Manager, Sales Development - Chicago, IL

Kong; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Kong Inc., the AI Connectivity Company, is seeking a Manager, Sales Development in Chicago, IL. The role leads a dynamic SDR team across inbound and outbound efforts to grow the AMER pipeline in a hybrid work model.

This leadership position requires a track record in B2B SaaS, strong communication, and experience building high-performance sales teams in fast-paced startups. The role offers equity, commission, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in B2B SaaS.
• Experience building and managing a high-performing Sales or Sales Development Org in B2B SaaS.
• Exceptional communication skills with structured feedback and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of SDRs.
• Hire top talent and shape development programs for career progression.
• Maintain operational rigor and drive a predictable business.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture in a hybrid in-office environment.
• Create reporting loops with stakeholders on KPIs and pipeline forecasts.
• Collaborate with Sales, Revenue Operations, Marketing, Customer Success and Partnerships to execute go-to-market plans.

Skills

B2B SaaS

Team leadership

Communication skills

Startup experience

Job description

Manager, Sales Development - Chicago, IL

Location

Illinois, United States

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

Hybrid

Department

All Cost Center

Sales

Sales Development

Compensation

$105K – $151K Offers Equity Offers Commission

Compensation decisions are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, certifications, location, and business needs. Employees may be eligible for additional benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays and PTO; and professional development opportunities and tools.

About the role:

As one of the Sales Development leaders , you will oversee a team of inbound and outbound Sales Development Representatives (SDRs). Your mission is to drive the growth of our sales pipeline across the AMER region. This role requires a dynamic leader that is comfortable building and executing. You are passionate about career development and scalable success. Lastly, you are hands‑on and excited about fostering an in‑office culture and your best work is done cross‑functionally.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of SDRs.
• Hire the best talent in the industry. Shape development programs for career progression to keep talent engagement and doing great work at Kong.
• Maintain operational rigor across all elements of the business. Drive a predictable business.
• Drive a positive and collaborative culture that inspires teamwork and professional growth.
• Find a successful balance in a hybrid in‑office environment.
• Create a reporting and feedback loop with stakeholders on team performance, KPIs, customer insights, roadblocks, and pipeline forecasts.
• Work within an ecosystem of leaders across Sales, Revenue Operations, Marketing, Customer Success, and Partnership teams to design and execute a go‑to‑market plan for pipeline generation.
• Excel in change management as the company strives to meet critical and aggressive revenue milestones.
• Maintain a strong pulse on the market. Facilitate a feedback loop between Sales and other departments.
• Identify opportunities to innovate. Be a catalyst to positive change.

What you'll bring:

• 5+ years of experience in B2B SaaS.
• 1+ years of experience building and managing a high-performing Sales or Sales Development Org in B2B SaaS.
• Exceptional communication skills with an ability to give and receive feedback thoughtfully.
• Experience in high-growth, fast-paced startup environments, preferably with hybrid remote and in‑office teams.
• Experience building and leading high-performance sales teams, selling a complex technical product.
• Subject matter expert in building pipeline programs and efforts to drive revenue.

About Kong:

Kong Inc., the AI Connectivity Company, is building the connectivity layer of AI. Trusted by the Fortune 500® and AI-native startups alike, Kong’s unified API and AI platform enables organizations to secure, manage, accelerate, govern, and monetize the flow of intelligence across APIs and AI traffic — on any model, any cloud.

For more information, visit www.konghq.com.