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B2B Sales & Market Trainee – arbeidstrening/praksis i industri-startup

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Company: RoboConnect AS

Location: Molde, Norway

Work type: Internship / trainee / work training

Salary: Unpaid in the initial phase

Equity: No equity

Long-term possibility: Paid commercial role may become possible if RoboConnect secures revenue, funding or a suitable commercial basis

Short description

RoboConnect is building an AI-supported B2B platform that helps industrial companies clarify automation needs before they invest in robotics, automation or system integration.

We are looking for a commercially minded person who wants hands-on experience with B2B sales, customer development, market outreach and startup growth. This is not a co-founder role and not an ordinary paid sales position at this stage. It may become a paid role later if the collaboration works well and RoboConnect develops commercially.

About RoboConnect

Many industrial companies know they need to automate, but struggle to define what should be automated, what information is missing, whether the process is ready for investment, and which suppliers they should involve.

RoboConnect helps companies move from an unclear automation need to a structured and decision-relevant basis for internal decisions and supplier dialogue. The platform combines industrial automation insight, structured project data, AI-supported needs clarification, project preparation and matching with relevant automation partners.

The first focus area is welding automation and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. We are currently preparing customer pilots and commercial testing in Norway.

Why we need commercial help

RoboConnect now needs more direct contact with the market.

We need to speak with industrial companies, system integrators, automation suppliers and potential pilot customers. The goal is to understand their needs, test the value of RoboConnect, book relevant conversations and help build the first commercial pipeline.

This role is for someone who wants to learn practical B2B sales in an early-stage startup and is comfortable with outreach, customer dialogue and follow-up.

What you will work on

You may contribute to:

identifying relevant industrial companies and automation partners
researching potential customer segments
preparing outreach lists and contact plans
contacting companies by email, phone or LinkedIn
booking meetings with potential pilot customers or partners
following up leads and conversations
helping prepare simple sales material
updating CRM or lead tracking
documenting customer feedback
helping RoboConnect understand why customers are interested, hesitant or not ready
supporting founder-led sales and market validation

You will not be expected to sell something you do not understand. The first phase will involve learning the RoboConnect concept, the customer problem and the automation market.

Who we are looking for

You do not need to be an experienced salesperson, but you must be willing to contact people, ask questions and handle rejection.

You should be:

curious about B2B sales, startups and industrial technology
comfortable contacting companies directly
structured and reliable in follow-up
able to write clear emails and messages
willing to learn about automation and industrial customers
interested in customer needs, not only “selling”
able to document what you learn
comfortable working in an early-stage startup with limited resources

Experience from sales, customer service, business development, marketing, CRM, HubSpot, LinkedIn outreach and industrial companies is an advantage.

Language and location

Norwegian language skills are strongly preferred, because RoboConnect works with Norwegian industrial companies.

The ideal candidate is located in Molde or within commuting distance. Candidates who can meet in person regularly will be prioritized. Some remote work may be possible, but this role benefits from close collaboration with the founder.

Practical setup and compensation

This is initially intended as an unpaid internship, trainee role or work-training opportunity, depending on the candidate’s situation.

It may be especially relevant for someone who:

wants practical B2B sales experience
wants startup experience
has studied business, marketing, sales, technology or entrepreneurship
is registered with NAV and may be eligible for work training or a similar arrangement
wants to build a stronger commercial CV and portfolio

Any NAV-related arrangement must be clarified and approved through NAV before starting.

There is no base salary in the initial phase. If the candidate contributes to documented commercial results, a limited bonus or commission model may be considered under a separate written agreement, provided this is compatible with any NAV arrangement and applicable rules.

Any commission would only apply to clearly defined, qualified and approved results, for example qualified meetings, pilot customers or paid match fees generated directly through the candidate’s work. Success-fee-based commission is not part of the initial role.

If the collaboration works well and RoboConnect secures revenue, funding or another commercial basis, a paid commercial role may become possible later.

What you can gain

You will get practical experience with:

B2B sales in a startup
industrial customer development
lead generation and outreach
CRM and sales pipeline work
customer interviews and needs clarification
positioning an early-stage AI/B2B platform
founder-led sales
commercial testing before scale-up

This is a good opportunity for someone who wants real market experience and is willing to help build something from an early stage.

How to apply

Please include:

An application letter, 1 A4 page
CV