Presales Lead, Utilities

About Sand

Sand Technologies is a fast-growing enterprise AI company that solves real-world problems for large blue-chip companies and governments worldwide.

We’re pioneers of meaningful AI: our solutions go far beyond chatbots. We are using data and AI to solve the world’s biggest issues in telecommunications, sustainable water management, energy, healthcare, climate change, smart cities, and other areas that have a real impact on the world. For example, our AI systems help to manage the water supply for the entire city of London. We created the AI algorithms that enabled the 7th largest telecommunications company in the world to plan its network in 300 cities in record time. And we built a digital healthcare system that enables 30m people in a country to get world-class healthcare despite a shortage of doctors.

We’ve grown our revenues by over 500% in the last 12 months while winning prestigious scientific and industry awards for our cutting-edge technology. We’re underpinned by over 300 engineers and scientists working across Africa, Europe, the UK and the US.

About the role

The Presales Lead with deep expertise in the Energy & Utilities sector will drive business growth and shape innovative AI, data, and digital transformation solutions. This role will be responsible for developing and presenting tailored solutions for network planning, asset optimization, capital delivery acceleration, addressing key industry challenges  and regulatory compliance.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the presales process by understanding client needs, crafting solution proposals, and delivering compelling presentations and demonstrations.
• Collaborate with sales, product, and technical teams to design and position AI-driven and digital solutions for utilities, including water, gas, and electricity sectors.
• Engage with stakeholders, including C-level executives, to articulate value propositions and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Develop industry-specific case studies, proof of concepts (POCs), and proposals to support business development efforts.
• Conduct market research to stay updated on emerging trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape within the energy and utilities industry.
• Support sales teams in responding to RFPs/RFIs, defining solution roadmaps, and ensuring successful deal closures.
• Work closely with delivery teams to ensure seamless handovers from presales to project execution

Requirements - Essential

• 5+ years of experience in presales, solution consulting, or business development within the energy and utilities sector (water, gas, electricity).
• Strong understanding of AI-driven and digital solutions and their applications in the utilities industry.
• Proven ability to engage with C-level executives and key stakeholders to articulate business value.
• Experience in developing case studies, proof of concepts (POCs), and proposals for business development.
• Hands-on experience with market research, competitive analysis, and regulatory trends in the energy and utilities space.
• Strong collaboration skills with sales, product, and technical teams to design tailored solutions.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills for client pitches and RFP responses.

Requirements - Preferable

• Experience in developing sales enablement materials (whitepapers, presentations, industry reports).
• Prior work in consulting, solution architecture, or technical sales in the utilities domain.
• Understanding of RFP/RFI processes and proposal development best practices.

Person Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.

Due to the considerable amount of virtual work and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed in working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential.

This is a remote role based in the UK.