Vertical Sales Lead

Job Description

Job Title: Vertical Sales Lead – Research Labs & Universities. Location: Remote (Americas region)

Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy Execution: Lead and implement sales strategies targeting academic and research institutions, focusing on D-Wave’s SaaS and learning solutions.
• Pipeline Development: Identify key accounts, qualify leads, and grow new business opportunities through direct outreach and collaboration with technical advisors.
• Relationship Management: Build long-term relationships with faculty, researchers, and funding bodies to align D-Wave’s solutions with institutional goals;
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate with internal teams including Marketing, Legal, and Professional Services to deliver compelling proposals and close deals;
• Thought Leadership: Represent D-Wave at conferences and seminars, contributing to public visibility and thought leadership in quantum computing.
• Customer Success: Align D-Wave’s offerings with customer research needs, ensuring sustained adoption and value creation.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise SaaS sales, with a focus on research and academic institutions.
• Proven ability to grow annual bookings to $5M+ in similar markets;
• Established relationships within the research community and experience managing long sales cycles.
• Strong technical communication skills; capable of engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• PhD in Computer Science or a related STEM field;
• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including internationally.

Preferred:

• Experience selling quantum computing, data science, or AI/ML solutions.
• Knowledge of grant writing, RFP/RFI processes, and academic research cycles.

Benefits:

• Base Salary: $165,000 – $235,000 USD annually (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Ownership: Equity offerings for all employees
• Time Off: Unlimited vacation policy;
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks fully paid;
• Work Style: Remote-first, flexible scheduling;
• Healthcare: Telehealth, telemental health, and comprehensive benefits
• Growth: Ongoing learning & development opportunities;
• Culture: Inclusive, innovative, and impact-driven