Sales Development Representative

Detect Auto is building the operating system for modern auto repair shops. We're an AI-powered software company focused on revolutionizing the efficiency and performance of auto repair shops. Our platform is the engine that automates routine tasks, giving mechanics, service advisors, and shop owners more time in the repair bay and less time in front of a screen.

MISSION OF THE ROLE: THE PIPELINE BUILDER

The Sales Development Representative (SDR) is a pipeline builder and a critical growth engine for Detect Auto. This is a high-ownership, high-activity hunter role focused on strategically penetrating our market. You will own the top of the funnel—building relationships with auto repair shops and consistently scheduling high-quality discovery and demo calls for the Account Executive (AE) team.

You will be instrumental in helping define our sales playbook, experimenting with new, creative tactics, and driving the foundational momentum that will scale our company.

LOCATION AND WORK ARRANGEMENT

• Work location: Austin, Texas

• Remote flexibility: Remote work is permitted initially. Relocation to Austin is preferred to help build our on-site team and culture.

• Relocation: A stipend may be offered to support your move to Austin.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: OWN THE FUNNEL

Pipeline Generation & Outreach

• Strategically execute outbound prospecting, dedicating approximately two-thirds of your day to phone, email, and LinkedIn activity.

• Drive activity with 100 or more cold calls per day to targeted prospects—you run towards the number.

• Deploy multi-step outreach sequences, hyper-tailored to each account.

• Leverage LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Apollo, Lemlist, NeverBounce, and related tools to identify and engage senior decision-makers.

Lead Qualification & CRM Hygiene

• Expertly qualify inbound demo requests using the Detect Auto ideal customer profile (ICP) and BANT criteria.

• Achieve a target conversion rate of 5 to 10 percent from initial outreach to demo scheduled.

• Schedule and confirm discovery and demo calls, ensuring a clear, documented handoff.

• Ensure impeccable CRM hygiene by owning day-to-day updates, maintaining 200+ active contacts, and guaranteeing data accuracy in Pipedrive CRM.

Strategy & Collaboration

• Build, refine, and relentlessly prioritize outreach lists for independent shops and enterprise accounts.

• Partner closely with AEs to align on target accounts, messaging, and qualification criteria.

• Become an expert in the automotive repair industry to speak credibly with shop owners.

• Contribute direct, candid feedback from the field to inform product, marketing, and sales process improvements—you have a voice in the strategy.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Outreach activity metrics (daily and weekly calls, emails, LinkedIn touchpoints, and positive replies).

• Conversion rate from lead to scheduled demo (target 5-10%).

• Total demos set and show rate.

• CRM data quality and adherence to process.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 1+ year(s) of experience in a Sales Development, Business Development, or similar outbound sales role OR a strong desire to start a career in sales with a self-starter attitude and willingness to proactively engage prospects.

• Proven track record of making 50 or more cold calls per day in a high-activity, hunter environment is a bonus

• Experience managing 200+ contacts in a CRM such as Pipedrive, HubSpot, or Salesforce.

• Demonstrated success in consistently booking meetings or demos through relentless outbound efforts.

• Strong communication and objection-handling skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different personas and engage senior decision-makers.

• High ownership mindset: Highly organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented with a data-driven approach to tracking activity and adjusting strategy based on results.

• Comfortable using sales engagement tools (Apollo, Lemlist, NeverBounce, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, or similar).

Bonus

• Experience selling into auto repair shops or the automotive service industry.

• Prior experience in an outbound role at an early-stage software or SaaS company.

• Experience building prospect lists from scratch.

• Familiarity with BANT and other qualification methodologies.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Base salary: 45,000-70,000 USD annually.

• Commission: This is a commission-driven role with an uncapped commission structure. The specific commission structure and performance expectations will be discussed in detail during the interview process.

• Early-stage equity potential

• Health benefits: Coverage with an option for approximately 50 percent employer contribution toward premiums for the employee and eligible dependents (eligibility begins on day one of employment).

• Additional benefits provided in line with company policy.

• Expected travel is between 10 and 30 days per year (up to 15%), primarily for conferences and team meetings.

THE RIGHT FIT

We are looking for someone who:

• Focuses on results and takes ownership of outcomes—you own the number.

• Cares deeply about customers and wants to understand life in a repair shop.

• Thinks long term and is interested in building durable systems, not quick fixes.

• Experiments, tests new approaches, and learns quickly from data and feedback—you have a builder mentality.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reports to the VP of Sales

• Works in close partnership with one or more Account Executives.

Detect Auto is building the operating system for modern auto repair shops. We care deeply about our customers and about building something durable. If you want to help build a category leader, not just join one, we should talk. Detect Auto is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If this sounds good we are excited to hear from you!

Detect Auto is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.