Job Details

About us

At Encord, we're building the AI infrastructure of the future by solving one of the least glamorous, but most critical, problems in AI: data quality. For the vast majority of teams, preparing high-quality training data is the most costly and time-consuming part of bringing AI products to market, and it ultimately determines whether models succeed or fail.

As former computer scientists, physicists, and quants, we experienced this pain firsthand. AI today feels like the early days of the internet - huge potential, but immature tooling holding real progress back. That gap is why we started Encord.

We're now a 100+ person team operating at the cutting edge of computer vision and deep learning, backed by CRV, Y Combinator, and leaders like Luc Vincent (former VP of AI at Meta). We're one of the fastest-growing companies in the space and consistently rated by customers as the best tool on the market.

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: prioritizing 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 optimize 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 prioritize 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

• You're ambitious, curious, and want to build a commercial career
• 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
• This is a role for people who want to become great sellers, not just support them.

• 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

• Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high-growth startup
• 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