What the role involves
About us
Encord is the universal data layer for AI that helps 300+ AI teams train and run models on the right data. Our platform indexes, curates, annotates, and evaluates data across the full AI lifecycle, from development through production.
Trusted by Woven by Toyota, AXA, UiPath, Zipline, and more. We're an ambitious team of 100+ working at the frontier of AI and have raised $60M in Series C funding from Wellington Management, CRV, Next47 and Y Combinator.
The role
This is not a traditional BDR role.
As a Commercial Associate at Encord, you'll be an early commercial hire with real ownership across the top and middle of the funnel. You'll help shape how we identify, engage, and convert the right customers as we scale — while building the foundations of a long-term commercial career.
You'll sit at the intersection of outbound strategy, customer discovery, and deal execution. From day one, you'll be expected to think like a seller: prioritising the right accounts, crafting thoughtful outreach, and partnering closely with Account Executives to move real opportunities forward.
This role is designed to identify future sellers early. We optimise for trajectory over polish. High performers typically progress into closing, leadership, or specialist roles (Sales, Solutions, Growth) within 12–18 months, often sooner.
What you'll do
Identify, research, and prioritise high-potential accounts across Encord's core verticals and regions
Develop strong points of view on who to target and why
Execute thoughtful, multi-channel outbound (email, LinkedIn, calls, creative plays)
Craft messaging that resonates with technical and commercial buyers
Partner with Growth and Sales to test campaigns, refine targeting, and improve conversion
Own outcomes, not just activity — quality opportunities matter more than volume
Work directly with Account Executives to progress live opportunities
Support discovery, demos, trials, and follow-ups
Help shape business cases and stakeholder mapping
Ensure a high-quality, consistent prospect experience
Learn how complex, technical B2B deals actually get done
Who we're looking for
You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively
You're motivated by ownership, learning, and long-term growth, not just title or short-term compensation
You enjoy figuring out why something works, not just following a script
You're comfortable operating with ambiguity and high expectations
You can engage with technical concepts without losing sight of business outcomes
You want to be part of building something — not just maintaining it
Experience requirements
1–3 years of professional experience in a commercial, customer-facing, or high-performance role
Exposure to outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, or client engagement is strongly preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement
Why Encord
Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high-growth start-up
Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly
Strong in-person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched North Beach loft office
Flexible PTO to fully recharge
18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays
Annual learning & development budget
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe
Bi-annual company offsites, twice-weekly team lunches, and monthly socials
About Encord
Encord is the data layer for physical AI. We're how the world's most ambitious AI teams turn messy, multimodal data into production systems - from humanoid robots to autonomous vehicles to smart infrastructure. 300+ teams including Toyota, Skydio, and Maxar rely on Encord to curate, manage, and align the data their models actually need. $110M raised. San Francisco, New York, and London.
Full Encord profile