Commercial Account Executive - West Coast

1104 SUSE LLC; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SUSE is seeking a Commercial Account Executive for the West Coast to drive strategic growth by managing top accounts and aligning SUSE’s value proposition with client goals.

You will work with CXOs and multiple buyers to shape multi-product deals, expand market share, and ensure long-term value through effective account plans and partner collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience in sales and account management with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Knowledge of the enterprise software industry – Linux Infrastructure, Hybrid Cloud, Container Management, Edge, AI and Security.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders – presenting complex technical solutions.
• Analytical skills to understand market trends and apply insights to sales strategies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on finding innovative solutions to client challenges.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally, collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
• Experience working with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Clari) to manage pipelines and forecast sales accurately.
• Ability to apply enterprise sales methodologies, particularly MEDDPICC, Challenger or similar frameworks.
• Industry certifications in sales or IT are a plus.
• Understanding of Open Source and transformation topics, such as cloud-native application development and cloud migration.

Responsibilities

• Establish and enhance strong relationships with key stakeholders, including CXO-level executives.
• Build key relationships with Economic Buyer (internal customer), Technical Buyer (our liaison), Coach & Executive Buyer (Champion).
• Apply consultative-selling techniques to develop a deep understanding of client goals, challenges, and ambitions related to mission-critical workloads and innovation.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by aligning SUSE's offerings with client needs, curating a precise mix of products, services, and solutions to address their challenges and deliver long-term value.
• Take proactive ownership of professional development by staying curious and embracing a growth mindset.
• Identify and capitalise on upselling and cross-selling opportunities, leveraging customer knowledge, expertise on SUSE’s market presence and capabilities, and the competitive landscape.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to refine sales strategies and stay competitive.
• Maintain CRM hygiene by updating all activity, opportunities & deals regularly to manage the sales pipeline, provide accurate sales forecasts, and track performance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, managing all aspects of the sales process from initial contact, through negotiation and closing of complex sales deals, to handover to Customer Success for implementation and post-sale support, ensuring long-term value-based relationships.
• Partner with the SUSE ecosystem of partners to enhance and bundle solution offerings, leveraging their relationships with customers and extending business opportunities.
• Collaborate on Account Plans with counterparts across Pre-Sales, Inside Sales, Partner Ecosystem, Specialist Sales teams to deliver comprehensive solutions and help drive traction.
• Identify and prioritise key accounts each quarter that have a strong potential for adopting SUSE products and solutions, setting clear milestones and timelines to maximise opportunities for significant market share growth.

Skills

Sales experience

Account management

CRM tools

Open Source knowledge

Communication

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Enterprise sales methodologies

Sales certifications

Open Source cloud migration

Job description

Commercial Account Executive – West Coast

SUSE is a global leader of enterprise open source software. By transforming community innovations into secure, sovereign and AI‑ready solutions, SUSE empowers customers to escape vendor lock‑in and regain control of their IT destiny.

Role Overview

Drive strategic growth for SUSE by managing a portfolio of key accounts within a specified territory or industry. The Account Executive is responsible for identifying and capitalising on new business opportunities, deepening customer relationships, and aligning SUSE’s comprehensive value proposition with customer objectives. The role demands a high level of strategic thinking, the ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and a focus on delivering high‑value solutions that enhance customer success and drive market share. Success in this role is measured by revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and the ability to effectively navigate large‑scale account dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and enhance strong relationships with key stakeholders, including CXO‑level executives.
• Build key relationships with Economic Buyer (internal customer), Technical Buyer (our liaison), Coach & Executive Buyer (Champion).
• Apply consultative‑selling techniques to develop a deep understanding of client goals, challenges, and ambitions related to mission‑critical workloads and innovation.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by aligning SUSE's offerings with client needs, curating a precise mix of products, services, and solutions to address their challenges and deliver long‑term value.
• Take proactive ownership of professional development by staying curious and embracing a growth mindset.
• Identify and capitalise on upselling and cross‑selling opportunities, leveraging customer knowledge, expertise on SUSE’s market presence and capabilities, and the competitive landscape.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to refine sales strategies and stay competitive.
• Maintain CRM hygiene by updating all activity, opportunities & deals regularly to manage the sales pipeline, provide accurate sales forecasts, and track performance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, managing all aspects of the sales process from initial contact, through negotiation and closing of complex sales deals, to handover to Customer Success for implementation and post‑sale support, ensuring long‑term value‑based relationships.
• Partner with the SUSE ecosystem of partners to enhance and bundle solution offerings, leveraging their relationships with customers and extending business opportunities.
• Collaborate on Account Plans with counterparts across Pre‑Sales, Inside Sales, Partner Ecosystem, Specialist Sales teams to deliver comprehensive solutions and help drive traction.
• Identify and prioritise key accounts each quarter that have a strong potential for adopting SUSE products and solutions, setting clear milestones and timelines to maximise opportunities for significant market share growth.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in sales and account management, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Knowledge of the enterprise software industry – particularly solutions such as Linux Infrastructure, Hybrid Cloud, Container Management, Edge, Artificial Intelligence and Security.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders – presenting complex technical solutions in a clear and compelling manner.
• Analytical skills to understand market trends and apply insights to sales strategies.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a focus on finding innovative solutions to client challenges.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally, collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
• Experience working with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Clari) to manage pipelines and forecast sales accurately.
• Ability to apply enterprise sales methodologies, particularly MEDDPICC, Challenger or similar frameworks.
• Industry certifications in sales or IT are a plus.
• Understanding of Open Source and transformation topics, such as cloud‑native application development and cloud migration.

Compensation & Benefits

US Pay Transparency Disclaimer – Bonus. If this role is filled in the United States of America, the starting base salary is expected to be between $117,000 and $150,000. In addition to this base salary, we offer a corporate bonus plan, paid quarterly and an attractive benefits package.

US benefits include a comprehensive medical plan, life and disability insurance, 401k, Employee Assistance Programme and generous paid time off and leave policies.

Possibly eligible for a commission plan.

Background Check

This position is subject to a background check(s), including criminal, credit, and/or employment references. The candidate is required to complete the background check(s) once an offer has been accepted. This will be conducted by SUSE’s external provider, where legally permitted.