🌍 We’re making security suck less for developers.
Security tools haven’t kept up with how software is built today. They interrupt teams, slow releases, and turn security into a bottleneck instead of a capability. We built Aikido to change that. Aikido builds developer-first security products that reduce real risk without getting in the way of shipping software. We focus on what actually matters and automate the rest.
We’re taking on legacy security tools teams have been stuck with, and we’re winning. If you want to help us take market share and build products developers actually enjoy using, you’re in the right place.
Founded in 2022 by third-time founders, Aikido has $85M in the bank and a long runway ahead. We’re building toward self-securing software. Join an all-star team. Take real ownership. Push boundaries. Build things that matter.
We're looking for a hands-on Sales Manager to lead and grow our SMB sales team in Chicago.
You'll be responsible for managing and coaching a team of SMB Account Executives covering the Chicago market. This is not a pure management role we're looking for someone who leads from the front, helps close deals, sharpens execution, and raises the bar across the team.
Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and scale a team of SMB Account Executives based in Chicago
Drive pipeline generation and revenue growth across your territory
Improve outbound, inbound, and sales execution processes
Support reps on strategic deals and key accounts
Build a high-performance, high-accountability sales culture
Collaborate with marketing and growth on GTM initiatives targeting SMB customers
Hire, onboard, and develop top sales talent
Forecast accurately and manage team performance metrics
Proven experience leading high-performing SaaS sales teams in an SMB segment
Experience managing SMB Account Executives
Strong understanding of outbound sales, prospecting, CRM workflows, and pipeline management
Tech-savvy and comfortable selling technical products
Strong coaching and people management skills
Self-starter who thrives in a fast-growing startup environment
Based in or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL
What you can expect
Short decision lines. Big ownership. Shape the projects that matter and ship fast.
Grow as fast as we do. Take on more, own more, and carve out your own path.
Top-tier tech pay and equity.
High trust, strong values, zero corporate BS.
Flexibility in working hours.
A company that sticks to its values in an open and informal atmosphere.
We hire for talent, drive, and potential. Everything else is noise.
Skills Required
- Proven experience leading high-performing SaaS sales teams in an SMB segment
- Experience managing SMB Account Executives
- Strong understanding of outbound sales, prospecting, CRM workflows, and pipeline management
- Comfortable selling technical products (tech-savvy)
- Strong coaching and people management skills
- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-growing startup environment
- Based in or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL
Aikido Security Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Aikido Security and has not been reviewed or approved by Aikido Security.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is positioned as competitive, with multiple postings emphasizing “top‑tier tech pay” and some U.S. roles listing clear salary ranges. This signals market‑aligned pay practices, particularly across go‑to‑market openings.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is prominently highlighted in role descriptions and described as “discussable” for early or high‑impact hires. This framing suggests meaningful ownership opportunities are available in select cases.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Flexible working hours, remote‑first or hybrid setups, and periodic company gatherings are repeatedly emphasized. These elements provide lifestyle‑oriented perks that complement cash and equity.
Aikido Security Insights
What We Do
Secure code, cloud, and runtime in one central system. Find and fix vulnerabilities automatically, with Aikido AI. Get security done. World-class engineering teams choose Aikido to secure everything they build, host, and run: 1) One platform, total coverage. 2) Automate remediation, end-to-end. 3) Eliminate security debt. Get the fix, not the ticket. Aikido gets developers back to building.
