, high-impact role at a company with strong early commercial traction</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><em>Please note: visa sponsorship is not available for this position.</em></p><h3>Location</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">Based in <strong>Munich or Hamburg, Germany</strong>. On-site presence is required. The team is split across both cities, and both are active hiring locations.</p><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.com">Jobs in Germany</a> on Arbeitnow</a>