Vice President of Sales, Europe

Great to Meet You! We are Ascenda

Ascenda provides end-to-end rewards infrastructure to help financial services and fintech companies launch premium rewards programs that accelerate their growth, differentiate their products and incentivize positive customer behaviors.

We power rewards programs for the world’s largest banks and card issuers like American Express, Capital One, Brex, HSBC, Virgin Money (Australia), SMBC (Japan), ICBC (China), Bradesco (Brazil), ANZ (Australia), HDFC (India) and many others worldwide.

We are a thriving global fintech company, profitable and experiencing rapid expansion. Currently, we are seeking an individual to spearhead our growth in the non-traditional financial services sector, particularly in North America. As part of our EU-based team, you will assume full responsibility for establishing and guiding our FI and Fintech sales division. Your role will involve cultivating and converting leads from our extensive pipeline of FI and fintech opportunities at Ascenda, while also identifying fresh targets poised to leverage our premium rewards offering.

Join our dynamic sales force as one of our early team members, contributing to the development of our marketing and sales strategies as we strive for hyper-growth. Our team spans 20 cities worldwide, with dual headquarters in Singapore and Seattle, totaling 250 members.

The Role: VP Sales, Europe

To deliver on its ambitious growth agenda, Ascenda is looking for an entrepreneurial VP Sales, Europe (UK + Continental). You will head the company’s European expansion across the broad financial services sector, ranging from traditional banks to buzzing challenger brands and fintechs.

For years, premium rewards programs were exclusive to the big traditional banks, while challenger brands focused on low fees and cash-back propositions. But the tide has turned: with a big push for profitability, premiumization and sustainable growth, fintechs are now seeking new ways to differentiate and engage customers - with a growing interest in rewards.

This exciting role has full ownership of representing Ascenda’s premium rewards solutions in Europe and setting up the sales function for the region. You will nurture and convert leads from Ascenda’s significant existing pipeline of bank & fintech opportunities, in addition to identifying net new targets that will benefit from a premium rewards proposition.

Requirements

Role and Responsibilities

• Take sales ownership of the current pipeline of client opportunities in Europe

• Drive results by sourcing, nurturing and converting leads across traditional banks, challenger brands and fintechs, including neobanks, consumer card issuers, commercial card issuers & spend management solutions, alternative lenders, wallets, investment & wealth management apps, etc.

• In line with business growth attract, hire, develop, and lead a high-caliber diverse sales team

• Collaborate closely with Ascenda’s Product and Marketing teams to maximize sales effectiveness

• Channel actionable feedback to the Product team to inform the roadmap and longer term innovation

• Operate at both a strategic and a tactical level, closing important leads personally and building relationships with senior stakeholders at target companies

• Closely track industry trends and competitor activities to inform the most effective sales strategies

• Represent Ascenda at key industry events

Professional Qualifications

• 15+ years experience, of which a significant portion in B2B SaaS

• Strong results as both an individual sales contributor and sales leader. Having played a significant role in a business scaling from $10M to north of $100M+ in revenue is the sweet spot.

• Track record of selling complex enterprise solutions into the financial services ecosystem.

• Demonstrated ability to develop sales team structures, performance measurements, and effective forecasting.

Personal Characteristics

• Entrepreneurial, hands-on and high-energy

• Naturally curious, keen to learn, always on top of industry trends

• Excited by ambitious goals, rapid growth and breaking new ground

• Structured thinker and communicator who presents ideas in a simple, actionable manner

• Natural collaborator who makes decisions considering the impact on the whole business

Why Join Ascenda?

Ascenda offers the unique opportunity to lead in the fintech innovation space, shaping the future of rewards programs. You'll be part of an environment that prizes groundbreaking ideas and their execution. We provide unparalleled career growth opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment, complemented by a competitive compensation package that recognizes your impact.

Ascenda is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. Join us on our mission to make loyalty simple and rewarding for everyone, everywhere.

Ready to Drive Fintech Innovation With Premium Rewards? Apply now to become the VP of Sales, Europe at Ascenda. Together, we'll redefine what's possible in rewards programs.