Sales Manager, SMB (Chicago)

Were making security suck less for developers.

Security tools havent 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.

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

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

Were looking for a hands-on Sales Manager to lead and grow our SMB sales team in Chicago.

Youll be responsible for managing and coaching a team of SMB Account Executives covering the Chicago market. This is not a pure management role were 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

• 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

• Short decision lines. Big ownership. Shape the projects that matter and ship fast.

• Grow as fast as we do. Take on more own more and carve out your own path.

• Top-tier tech pay and equity.

• High trust strong values zero corporate BS.

• Flexibility in working hours.

• A company that sticks to its values in an open and informal atmosphere.

We hire for talent drive and potential. Everything else is noise.