Account Executive, Chicagoland

Critical Start•Chicago, IL

20d•Remote

About The Position

Critical Start is a cybersecurity company that redefines how organizations are protected. They offer 24x7 AI-accelerated, human-validated detection, investigation, and response across IT and OT. Since 2012, they have helped organizations outpace evolving attacks with faster response, fewer escalations, and measurable risk reduction. Critical Start pioneered the first MOBILESOC app, infused AI into automated alert resolution, and significantly reduced investigation time. They combine machine intelligence with human judgment to deliver trusted outcomes. The company fosters a high-trust, high-impact team environment where ideas are valued.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of related sales experience.
Must be physically located in assigned geography: Chicagoland (Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana).
Experience partnering with technology value-added partner companies or manufacturers.
Cybersecurity sales experience.
Channel Sales experience.
Experience with achieving quota attainment in a remote sales position.
Proven excellence in selling IT security solutions to enterprise organizations and running an effective sales process.
Demonstrated ability to close complex deals involving multiple executive-level stakeholders and enterprise sales cycles.
Successful record of prospecting, engaging, penetrating organizations at multiple levels, and acquiring major/enterprise-level customers, with an existing rolodex of customers and channel relationships within the assigned geography.
Previous work experience with sales tools including Salesforce.com, MS Office Suite & Teams, OneDrive, and other CRM/Marketing applications.

Nice To Haves

Managed Service Sales experience a plus.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR) experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Become the client and prospect contact as a cybersecurity advisor for areas including endpoint, network, security operations, vulnerability management, SIEM, incident response, security assessments and testing, and threat intelligence.
Drive new business sales while managing the sales process from prospecting to close.
Regularly meet or exceed quota while helping to maintain accurate and timely customer, pipeline, and forecast data.
Manage and build Reseller and Partner relationships to drive business.
Deliver dynamic and engaging presentations and product demonstrations via MS Teams and in person.
Execute the full sales process by building pipeline through identifying and qualifying opportunities within the territory, and negotiating pricing and contractual terms to close sales.
Ensure excellent service and support to prospects and customers by creating long-term business relationships.
Build, maintain, and develop knowledge to become an expert on Critical Start’s solutions.
Provide support for marketing activities, events, and customer meetings around the state(s) with some travel required.
Utilize Salesforce to track all pertinent information related to the opportunity and account, and effectively manage the territory.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus potential
Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and vision
Additional Ancillary Benefits offered at 100% employee contribution
Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy
Paid Parental and Military Leave
Dental and Vision Plan
Employer-provided Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage
Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage
401(k) Plan with Matching Program
Mines Employee Assistance Program
Monthly Wellness Initiatives
Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan