Strategic Account Executive (Central Government)
Role Overview
The Strategic Account Executive will focus on selling the Kong Enterprise Platform to Central Government and public sector customers. This senior-level role involves managing a territory, understanding government procurement processes, and leading accounts through the pre- and post-sales stages. The hire will have a significant impact on acquiring new public sector accounts and driving growth for the company.
Perks & Benefits
This remote position offers flexibility in work location, with an expectation of 30% to 50% travel to customer and partner sites. The company values candidates that are motivated and results-oriented, suggesting a dynamic and performance-driven culture. Additionally, there may be opportunities for career growth, especially for those familiar with public sector frameworks and fast-growing startups.
Full Job Description
Are you ready to unlock intelligence?
If you don’t think you meet all of the criteria below but are still interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box - we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas, and have some interest and capabilities in others.
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced sales professional, ideally with open source experience, who will be selling into Central Government departments and public sector agencies. The ideal candidate has been a part of the sales efforts for other early-stage enterprise products in an entrepreneurial setting and understands the unique complexities of public sector procurement. The Strategic Account Executive will be integral to our growth plan and in acquiring new public sector accounts. Kong’s Account Executive will be the primary point of contact and the face of Kong for our prospects.
What You'll Be Doing:
Sell the Kong Enterprise Platform to Central Government and broader public sector customers.
Meet individual quota and objectives.
Take ownership of your territory, which includes understanding and navigating government procurement processes, framework agreements, and buying criteria, ensuring pipeline accuracy based on evidence, and working opportunities to closure.
Provide account leadership and direction in the pre- and post-sales process, maintaining a deep understanding of public sector mission objectives, and contribute to analysis on wins/losses.
Ability to travel to customer and partner sites as required (30% - 50%).
And any additional tasks required by manager.
What You'll Bring:
A true desire to see citizens and public sector organizations benefit from the investment they make with Kong.
10+ years of experience in selling enterprise software, with a proven track record of hitting targets within Central Government/Public Sector; experience with open source, APIs, and/or infrastructure software a big plus.
Ability to leverage established relationships within government departments and utilize proven sales techniques for success.
Effective communicator and strong interpersonal skills, capable of building trust with government stakeholders and digital transformation leaders.
Excellent negotiation, presentation, and closing skills within complex public sector buying environments.
Motivated, driven, and results-oriented.
Bonus Points
Experience with fast-growing startups is a plus.
Familiarity with public sector frameworks (e.g., G-Cloud, Crown Commercial Service, or equivalent procurement vehicles).
About Kong:
Kong Inc., a leading developer of API and AI connectivity technologies, is building the infrastructure that powers the agentic era. Trusted by the Fortune 500 and startups alike, Kong's unified API and AI platform, Kong Konnect, enables organizations to secure, manage, accelerate, govern, and monetize the flow of intelligence across APIs and AI models. For more information, visit www.konghq.com.
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