At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify new clients, generate business opportunities, and build relationships in tech sales.
- Company: Join Akoni Technologies, a growing tech consulting and resourcing firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, hybrid working, and 24 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Enjoy networking events and gain exposure to various technology sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech sales and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude; sales experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Reading, Green Park, United Kingdom
Salary: Competitive salary + uncapped commission + performance incentives
Working Model: Hybrid
Note: Visa sponsorship not available for this role
We are looking for a motivated, commercially focused and quick-learning Sales Associate to join our growing Sales and Business Development team. The successful candidate will support the growth of Akoni Technologies by identifying prospective clients, generating new business opportunities, developing relationships with key decision-makers and supporting the sales process from initial engagement through to opportunity development.
Previous experience in sales, business development, recruitment, technology or a similar client-facing role would be beneficial, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong communication skills, confidence, initiative and the ability to learn quickly. This is a proactive sales role suited to someone who enjoys speaking with new people, building professional relationships and developing an understanding of technology, consulting and digital transformation. We are looking for someone who is curious, adaptable and keen to develop their career within a growing technology business.
Key Responsibilities
- New Business Development
- Proactively identify and target new clients across the UK & EU technology and professional services market.
- Generate new business opportunities through cold calling, LinkedIn, email campaigns, networking, referrals and industry events.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified prospects and commercial opportunities.
- Engage with senior stakeholders including CIOs, CTOs, Heads of Technology, IT Directors, Transformation Directors, Procurement teams and Talent Acquisition leaders.
- Arrange and lead introductory meetings, discovery calls and client presentations.
- Understand prospective clients' technology, transformation and resourcing challenges and identify suitable solutions.
- Develop targeted account and business development strategies for priority organisations and sectors.
- Own opportunities from initial prospecting through qualification, proposal, negotiation and close.
- Work towards agreed revenue, new-client and activity targets.
- Negotiate commercial terms, rates and agreements with prospective clients.
- Prepare proposals, presentations and commercial documentation with support from internal teams.
- Maintain accurate sales activity, opportunities and forecasting information within the CRM.
- Monitor market activity and identify emerging sectors, technologies and potential areas for growth.
- Keep abreast of emerging trends and technologies within the tech recruitment industry.
- Client Relationship Management
- Develop trusted, long-term relationships with new and existing clients.
- Regularly engage with clients to understand upcoming projects, hiring requirements and transformation priorities.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts and introduce additional Akoni Technologies services.
- Act as a commercial point of contact throughout the client relationship.
- Provide clients with relevant market intelligence, technology talent insights and industry trends.
- Events & Networking
- Attend technology events, networking sessions, conferences and client meetings where required.
- Represent Akoni Technologies professionally at external events.
- Develop relationships with prospective clients, partners and technology professionals.
- Identify opportunities for permanent recruitment, contract resources, project teams and consultancy services.
- Translate client requirements into clear briefs.
- Support the development of client solutions across areas including: Software Engineering, Data & AI, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, ServiceNow, Microsoft Dynamics 365, DevOps, Testing & Quality Assurance, Technology Programme & Project Delivery.
- Help position Akoni Technologies as a trusted technology partner rather than simply a recruitment supplier.
- Candidate Management
- Source, screen, and engage top tech talent using various platforms such as LinkedIn, job boards, and personal networks.
- Conduct detailed interviews to match candidate skill sets with client requirements.
- Provide career advice to candidates and support them throughout the recruitment process.
- End-to-End Recruitment
- Manage the entire recruitment lifecycle, including job posting, shortlisting, scheduling interviews, and closing offers.
- Deliver tailored solutions to both clients and candidates, ensuring successful placements.
What We Offer
- Competitive Package: Competitive basic salary with uncapped commission and performance incentives.
- Holidays: 24 days' annual leave plus your birthday off, excluding bank holidays.
- Hybrid Working.
- Health & Wellbeing: Vitality Rewards, private health insurance and discounts with high-street and online retailers.
- Career Progression: Clear opportunities to develop into senior business development, account management or commercial leadership positions.
- Autonomy: Opportunity to build your own client portfolio and directly influence the growth of the business.
- Culture: Regular team meet-ups, networking opportunities and company events.
- Location: Reading Green Park office with access to Green Park events and free parking.
- Broader Exposure: Opportunity to develop your knowledge across technology consulting, recruitment, resourcing and digital transformation.
At Akoni Technologies, we are growing our technology consulting and resourcing business and are looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey. This role offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of business development, build your own portfolio of clients and develop relationships across the UK technology market. We are particularly interested in someone who enjoys opening doors, meeting new people, developing commercial relationships and turning conversations into long-term business opportunities. If you are commercially ambitious, enjoy technology sales and want the opportunity to make a visible contribution to a growing organisation, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Sales Associate in Reading employer: Akoni Technologies
Join a vibrant team in Reading as a 360 Tech Recruitment Consultant, where your expertise will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary, uncapped commission, and a hybrid working model, we prioritise work-life balance while offering 24 days of holiday plus your birthday off. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clearly defined career progression opportunities, alongside unique perks like access to local events and private health insurance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Associate in Reading
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales Associate at Akoni Technologies, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Akoni Technologies. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Associate. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Associate in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Akoni Technologies:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Akoni Technologies. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akoni Technologies
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Akoni Technologies that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Akoni Technologies that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Akoni Technologies’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
