Head of Sales

Sesame; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health benefits

Unlimited PTO

HSA/FSA

EAP

Stock options

Job summary

Sesame is seeking an Optical Sales Leader to establish and scale our optical distribution strategy across premium retailers in the U.S. You will identify foundational accounts, lead strategic relationships from introduction to launch, and craft the commercial playbook for future expansion.

In early stages, success will be measured by securing influential accounts and building a scalable national sales organization. Sesame values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in optical or related channel sales.
• Deep understanding of the independent optical landscape.
• Proven ability to cultivate and grow strategic retail relationships.
• Experience opening new accounts and launching new products or brands.
• Strong commercial judgment and account prioritization skills.
• Experience recruiting and leading sales teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Sesame's optical channel strategy.
• Identify and secure high-signal optical accounts that establish credibility for the brand.
• Partner with Sesame leadership on strategic account acquisition.
• Lead retailer relationships from introduction through launch and growth.
• Develop account prioritization and territory strategies.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage sales representatives as the distribution scales.
• Build forecasting, reporting, and sales processes.
• Represent Sesame throughout the optical industry.

Skills

Optical channel sales

Strategic account development

Retail relationships

New account openings

Sales team leadership

Forecasting & reporting

Job description

About Sesame

Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we’re designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice agents part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive.

About The Role

Sesame is seeking an Optical Sales Leader to help establish and scale our optical distribution strategy.

This role requires a unique combination of relationship‑building, strategic account development, and sales leadership. In the early stages, success will not be measured primarily by door count, but by securing placements within the most influential optical accounts in the industry. The ideal candidate understands that the first 20–30 accounts can create disproportionate market signals and accelerate adoption across hundreds of additional retailers.

Working closely with Sesame leadership, this individual will help identify and secure foundational accounts, lead strategic relationships from introduction through launch, and build the commercial playbook that will support future expansion.

As the business grows, the role will evolve into building and leading a scalable national optical sales organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Sesame's optical channel strategy.
• Identify and secure high‑signal optical accounts that establish credibility for the brand.
• Partner with Sesame leadership on strategic account acquisition.
• Lead retailer relationships from introduction through launch and growth.
• Develop account prioritization and territory strategies.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage sales representatives as the distribution scales.
• Build forecasting, reporting, and sales processes.
• Represent Sesame throughout the optical industry.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of optical, eyewear, luxury wholesale, or related channel sales experience.
• Deep understanding of the independent optical landscape.
• Proven ability to cultivate and grow strategic retail relationships.
• Experience opening new accounts and launching new products or brands.
• Strong commercial judgment and account prioritization skills.
• Experience recruiting and leading sales teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with influential independent optical retailers.
• Experience helping scale an emerging premium brand.
• Experience building sales organizations from early stages.
• Background in luxury, design‑driven, or premium consumer products.

This is not a traditional sales leadership role. The ideal candidate understands how premium brands are established in optical: first through influence and credibility, then through distribution scale. Success will come from identifying and winning the right early accounts before building the organization that expands globally.

Sesame is committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome all qualified applicants, embracing diversity in race, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Benefits

• 401(k) max employer match: 3.5% of compensation
• 100% employer‑paid health, vision, and dental benefits for you and your dependents
• Unlimited PTO and sick time
• Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year (medical FSA)
• Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunity to share in the company's success with competitive stock options

Benefits do not apply to contingent/contract workers.

Compensation Range: $230K – $300K