Head of Sales, Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal)

Cohere is the leading security-first enterprise AI company. We build cutting-edge foundation AI models and end-to-end products that are designed to solve real-world business problems.

We’re training and deploying frontier models for enterprises who are building AI systems. We believe that our work is instrumental to the widespread adoption of AI and we are looking for folks that want to be part of that.

We obsess over what we build. Each one of us is responsible for contributing to increasing the capabilities of our models and the value they drive for our customers. Cohere is a team of researchers, engineers, designers, and more, who are all passionate about their craft.

We are a global technology company headquartered in Toronto with key offices in London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin and Seoul. Join us!

As our Head of Southern Europe, you will spearhead year-over-year revenue growth by developing and executing enterprise-level customer acquisition strategies across Italy, Spain, and Portugal. You will drive long-term success through strategic market development, executive engagement, and expansion of Cohere’s presence across Southern European markets.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will build and guide Cohere’s Southern Europe sales strategy, cultivating relationships with Enterprise and Strategic accounts, strategic partners, and industry stakeholders. You will work closely with regional and global leadership to establish Cohere as a trusted AI partner to public sector organizations, while driving revenue growth and achieving broader organizational objectives.

Location flexibility: Candidates may be based in Italy, Spain, Portugal, or outside the region. However, candidates must demonstrate meaningful experience supporting and developing business across these Southern European markets, with established relationships and the ability to travel regularly throughout the region.

• Develop, execute, and lead a comprehensive go-to-market strategy and sales plan for Southern Europe driving revenue growth, customer acquisition, and market expansion across Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

• Provide strategic sales and operational leadership for Cohere’s Southern European business, ensuring alignment with global priorities, company objectives, and regional growth strategies.

• Build and expand relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, strategic partners, and systems integrators across the region.

• Lead enterprise-level business development, strategic account planning, and capture initiatives, identifying and pursuing high-value opportunities across government, defense, and other regulated public sector markets.

• Establish and strengthen relationships with local and multinational prime contractors, technology partners, consulting organizations, and industry associations to accelerate Cohere’s market presence.

• Partner with Marketing, Product, Engineering, Legal, and other internal teams to align regional customer requirements, market opportunities, and sales execution with broader company priorities.

• Represent Cohere at key Southern European events, conferences, customer engagements, and networking opportunities, working in collaboration with regional and global leadership.

• Collaborate with global teams to establish anchor customer relationships, advance strategic opportunities, and develop best practices for enterprise-level AI deployments and implementations.

• Operate as a hands-on regional leader, building the market, developing strategic opportunities, and driving execution in partnership with a broader, matrixed global sales organization.

• Have 10+ years of sales and leadership experience, developing go-to-market strategies and driving revenue growth within fast-paced technology organizations.

• Have demonstrated experience supporting and developing business across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, with established relationships in commercial, enterprise and strategic accounts, and related ecosystems.

• Possess a proven track record of leading strategic capture, enterprise sales, and consultative solution-selling initiatives, particularly involving complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities.

• Have a strong understanding of Southern European procurement processes and budget cycles, and regional market dynamics.

• Bring an established network of relationships with decision-makers, organizations, prime contractors, systems integrators, and relevant industry associations across the target markets.

• Have exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills, with the ability to build executive-level relationships, influence stakeholders, and develop cross-functional partnerships.

• Are comfortable operating in a matrixed global environment, coordinating efforts across regional and international teams without relying on a large direct-report organization.

• Are a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of working independently, rolling up your sleeves, building new markets, and driving meaningful commercial impact.

• Have experience selling AI, cloud, enterprise software, data platforms, or other complex technology solutions. Experience in AI or a related industry is highly desirable.

• Are fluent in English and have professional fluency in at least one of the primary regional languages: Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Additional language capabilities across the region are an advantage.

• Can be based in Southern Europe or another location, provided you have a strong track record supporting these markets and are willing to travel regularly throughout Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Expected travel: 25–35%, with flexibility based on business needs.

• A weekly lunch stipend of $75/£75 or equivalent in your local currency for lunch.

• Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget for mental health.

• RRSP matching, 401K, Pension Scheme.

• 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months, for either parent.

• Annual enrichment benefits:

  Arts & culture, fitness/wellness, quality time, and a workspace improvement credit.

  Education & learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching.

• 6 weeks of paid vacation (30 working days!)

• Budget for traveling to other offices if you are remote, plus an annual company offsite.

• Cohere is remote-friendly, but we also have offices in Toronto, London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin and Seoul with more opening soon.

• For those in the office: a daily lunch program, plenty of snacks, and regular community and social events.

• For those not near an office: a co-working benefit so you can work alongside others in your city.

• Everyone receives a $500 home office stipend to set up your workspace properly.

If any of the above doesn’t line up exactly with your experience, we still encourage you to apply.

We strive to create an inclusive work environment for all; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities. Should you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please submit an Accommodations Request Form, and we will work together to meet your needs.

We may use AI-enabled tools to screen and assess applicants against the criteria for this position. This helps our recruiters identify potentially qualified candidates, but it doesn't limit the applications our recruiters may review or consider.

Beware of Scams: Cohere will never ask for payment or third-party services (e.g., CV writing) as part of our hiring process. All legitimate roles are listed on the Cohere careers page and LinkedIn only, with all communications from Cohere employees coming from an @cohere.com or @cw.cohere email alias. If jobs are viewed on other sites then please verify these through our official careers page.