Business Development Representative - Data & AI

Company Overview

Ailio GmbH is a specialized consulting firm focused on data-driven enterprise solutions, supporting major clients like BASF, EDEKA, and Telekom, alongside mid-sized firms, in their cloud transformation journey. Our core technologies include Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and Databricks, aiming to deliver substantial business impact rather than just presentations.

Role Mission

As a Business Development Representative (BDR), you serve as the forefront of our sales team, proactively detecting and engaging potential customers before competitors do.

• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline by identifying key decision-makers such as CIOs, Heads of Data and AI, and Chief Data Officers within mid-sized and large companies.
• Employ outbound marketing techniques including social selling via LinkedIn, targeted emails, and cold calling to connect with prospects and spark curiosity for our data and AI services.
• Qualify leads by assessing their needs, whether they're suited for centralized Data Lakehouses using Databricks or modern analytics platforms like Microsoft Fabric.
• Schedule discovery meetings with Account Executives, ensuring a seamless handover and thorough preparation.
• Act as a brand ambassador representing Ailio's collaborative and straightforward approach.
• Progressively develop towards an Account Executive role within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Prospecting & Lead Generation: Research potential target companies, focusing on mid-sized firms with modernization requirements or enterprises emphasizing cloud migration.
• Identify relevant personas (CIOs, Heads of Data, CDOs, IT Leaders) using professional tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
• Analyze companies potentially utilizing Microsoft Azure or Databricks to pinpoint fitting opportunities.
• Execute multichannel outreach through social selling, cold calls, personalized emails, and event participation to showcase Ailio's solutions, including enterprise chatbots and Data Lakehouses.
• Focus communications on value delivery rather than pricing.
• Conduct thorough needs analysis to uncover customer pain points, budget availability, and current IT infrastructure.
• Utilize success stories to demonstrate Ailio's expertise during lead qualification and discovery phases.
• Maintain detailed records in CRM systems to ensure efficient follow-up and enable optimal preparation for Account Executives during discovery calls.

Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience in sales, business development, or account management — ideally within B2B or SaaS/IT services sectors.
• Technical comprehension of concepts like cloud computing, Data Lakehouses, machine learning, and generative AI; familiarity with Microsoft Azure is advantageous.
• Fluency in German (C2 level) for engaging with German mid-sized companies and strong English skills for the tech environment.
• Proficient in using CRM platforms such as Pipedrive, Salesforce, or HubSpot and research tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, business informatics, marketing, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory with relevant experience.

Soft Skills and Mindset

• Strong communication skills capable of simplifying complex technical topics into accessible, value-focused language.
• Resilient attitude with a high tolerance for rejection common in cold outreach, perceiving setbacks as steps toward success.
• Highly motivated and organized, adept at prioritizing leads and managing a sales pipeline systematically.
• Empathic listener asking insightful questions to uncover client challenges rather than following rigid scripts.
• Eagerness to continuously learn and keep up with emerging technologies such as Microsoft Fabric and Databricks.

Cultural Fit

• Pragmatic approach aligned with Ailio's motto: "Together. Simple. Action." You are practical and results-driven rather than theoretical.
• Team-oriented, collaborating closely with marketing and account executives to refine sales strategies and enhance outcomes.

Locations and Level

The role is based in Bielefeld, Hamburg, or fully remote, with a preference for candidates connected to the Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) region. Suitable for entry to mid-level professionals.