Sales Manager, SMB (Chicago)

aikidosecurity; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Flexible working hours

Open and informal culture

Job summary

aikidosecurity is seeking a hands-on Sales Manager in Chicago to lead and grow its SMB sales team. The role involves managing and coaching a team of SMB Account Executives, driving revenue, and enhancing sales processes.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in leading high-performing SaaS sales teams, have a strong understanding of technical product sales, and possess excellent coaching skills. This role offers flexibility, a competitive compensation package, and a chance to work in a fast-paced startup culture.

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-performing SaaS sales teams in the SMB segment.
• Experience managing SMB Account Executives.
• Comfortable with technical product sales.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and scale a team of SMB Account Executives.
• Drive pipeline generation and revenue growth.
• Improve sales execution processes.

Skills

SaaS sales team leadership

Outbound sales and prospecting

CRM workflows

Technical product sales

People management

Self-starter mentality

Job description

We’re making security suck less for developers.

Security tools haven’t kept up with how software is built today. They interrupt teams, slow releases, and turn security into a bottleneck instead of a capability. We built Aikido to change that. Aikido builds developer-first security products that reduce real risk without getting in the way of shipping software. We focus on what actually matters and automate the rest.

We’re taking on legacy security tools teams have been stuck with, and we’re winning. If you want to help us take market share and build products developers actually enjoy using, you’re in the right place.

Founded in 2022 by third‑time founders, Aikido has $85M in the bank and a long runway ahead. We’re building toward self‑securing software. Join an all‑star team. Take real ownership. Push boundaries. Build things that matter.

We're looking for a hands‑on Sales Manager to lead and grow our SMB sales team in Chicago.

You’ll be responsible for managing and coaching a team of SMB Account Executives covering the Chicago market. This is not a pure management role—we’re looking for someone who leads from the front, helps close deals, sharpens execution, and raises the bar across the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and scale a team of SMB Account Executives based in Chicago
• Drive pipeline generation and revenue growth across your territory
• Improve outbound, inbound, and sales execution processes
• Support reps on strategic deals and key accounts
• Build a high‑performance, high‑accountability sales culture
• Collaborate with marketing and growth on GTM initiatives targeting SMB customers
• Hire, onboard, and develop top sales talent
• Forecast accurately and manage team performance metrics

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading high‑performing SaaS sales teams in an SMB segment
• Experience managing SMB Account Executives
• Strong understanding of outbound sales, prospecting, CRM workflows, and pipeline management
• Tech‑savvy and comfortable selling technical products
• Strong coaching and people management skills
• Self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑growing startup environment
• Based in or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL

What you can expect

• High‑impact role in a fast‑growing company
• Fast growth of responsibility
• Competitive compensation package
• An open, informal culture grounded in strong values
• Flexibility in working hours and a hybrid work environment