Location: Netherlands 

Who We Are

Grain is a pioneering fintech startup. We offer embedded cross-currency solutions tailored for software platforms and marketplaces. Grain was founded by seasoned entrepreneurs, formerly of financial institutions like Barclays, Deutsche Bank, as well as other renowned fintech startups. Grain is backed by leading venture capital firms and prominent financial institutions. At Grain, we offer an opportunity to shape the fintech landscape and be a part of a community that’s committed to excellence.

For our newly formed entity in Netherlands, we’re seeking an experienced and driven Sales Manager with a strong background in selling embedded finance products, particularly in the FX space, to drive revenue growth and oversee the expansion of our fintech solutions in Europe. This individual will play a pivotal role in driving growth by connecting our cutting-edge solutions with businesses looking to optimize their cross-border and FX business to drive higher volumes, as well as will take on the leadership as a nominated management board member of the Grain B.V.  This role requires residency in the Netherlands and a successful integrity and suitability screening by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). 

Key Responsibilities

Business Development:

• Identify, target, and engage potential clients within the travel sector, including bedbanks, OTAs, and other travel intermediaries.

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to drive adoption of our embedded finance and FX solutions within the travel industry.

Relationship Management:

• Build and nurture relationships with decision-makers, including CFOs, treasurers, and operational leaders within travel businesses.

• Serve as a trusted advisor by understanding clients' unique challenges in the travel sector and presenting tailored solutions.

• Represent Grain at key travel and fintech industry events and conferences.

Sales Execution:

• Develop and execute a sales and distribution strategy to expand our presence in the European market.

• Lead a high-performing sales team and ensuring that sales targets and KPIs are met.

• Lead the end-to-end sales process, from prospecting and pitching to negotiating and closing deals.

• Collaborate with internal teams (product, marketing, and customer success) to ensure smooth client onboarding and ongoing satisfaction.

Market Expertise:

• Establish strong relationships with key partners, software platforms, and marketplaces.

• Stay informed about travel industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes affecting cross-border payments and FX in this sector.

• Provide market feedback to the product team to refine offerings and address specific needs in the travel industry.

Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of sales activities, pipeline development, and forecasts using CRM tools.

• Consistently meet or exceed sales targets and KPIs.

• Reporting directly to VP Sales .

Management board member

• Manage Grain B.V., ensure smooth operations and alignment with global Grain goals.

• Lead strategic initiatives to strengthen Grain B.V. position in the fintech industry.

• Manage & maintain regulatory compliance of a Dutch investment firm with AFM and European regulatory standards.

• Responsible for Grain B.V. business strategy & development, governance, financial results, risk management and operation.

• Represent Grain B.V. vis a vis various regulatory bodies in Netherland and Europe. 

  
  

Qualifications

Experience:

• 5+ years of sales experience in fintech, embedded finance, or FX solutions, with a focus on the travel industry.

• Leadership experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial or board-level role within the financial industry including facing regulators and government authorities.

• Proven track record of success in selling to travel businesses, including bedbanks, OTAs, and other intermediaries.

• Familiarity with the operational and financial challenges faced by travel businesses.

• A deep understanding of financial regulations, investment firms, and compliance requirements in the Netherlands and European Market

Skills:

• Strong consultative sales skills and ability to simplify complex financial solutions for clients.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and sales analytics platforms.

• Experience in managing and scaling high-growth sales team

  
  

Regulatory & Suitability requirements:

Any candidate applying for this position must meet the following AFM suitability and integrity assessment requirements:

Residency: You must reside in the Netherlands.

• AFM Integrity Screening: If you have not been previously screened by AFM or DNB, an integrity assessment will be required.

• AFM Suitability Screening: You must meet the Policy Rule on Fitness 2012 (Beleidsregel Geschiktheid 2012), which includes:

  • Management skills: At least 2 years of relevant experience in the last 10 years (minimum 1 year uninterrupted).

  • Leadership experience: At least 2 years of hierarchical leadership in the last 10 years (minimum 1 year uninterrupted).

  • Industry knowledge: At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the last 5 years (minimum 1 year uninterrupted).

  • Operational fitness: At least 2 years of experience in business operations in the last 10 years (minimum 1 year uninterrupted).

Attributes:

• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Analytical mindset to identify opportunities and craft tailored financial solutions for travel businesses.

• Passionate about fintech innovation and improving efficiency in the travel sector.

  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.

• A board-level position with strategic influence.

• Equity participation through our ESOP plan.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.

• Professional development opportunities, including a learning and development budget.

• Collaborative, forward-thinking team and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.

• Career advancement opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.