Account Executive

Company Description

Explain is a vertical AI scale-up specialized in applying large language models to public sector data. The company offers an AI SaaS platform that automates every step of responding to public contracts, currently serving clients in France with plans to expand globally. Explain works with more than 250 customers, including a quarter of the CAC 40, across energy, environment, telecoms, construction, energy efficiency, and smart city sectors. With 100% European technology, Explain aims to become a global leader in generative AI and contribute to a strong European AI ecosystem that can compete with the United States and China.

Role Description

The Account Executive is a full-time, on-site role based in Paris, responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of enterprise and public sector clients. Day-to-day activities include identifying new business opportunities, leading the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing, and nurturing long-term relationships with key decision-makers. The person in this role will collaborate with product, customer success, and technical teams to tailor solutions, prepare proposals, and ensure successful onboarding and adoption of Explain’s AI SaaS platform. The Account Executive will track pipeline activity, maintain accurate CRM records, and provide market feedback to help refine the company’s go-to-market strategy.

Qualifications

• 2-3 year of experience in B2B sales or account management, ideally in SaaS, AI, or data/analytics solutions.
• Ability to manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, qualifying, presenting, negotiating, and closing.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders in complex organizations.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement or responses to public contracts is highly advantageous.
• Comfort working with technical products, with the ability to translate client needs into clear solution proposals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management and CRM skills to handle multiple accounts and opportunities.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced scale-up environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Motivation to contribute to the growth of a European AI leader and interest in generative AI and public sector innovation.