Retail Enterprise New-Business Director

Zendesk, Inc.; Alabama; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a Strategic Account Director, Retail New Business to create and close durable net-new business with large retail and consumer brands. You’ll build executive relationships and guide complex opportunities from discovery to close.

You’ll help grow our enterprise customer base and ensure a smooth handoff to the post-sale team. You’ll collaborate with Solution Engineers, Product Specialists, Marketing, and partners, maintain CRM forecasts, and advocate for AI-enabled service

Qualifications

• 12+ years of related experience in complex retail software sales.
• Proven track record owning new-business opportunities and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Experience with prospecting, discovery, executive engagement, and complex deal ownership.
• Ability to discuss AI and platform value credibly with various stakeholders.
• Equivalent practical experience is welcome; no specific degree is required.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage qualified pipeline through targeted prospecting, inbound opportunities, partner relationships, and territory planning.
• Lead complex sales from discovery and qualification through business case, proposal, negotiation, and close.
• Connect customer goals and service challenges to a credible Zendesk platform and AI solution, with measurable outcomes.
• Build relationships across executive, business, technical, finance, security, and procurement teams.
• Own pursuit strategy, deal progression, and commercial decisions within approved guidelines.
• Bring together Solution Engineers, Product Specialists, Marketing, SDR/BDR teams, partners, and leaders to advance opportunities.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and forecasts, surface risks early, and keep buyers aligned on next steps.
• Document customer goals, commitments, and success conditions to support a smooth handoff and share market insights with internal teams.

Skills

New-business mindset

Executive stakeholder engagement

Forecasting & pipeline management

Deal negotiation & closing

AI-enabled storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

No specific degree required

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a Strategic Account Director, Retail New Business to create and close durable net-new business with large retail and consumer brands. You’ll build executive relationships and guide complex opportunities from discovery to close.

You’ll help grow our enterprise customer base and ensure a smooth handoff to the post-sale team. You’ll collaborate with Solution Engineers, Product Specialists, Marketing, and partners, maintain CRM forecasts, and advocate for AI-enabled service