Founding NYC Commercial Associate

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 — and this is not a traditional market entry.

Encord is planting its flag in New York City, and this Commercial Associate will be one of the first people on the ground. You'll be an early commercial hire with real ownership across the top and middle of the funnel, helping shape how we identify, engage, and convert the right customers as we build out our East Coast presence from scratch.

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 builder: figuring out which accounts matter in this market, crafting thoughtful outreach, and partnering closely with our NYC Account Executive 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 — and as the NYC office grows around you, that path is even more accelerated.

What you'll do

Identify, research, and prioritise high-potential accounts across Encord's core verticals — with a focus on building our presence in the New York market

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 the NYC AE and Growth and Sales globally 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

Help define what good looks like in this market — you're not inheriting a playbook, you're helping write it

Who we're looking for

Excited by the idea of being early — you want to help build the NYC chapter, not join something already built

You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively

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

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 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 mont