Founding NYC Commercial Associate

About us Encord is the universal data layer for AI that helps 300+ AI teams train and run models on the right data. Our platform indexes, curates, annotates, and evaluates data across the full AI lifecycle, from development through production.

Trusted by Woven by Toyota, AXA, UiPath, Zipline, and more. We're an ambitious team of 100+ working at the frontier of AI and have raised $60M in Series C funding from Wellington Management, CRV, Next47 and Y Combinator.

The role This is not a traditional BDR role — and this is not a traditional market entry. Encord is planting its flag in New York City, and this Commercial Associate will be one of the first people on the ground. You'll be an early commercial hire with real ownership across the top and middle of the funnel, helping shape how we identify, engage, and convert the right customers as we build out our East Coast presence from scratch. You'll sit at the intersection of outbound strategy, customer discovery, and deal execution. From day one, you'll be expected to think like a builder: figuring out which accounts matter in this market, crafting thoughtful outreach, and partnering closely with our NYC Account Executive to move real opportunities forward. This role is designed to identify future sellers early. We optimise for trajectory over polish. High performers typically progress into closing, leadership, or specialist roles (Sales, Solutions, Growth) within 12–18 months, often sooner — and as the NYC office grows around you, that path is even more accelerated. What you'll do

• Identify, research, and prioritise high-potential accounts across Encord's core verticals — with a focus on building our presence in the New York market

• Develop strong points of view on who to target and why

• Execute thoughtful, multi-channel outbound (email, LinkedIn, calls, creative plays)

• Craft messaging that resonates with technical and commercial buyers

• Partner with the NYC AE and Growth and Sales globally to test campaigns, refine targeting, and improve conversion

• Own outcomes, not just activity — quality opportunities matter more than volume

• Work directly with Account Executives to progress live opportunities

• Support discovery, demos, trials, and follow-ups

• Help shape business cases and stakeholder mapping

• Ensure a high-quality, consistent prospect experience

• Help define what good looks like in this market — you're not inheriting a playbook, you're helping write it

Who we're looking for

• Excited by the idea of being early — you want to help build the NYC chapter, not join something already built

• You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively

• Motivated by ownership, learning, and long-term growth, not just title or short-term compensation

• You enjoy figuring out why something works, not just following a script

• Comfortable operating with ambiguity and high expectations

• You can engage with technical concepts without losing sight of business outcomes

• You want to be part of building something — not just maintaining it

Experience requirements

• 1–3 years of professional experience in a commercial, customer-facing, or high-performance role

• Exposure to outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, or client engagement is strongly preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Evidence of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement

Why Encord

• Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high-growth start-up

• Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly

• Strong in-person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched office

• Flexible PTO to fully recharge

• 18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays

• Annual learning & development budget

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

• Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe

• Bi-annual company offsites, twice-weekly team lunches, and monthly socials