Sales Manager / Head of Sales

Remote (United States Preferred)
Commission-Based (1099) + Performance-Based Equity

About Central Valley Holdings

Central Valley Holdings is an early-stage holding company building AI-powered applications, digital platforms, automation tools, and scalable technology solutions for small businesses, creators, and emerging brands. Our focus is on practical AI, modern web platforms, and systems that deliver measurable operational and revenue impact. We are seeking an experienced Sales Manager / Head of Sales to build and scale our sales organization in direct partnership with the founding team.

Role Overview

This is a senior, hands-on builder role responsible for creating the sales engine from the ground up. The Sales Manager / Head of Sales will work directly with the founders, helping define go-to-market strategy, refine offerings, and drive early revenue using a custom-built CRM and internal systems. This role is commission-based, with an optional equity path tied to measurable performance milestones.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Prospecting & Revenue Generation

  • Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities with small businesses, creators, and service-based organizations across the United States
  • Personally close early-stage deals to establish traction and validate messaging
  • Drive outbound prospecting while helping shape inbound lead strategy

Founder Collaboration & Strategic Alignment

  • Work directly with company founders on sales strategy and execution
  • Provide offer positioning and pricing feedback
  • Contribute market validation and customer insights
  • Provide real-time sales feedback to inform product, marketing, and platform decisions

Sales Strategy & Execution

  • Develop and implement scalable sales strategies aligned with company offerings
  • Define target markets, ideal customer profiles, and qualification criteria
  • Create repeatable outreach, discovery, and closing processes

Sales Team Development

  • Recruit, onboard, train, and manage commission-based sales representatives
  • Establish performance metrics, KPIs, and accountability systems
  • Coach sales reps on messaging, objection handling, and closing techniques

Pipeline & CRM Management

  • Actively use and help optimize the company's custom-built CRM
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all sales activity and pipeline progress
  • Track conversion rates, deal velocity, and revenue forecasts
  • Collaborate with founders to refine CRM workflows and reporting

Product & Market Expertise

  • Develop deep working knowledge of Central Valley Holdings' platforms, services, and AI solutions
  • Communicate customer feedback and objections directly to leadership
  • Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies

Sales Enablement & Reporting

  • Help develop sales and marketing materials, including presentations, proposals, and go-to-market assets
  • Provide regular performance updates, pipeline reviews, and revenue forecasts
  • Continuously optimize sales systems and processes based on results

Qualifications & Experience

Required Experience

  • 7+ years of experience in sales, business development, or revenue leadership
  • Demonstrated experience building and managing sales teams
  • Proven ability to close deals and drive revenue growth
  • Experience selling B2B services, technology solutions, or digital products

Preferred Background

  • Experience working in early-stage startups or founder-led organizations
  • Familiarity with commission-based or performance-driven compensation models
  • Experience working with or helping refine CRM systems
  • Interest in AI, automation, and modern digital platforms

Skills & Attributes

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Strong negotiation and closing abilities
  • Highly self-motivated, disciplined, and execution-focused
  • Comfortable operating in environments where systems are being built
  • Ability to collaborate closely with founders and cross-functional teams
  • Ability to work effectively in a remote environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in place of formal education.

Compensation & Structure

  • Commission-based compensation (1099 independent contractor)
  • Commission on personal closed deals
  • Override commission on team performance
  • Optional performance-based equity eligibility, tied to revenue and operational milestones
  • No base salary, guaranteed income, or benefits at this stage

Why This Role Matters

  • Direct collaboration with founders on company growth
  • Influence over sales strategy, systems, and execution
  • Opportunity to help shape and scale a custom CRM and sales infrastructure
  • Long-term upside through scalable commissions and equity participation
  • Potential transition into formal executive leadership post-funding

Who Should Apply

  • Sales leaders who want ownership, influence, and upside
  • Builders who thrive in founder-led, early-stage environments
  • Managers who can sell, lead, and scale simultaneously

Who Should Not Apply

  • Candidates seeking immediate salary or benefits
  • Those uncomfortable with commission-first compensation
  • Those unwilling to work directly with founders or help build systems