Smile ID is unlocking digital Africa

Smile ID is Africa's leading digital identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) provider. We block fraud while enabling the fastest growing businesses across Africa to onboard at scale and in real-time. Since inception we have performed over 250 million identity verifications. We provide services to hundreds of clients including leading banks, payments providers, lenders, and shared economy businesses.*

Our team is a diverse group of hardworking and fun-loving Smilers spanning 4 offices, 7 countries and many time zones. We are backed by leading global investors, including Norsken22, Costanoa, and many more.

We are BUILDERS and your day-to-day will involve finding solutions for our clients that PROTECT people and create honest paths to success in Africa’s digital economy. We believe everyone at Smile ID is an OWNER. With this opportunity, you have the autonomy to do your best work and a chance to grow your career at a mission-driven company. Our vision is that it should be easy for anyone to prove their identity online, regardless of the origin of their ID card or IP address.

Come join us.

What are you waiting for? Come with us on this amazing journey!

The Role

We’re looking for a sharp, polished Sales Development Representative (SDR) to join our team in Cape Town. This is a high-exposure role working closely with senior leadership, with hands-on coaching and direct collaboration in the office.

You’ll be engaging with senior executives and decision-makers, so executive presence, confidence, and professionalism are essential. We’re looking for someone who is ambitious, coachable, and hungry to build a serious career in sales.

This is a chance to make a big impact in a growth stage company. This role reports directly to one of our Head of Sales - Southern Africa.

What the role involves

• Proactively generate new business opportunities through:
  • High-volume cold calling (you’ll be doing this alongside leadership)
  • Personalised email outreach
  • LinkedIn prospecting
  • Target account research
• Book qualified meetings with senior decision-makers
• Build and manage target account lists using our structured outreach framework
• Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline tracking
• Continuously refine messaging and approach based on feedback and coaching
• Work closely with leadership in-office for real-time feedback and development

What We’re Looking For

• 1–3 years out of university with some exposure to sales, business development, or client-facing roles
• Smart, articulate, and highly professional
• Comfortable engaging with senior executives and able to carry yourself with confidence
• Hungry, competitive, and resilient — you’re not afraid of rejection
• Coachable and eager to improve quickly
• Organised and detail-oriented in your outreach and follow-up

We’ve found that individuals who have had exposure — personally or professionally — to high-performance, high-expectation environments tend to thrive in this role. You’re likely comfortable operating in professional circles and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.

SaaS experience is a plus, but not required. Attitude, polish, and drive matter more than what you studied.

Requirements

• Based in Cape Town
• Able to work from our Innovation City (Kloof Street) office at least 4-5 days per week
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Full professional fluency in English

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive salaries
• Stock options
• Health insurance or stipend (depending on location)
• Time-off, study leave, and paid parental leave
• Flexibility (we are a remote-friendly company + there is the opportunity to work from one of 4 global offices)
• Cool swag

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