Position OverviewThe Sales Director for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) leads the strategic commercial expansion of the company's quantum-secure communications portfolio. This executive role is responsible for defining market strategy, driving revenue growth, and developing high-value customer relationships. This role also focuses on market expansion, partnerships, and early-stage customer engagement, working closely with Sales, Product Management, and R&D to drive long-term revenue growth. The ideal candidate brings a balance of deep technical aptitude in quantum-secure networking and proven executive-level sales leadership.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Growth- Develop and own the North America sales strategy for QKD and quantum-secure networking solutions.
- Establish revenue targets, forecast sales performance, and drive execution to exceed financial goals.
- Identify and prioritize high-growth markets including telecommunications carriers, government/defense agencies, financial institutions, cloud and data center providers, and critical infrastructure operators.
- Identify and evaluate new business opportunities for QKD and quantum-secure networking solutions.
- Develop business cases and entry strategies for new markets, regions, or use cases.
- Create market expansion plans that include strategic partnerships, channel development, and ecosystem alignment.
Sales Leadership- Lead, develop, and mentor technical sales resources.
- Build a high-performance culture centered around operational excellence, customer success, and continuous improvement.
- Implement structured sales processes, KPIs, and pipeline management methodologies.
Executive-Level Customer Engagement- Build strong relationships with C-suite customers, senior technical leaders, procurement executives, and government stakeholders.
- Lead major deal negotiations, enterprise proposals, and multi-year contract discussions.
- Drive adoption of QKD and quantum-safe solutions through consultative selling and long-term strategic planning with customers.
- Engage with prospective customers to understand use cases and adoption drivers.
- Assist in defining PoC's and pilot projects in collaboration with Engineering.
Technical & Market Expertise- Maintain a deep understanding of QKD, quantum-safe cryptography, optical networking, and cybersecurity trends.
- Translate cutting-edge quantum technologies into clear business value, differentiation, and ROI messaging.
- Monitor and influence the evolving landscape of standards, regulations, and industry frameworks related to quantum security.
Cross-Functional Influence- Collaborate closely with overseas QKD staff to shape the product roadmap based on market needs and customer insights.
- Work with Marketing to develop campaigns, thought leadership content, and industry positioning.
- Support customer pilots, PoC's, and deployment planning through coordination with engineering teams.
Industry Engagement & Ecosystem Development- Represent the company at conferences, industry consortiums, and customer events.
- Build strategic partnerships with telecommunications vendors, integrators, and technology alliances to strengthen market position.
- Advocate for quantum-safe communication adoption and educate the market on emerging threats and solutions.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in enterprise technology sales, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
- Proven success leading sales organizations selling high-complexity solutions (e.g., cybersecurity, optical networking, telecom infrastructure, quantum technologies).
- Strong executive communication, negotiation, and customer relationship capabilities.
- Experience managing large deals, long sales cycles, and multi-stakeholder enterprise or government sales.
- Ability to articulate highly technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred- Experience in QKD, quantum technologies, or advanced cryptographic products.
- Existing network in telecom, defense, finance, or critical infrastructure sectors.
- Master's degree (MBA or technical equivalent).
- Familiarity with NIST PQC standards, ETSI QKD standards, and quantum-safe security compliance.
Key Competencies- Strategic commercial leadership
- Deep technical aptitude
- Executive presence and communication
- High-value complex deal management
- Customer-centric approach
- Consultative selling mindset
- Market analysis & competitive insight
- Cross-functional influence
- Global mindset & cultural awareness
