Sales Development Representative (SDR)

Smile ID; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Stock options

Health insurance or stipend

Flexibility in work location

Company off-sites

Job summary

Smile ID in Cape Town is searching for a Sales Development Representative (SDR) to proactively generate new business opportunities through cold calling, email outreach, and LinkedIn prospecting. The ideal candidate has 1-3 years of experience in sales or client-facing roles, strong communication skills, and is comfortable engaging with senior executives. This position offers competitive salaries, stock options, health insurance, and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience in sales, business development or client-facing roles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Full professional fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities through cold calling and email outreach.
• Build and manage target account lists using outreach framework.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline tracking.

Skills

Sales skills

Communication

Cold calling

Organizational skills

Education

Degree from university

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Smile ID is unlocking digital Africa. Smile ID is Africa's leading digital identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) provider. We block fraud while enabling the fastest growing businesses across Africa to onboard at scale and in real-time. Since inception we have performed over 250 million identity verifications. We provide services to hundreds of clients including leading banks, payments providers, lenders, and shared economy businesses.

Our team is a diverse group of hardworking and fun-loving Smilers spanning 4 offices, 7 countries and many time zones. We are backed by leading global investors, including Norsken22, Costanoa, and many more.

We are BUILDERS and your day-to-day will involve finding solutions for our clients that PROTECT people and create honest paths to success in Africa’s digital economy. We believe everyone at Smile ID is an OWNER. With this opportunity, you have the autonomy to do your best work and a chance to grow your career at a mission-driven company. Our vision is that it should be easy for anyone to prove their identity online, regardless of the origin of their ID card or IP address.

Come join us.

The Role

We’re looking for a sharp, polished Sales Development Representative (SDR) to join our team in Cape Town. This is a high-exposure role working closely with senior leadership, with hands‑on coaching and direct collaboration in the office.

You’ll be engaging with senior executives and decision-makers, so executive presence, confidence, and professionalism are essential. We’re looking for someone who is ambitious, coachable, and hungry to build a serious career in sales.

This is a chance to make a big impact in a growth stage company. This role reports directly to one of our Head of Sales - Southern Africa.

What the role involves

• Proactively generate new business opportunities through:
  • High-volume cold calling (you’ll be doing this alongside leadership)
  • Personalised email outreach
  • LinkedIn prospecting
  • Target account research
  • Book qualified meetings with senior decision-makers
• Build and manage target account lists using our structured outreach framework
• Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline tracking
• Continuously refine messaging and approach based on feedback and coaching
• Work closely with leadership in-office for real-time feedback and development

What We’re Looking For

• 1–3 years out of university with some exposure to sales, business development, or client-facing roles
• Smart, articulate, and highly professional
• Comfortable engaging with senior executives and able to carry yourself with confidence
• Hungry, competitive, and resilient - you’re not afraid of rejection
• Coachable and eager to improve quickly
• Organised and detail-oriented in your outreach and follow-up

We’ve found that individuals who have had exposure — personally or professionally — to high-performance, high-expectation environments tend to thrive in this role. You’re likely comfortable operating in professional circles and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.

SaaS experience is a plus, but not required. Attitude, polish, and drive matter more than what you studied.

Requirements

• Based in Cape Town
• Able to work from our Innovation City (Kloof Street) office at least 4-5 days per week
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Full professional fluency in English

Benefits And Compensation

• Competitive salaries
• Stock options
• Health insurance or stipend (depending on location)
• Time-off, study leave, and paid parental leave
• Flexibility (we are a remote-friendly company + there is the opportunity to work from one of 4 global offices)
• Cool swag and company off‑sites (recent locations: Kenya & Rwanda)