Founding Sales Associate

Founding Sales Associate (Account Executive)

TL;DR

Qalea: Cybersecurity and compliance for mid-market, reinvented

Backed by Google, ex-cybersecurity-founders, and traditional VC (€1.5M raised)

The job: Be the first closer of the company (after CEO), build the sales engine together

You should: 2+ years as quota-carrying AE in B2B SaaS, native Spanish, in-person (Barcelona)

30-45K€ base + uncapped variable

Already in?
APPLY HERE —

Hi there

I'm Olmo, CEO of Qalea. We're looking for our
first Account Executive
to help me close deals at the full potential we have. This is a rare opportunity to own the entire closing function, define how we sell, and grow into a
Head of Sales
role as we scale.

About Qalea

We are Qalea, a fast-growing, early-stage cybersecurity startup on a mission to make digital security intuitive and accessible for every business. We've built a platform that puts simplicity, usability, and real impact at the core of cybersecurity.

We've raised €1.5M and are backed by top-tier investors—from cybersecurity unicorn founders to leading VC firms. We're also proud to be part of the
Google for Startups AI-Cybersecurity program
, working alongside some of the brightest minds in product and security.

We move fast, stay curious, and care deeply about what we're building. What matters to us is making an impact and building together, while enjoying the ride.

The Mission

We're looking for a
Founding Account Executive
to take the torch from the CEO (me) and professionalize our closing engine. You'll be the primary driver of revenue, owning the full sales cycle from qualified lead to closed-won. This isn't just about hitting a quota; it's about defining
how
we sell, refining our narrative, and shaping the future of our Go-To-Market strategy.

What You'll Do

• Own the Full Sales Cycle:
  Take qualified opportunities from our SDR team and drive them to close. You'll run discovery calls, deliver demos, handle objections, negotiate contracts, and get deals over the line.
• Pipeline Building & Collaboration:
  Work closely with our A+ team of two SDRs. While they drive outbound volume, you'll ensure quality, alignment, and strategic targeting to build a healthy, convertible pipeline. They call; you call with them. Strong leadership comes from getting your hands dirty.
• Pipeline Management:
  You are the ultimate owner of the funnel. You'll maintain impeccable hygiene in our CRM (HubSpot), ensuring we have accurate forecasting and data visibility to make smart business decisions.
• Become a Product Expert:
  You'll know Qalea inside and out. You'll guide customers through their decision-making process efficiently, without unnecessary friction, and position our value clearly.
• Feedback Loop & Product Growth:
  You're the eyes and ears of the market. You'll continuously improve our demo flow, revisit our Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), and provide critical feedback to the Product team. You aren't just a closing machine; you're a key architect of our growth.
• Shape the Sales Playbook:
  You'll work hand-in-hand with the CEO to build our GTM strategy, refine pricing models, create sales collateral, and document what works. You're building the foundation for the entire sales org.

You'll Excel If You Have

Must-Haves:

• Proven AE Experience:
  4+ years of personal (not team) quota-carrying experience as an Account Executive in B2B SaaS or Tech Sales. You've consistently hit or exceeded quota.
• Mid-Market Expertise:
  You're comfortable selling deal sizes in the €10k–€30k range and understand the nuances of selling to mid-sized organizations employees).
• Full-Cycle Closer:
  You've owned deals from discovery to close. You know how to run a great demo, handle objections, negotiate contracts, and create urgency.
• CRM & Sales Tools:
  Deep understanding of modern sales tools, specifically
  HubSpot
  . You know how to leverage automation to work smarter and keep your pipeline squeaky clean.
• Startup DNA:
  You thrive in ambiguity. You don't wait for a playbook—you help build it. You're comfortable with fast iteration and limited structure.

Cultural Fit:

• Solution-Oriented:
  You bring solutions, not problems. You're proactive in overcoming blockers.
• Accountability:
  You create clarity rather than expecting others to create it for you. You understand that
  responsibility
  is the ability to respond, and
  accountability
  is the ownership of the (quantifiable) result.
• Ownership Mindset:
  You're autonomous, decisive, and lead with confidence.
• Collaboration:
  You work seamlessly with SDRs, Product, and the CEO. You give feedback with respect and receive it with humility.
• Communication:
  Native-level fluency in
  Spanish
  and professional fluency in
  English
  is mandatory.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Previous experience as an SDR (you understand the full funnel)
• Experience in the Cybersecurity, Compliance, or InfoSec industry
• Previous experience in early-stage startups (Seed to Series A)
• Familiarity with selling AI-driven or technical products

What's in It for You?

• Uncapped Earnings:
  Competitive base (30-45K€) + uncapped commission structure. Top performers can significantly exceed OTE.
• Career Growth:
  A clear 6-month review plan with a tangible career path toward a
  Head of Sales
  position. You'll have the freedom to shape the entire sales function from the ground up.
• Equity:
  Early-stage equity package. You're not just an employee; you're a builder.
• Flexibility:
  We're an
  office-first
  culture because we believe in the power of in-person collaboration, but we offer flexibility when life happens. We also offer remote work options during Summer and Christmas weeks.
• Wellness:
  Access to
  Gympass/Wellhub
  (gyms, classes, and wellness apps) to keep you moving.
• Team Culture:
  Join a passionate, supportive team. We celebrate wins together—from offsites and team lunches to spontaneous Slack banter.

Our Benefits

Enticing performance bonuses
— we won't let your dedication and results go unnoticed

Extra days of vacation
— 26 days total (23 days vacation + your Birthday + Dec 24th & 31st)

Working remotely
in summer and Christmas to visit family or other places

Gympass
included to support your fitness and well-being

Impact
: Be part of our startup journey from day one, playing a key role in our growth and building something meaningful from the ground up

Free fresh fruit every day
to help you care for your health

Unlimited specialty coffee
(Syra)

A discount @ Nora food
where you can also get daily menu deals

Cool corner office
in amazing Barcelona in Poblenou, surrounded by a thriving tech scene

Continuous learning,
including but not limited to mentoring, coaching, workshops, and opportunities to attend SaaS conferences

Team gatherings and celebrations,
because we love to build connections and celebrate achievements together

A collaborative culture
because we foster hard work, teamwork, transparency, and respect, encouraging open communication and a positive environment where your voice matters

Recruitment Process

• Stage 1: Quick Phone Screen mins)
  — Fast filter to check basic fit on experience, location, and salary expectations
• Stage 2: Background & Fit Deep Dive (45 mins)
  — In-depth conversation about your sales experience, cultural fit, and motivation
• Stage 3: Take-Home Exercise mins work)
  — Pipeline management scenario to assess strategic thinking
• Stage 4: Live Assessment mins)
  — Debrief your take-home, run a live discovery call with Payflow founder (role-play), and coach an SDR on lead qualification
• Stage 5: Final Round (conditional, 30-45 mins)
  — Only if needed to resolve specific concerns or meet additional stakeholders
• Timeline:
  2-3 weeks from first call to offer

Ready to shape the future of cybersecurity?

APPLY HERE —