📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Key Account Director
🔹 Company: Darktrace
🔹 Location: Madrid, Spain
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Computer and Network Security
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Focusing on strategic accounts, comprising of the Global 500
- Working as an Individual Contributor with a supporting team
- Identifying opportunities, mapping accounts, and expanding key stakeholder relationships
- Responsible for the entire sales cycle, including winning new customers
- Reporting directly to the senior leadership team
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in full-cycle sales success within the cybersecurity industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Working closely with dedicated BDR team to identify opportunities
✅ Attending meetings to present Darktrace and discuss cyber challenges/priorities with strategic scale opportunities
✅ Taking the lead in running projects (POCs) with strategic scale opportunities
✅ Running commercial negotiations
✅ Working closely with dedicated Subject Matter Experts to address complicated use-cases
✅ Mapping key accounts and developing strategic relationships with executive stakeholders (C-Level and below)
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong project management skills to balance multiple projects and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, or a related discipline)
Experience: Proven track record of full-cycle sales success in large-scale cybersecurity deals at a strategic level
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven ability to build rapport with senior decision-makers
- Strong project management skills
- Experience in closing deals with large enterprise customers
- Ability to leverage existing network to develop client base within the first 6-9 months
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in Spanish
- Experience working with the Global 500
- Knowledge of the cybersecurity industry and its trends
ASSUMPTION: Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required, as the role involves working with global accounts.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Senior Sales role in Madrid)
Benefits:
- Four weeks holiday + all public holidays
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Accident, death & disability insurance
- Meal vouchers
- Employee health support
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Senior Sales role in Madrid, with experience level and location taken into account.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Darktrace is a global leader in AI cybersecurity, providing the essential cybersecurity platform to secure organizations today and for an ever-changing future.
Company Size: Darktrace has over 2,500 employees located globally, with a presence in over 100 countries.
Founded: Darktrace was founded in 2013 by mathematicians and cyber defence experts.
Company Description:
- Darktrace is a global leader in AI cybersecurity, delivering complete AI-powered solutions in its mission to free the world of cyber disruption.
- The company has pioneered a proactive, AI-native approach to security, with technology innovations backed by over 200 patents and pending applications.
- Darktrace's roots lie deep in innovation, with the Darktrace AI Research Centre based in Cambridge, UK, conducting research to establish new thresholds in cybersecurity.
Company Specialties:
- Cybersecurity AI
- Cyber defense
- Information security
- Intelligence
- Information technology
- Machine learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- and ransomware protection
Company Website: http://www.darktrace.com
ASSUMPTION: Darktrace's global presence and industry leadership make it an attractive employer for experienced sales professionals seeking to work with strategic accounts.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: The Key Account Director reports directly to the senior leadership team.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site with flexibility for remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding client base and strategic accounts
- Developing expertise in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions
- Potential career progression into leadership or management roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for experienced sales professionals looking to expand their client base and develop their expertise in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (On-site with flexibility for remote work)
Office Location(s): Madrid, Spain
Geographic Context:
- Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, with a population of approximately 3.3 million people.
- The city is a major economic hub and a significant center for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
- Madrid offers a high quality of life, with a vibrant cultural scene, excellent dining options, and numerous parks and green spaces.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Madrid's status as an economic hub and its vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive location for experienced sales professionals.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR team
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the senior leadership team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales experience and track record
- Communication skills and ability to build rapport with senior decision-makers
- Project management skills and ability to balance multiple projects
- Industry knowledge and understanding of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight your full-cycle sales experience and success in closing large enterprise deals.
- Prepare examples of your ability to build strategic relationships and expand client bases.
- Demonstrate your understanding of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and their importance in today's threat landscape.
ATS Keywords: Strategic accounts, Global 500, full-cycle sales, commercial negotiations, project management, executive stakeholders, AI-driven cybersecurity
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their resumes and cover letters to highlight their relevant experience and skills, as well as their understanding of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- AI-driven cybersecurity platforms (e.g., Darktrace's own solutions)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary, but applicants should be comfortable using CRM software, project management tools, and AI-driven cybersecurity platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Customer focus
- Integrity
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Results-driven
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
- Are you comfortable working with senior decision-makers and building strategic relationships?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in full-cycle sales within the cybersecurity industry?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Darktrace's company values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Building a client base within the first 6-9 months
- Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in AI-driven cybersecurity
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the potential challenges associated with this role and assess their ability to overcome them.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Senior Sales positions, but with a focus on strategic accounts and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
- Unlike other sales roles, this position requires a proven track record of success in closing large enterprise deals and building strategic relationships.
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership or management positions within Darktrace's sales organization.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should compare this role to other Senior Sales positions and assess the unique aspects of this opportunity within Darktrace.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic account plan for a Global 500 company
- Running a proof of concept (POC) with a strategic scale opportunity
- Negotiating a complex commercial agreement with a key stakeholder
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they have successfully managed them in the past.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Darktrace support the growth and development of its sales team?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
- How does Darktrace differentiate itself from other AI-driven cybersecurity providers?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance for hybrid employees?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your full-cycle sales experience and success in closing large enterprise deals
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and your fit with Darktrace's company values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
