Director of Sales - AvaraLocation: Houston, TX (In-Office / Hybrid)Type: Full-Time | Early-Stage | High-ImpactAbout AvaraAvara is an AI-powered HR technology platform incubated by SkillGigs, designed to transform how enterprise companies tap into and retain talent they already know-past applicants, former employees, and internal candidates. The platform helps CHROs and TA leaders reduce hiring costs, shorten time-to-fill, and improve workforce retention-especially in high-churn industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.Operating under a subscription-based SaaS model, Avara targets contracts ranging from $250K to $3-4M annually. With experienced founders, a fast-moving five-person team, and a $3-4M ARR pipeline already underway, this is a defining opportunity to lead the company's commercial expansion from the ground up.About the RoleWe're hiring a Director of Sales to lead Avara's enterprise go-to-market strategy. This is a foundational "player-coach" role: you'll initially carry quota as the primary closer while also designing sales infrastructure and scaling a team.This role requires someone who thrives in ambiguity, knows how to build from scratch, and is energized by early-stage ownership. You'll collaborate closely with the CRO, Head of Demand Gen, and executive leadership to define processes, close strategic deals, and grow a high-performing sales organization.What You'll DoOwn full-cycle enterprise sales from prospect to close (focus: CHROs and HR leaders)Convert MQLs/SQLs from the Demand Gen team into pipeline and revenueBuild and optimize the sales process, CRM flow, and reporting frameworkShape outbound/inbound strategy, pricing, packaging, and messaging in collaboration with the CROHire and coach a high-performing sales team based on defined performance thresholdsContribute to GTM feedback loops with Product and Marketing teamsTrack and report sales KPIs directly to founders and exec stakeholdersIdeal Background7+ years in B2B SaaS sales, including 3+ in enterprise sales leadershipProven experience selling into HR tech, talent platforms, or workforce solutionsStrong track record closing complex deals in the $250K+ ACV rangeExperience operating as both a strategic thinker and hands-on closerHistory of building sales processes and scaling pipeline from scratchCRM and GTM tech stack proficiency (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)Comfortable with ambiguity and excited to create new systems and cultureBonus ExperiencePrevious work in high-churn verticals (e.g., healthcare, retail, logistics)Experience scaling from $3M to $10M+ ARRExposure to AI/automation platforms or internal mobility softwareWho Will Thrive in This Role•You've "been there, done that" in SaaS sales and don't need to be taught the blueprint•You enjoy building systems, not just running them•You're excited to help shape a division inside a mature company-but understand it still needs to be built like a startup•You can operate independently with limited executive handholding•You view ambiguity as an opportunity, not a blockerTeam & StructureCurrent team: 5 (Founder, President of Digital, 2 SDRs, Product support)You'll be the first senior sales hire for AvaraTarget to close $3-5M in ARR in year one, building off the current pipelineNew team headcount will scale based on mutually agreed performance thresholdsInterview ProcessInterview with Founder (Kash)Interview with President of Digital Division(Optional) Strategic walk-through or GTM planning discussionTimeline: 2-3 weeksCompensationBase Salary: $140K-$160KVariable Bonus: $40K-$60K OTEEquity: Early-stage package with meaningful upsideBenefits: 401K, performance-based bonuses, flexible PTOWork ModelHybrid role based in Houston, TX (2-3 days/week in office)Open to exceptional candidates in NYC or Austin with travel flexibilityRemote-first culture with high visibility to senior leadershipWhy Join AvaraBuild and own a go-to-market engine from day onePartner with visionary leaders and a hands-on founderSell a high-impact product solving a real cost and retention crisis in enterprise HRShape culture, process, and long-term strategy at an early stageBe part of a small, mighty team with rapid growth opportunity