About us
Encord is the universal data layer for AI that helps 300+ AI teams train and run models on the right data. Our platform indexes, curates, annotates, and evaluates data across the full AI lifecycle, from development through production.
Trusted by Woven by Toyota, AXA, UiPath, Zipline, and more. We're an ambitious team of 100+ working at the frontier of AI and have raised $60M in Series C funding from Wellington Management, CRV, Next47 and Y Combinator.
The role
This is not a traditional BDR role.
As a Commercial Associate at Encord, you'll be an early commercial hire with real ownership across the top and middle of the funnel. You'll help shape how we identify, engage, and convert the right customers as we scale — while building the foundations of a long-term commercial career.
You'll sit at the intersection of outbound strategy, customer discovery, and deal execution. From day one, you'll be expected to think like a seller: prioritising the right accounts, crafting thoughtful outreach, and partnering closely with Account Executives to move real opportunities forward.
This role is designed to identify future sellers early. We optimise for trajectory over polish. High performers typically progress into closing, leadership, or specialist roles (Sales, Solutions, Growth) within 12–18 months, often sooner.
What you'll do
- Identify, research, and prioritise high-potential accounts across Encord's core verticals and regions
- Develop strong points of view on who to target and why
- Execute thoughtful, multi-channel outbound (email, LinkedIn, calls, creative plays)
- Craft messaging that resonates with technical and commercial buyers
- Partner with Growth and Sales to test campaigns, refine targeting, and improve conversion
- Own outcomes, not just activity — quality opportunities matter more than volume
- Work directly with Account Executives to progress live opportunities
- Support discovery, demos, trials, and follow-ups
- Help shape business cases and stakeholder mapping
- Ensure a high-quality, consistent prospect experience
- Learn how complex, technical B2B deals actually get done
Who we're looking for
- You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively
- You're motivated by ownership, learning, and long-term growth, not just title or short-term compensation
- You enjoy figuring out why something works, not just following a script
- You're comfortable operating with ambiguity and high expectations
- You can engage with technical concepts without losing sight of business outcomes
- You want to be part of building something — not just maintaining it
Experience requirements
- 1–3 years of professional experience in a commercial, customer-facing, or high-performance role
- Exposure to outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, or client engagement is strongly preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement
Why Encord
- Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high-growth start-up
- Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly
- Strong in-person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched North Beach loft office
- Flexible PTO to fully recharge
- 18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays
- Annual learning & development budget
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe
- Bi-annual company offsites, twice-weekly team lunches, and monthly socials
