At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business development and build strong client relationships in the tech industry.
- Company: Join Akoni Technologies, a leading IT consulting firm with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy uncapped commission, 24 days holiday, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Kickstart your sales career and make an impact in digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Sales experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and regular team events.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Green Park, Reading (Mon–Thu in-office, Fri WFH)
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum (base), plus uncapped commission
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time
About Akoni Technologies
Akoni Technologies is an IT Consulting and Resourcing company specialising in ServiceNow, Oracle Cloud, Cyber Security, Integrations, ERP, Data, DevOps and Software Engineering. We support UK public and private sector organisations by providing high-quality consultants (on-demand resourcing), outcome-based delivery teams and niche technology specialists. Alongside consulting and resourcing, Akoni is also investing in the development and commercialisation of in-house digital and AI-enabled products.
This role is a key commercial hire supporting Akoni’s continued UK growth across private-sector clients.
Role Overview
This role is ideal for someone at an early stage of their sales career who is eager to develop strong B2B sales skills within IT consulting and technology services. You will be responsible for generating and qualifying new business opportunities, engaging with prospective clients, and supporting senior sales and leadership teams in converting leads into long-term customers. This is a hands-on, revenue-generating role, focused on opening new accounts, building trusted client relationships and closing profitable deals. You will work closely with delivery, bid and leadership teams to position Akoni as a trusted digital and technology partner.
Key Responsibilities
- New Business Development
- Identify, target and secure new UK clients across private sectors, including Financial Services, Energy, Retail, Technology, Legal and Healthcare.
- Proactively generate new business leads through outbound cold calling, email campaigns and LinkedIn outreach.
- Build and manage a strong sales pipeline covering consulting engagements, project delivery and IT resourcing.
- Drive outbound business development through LinkedIn, email campaigns, networking events, framework opportunities and direct outreach.
- Position Akoni as a trusted partner for digital transformation, cloud, cyber security, data and platform-led programmes.
- Support early-stage selling and positioning of Akoni’s proprietary products as they are introduced to the market.
- Sales Ownership & Commercial Management
- Own the full sales lifecycle: prospecting → qualification → pitching → proposals → negotiation → deal closure.
- Develop tailored proposals, capability decks and pricing aligned to client needs and procurement routes.
- Confidently negotiate day rates, margins, MSAs, SOWs, framework call-offs and commercials.
- Ensure all deals meet agreed revenue, margin and delivery expectations.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including CIOs, CTOs, Heads of Digital, Transformation Leads, Procurement and Talent Acquisition teams.
- Represent Akoni in client meetings, industry events, supplier days and networking forums across the UK.
- Deliver confident, well-structured client presentations, including capability overviews, solution walk-throughs, proposals and commercial discussions.
- Understand client challenges and shape solutions using Akoni’s consulting, resourcing and delivery capabilities.
- Market Intelligence & Pipeline Management
- Track UK market trends across digital transformation, AI, cyber security, cloud and data.
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing models and sector developments.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, pipeline reporting, forecasts and performance updates for leadership.
- Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with Technical Consultants, Marketing and Consultants to shape solutions and match skills to client needs.
- Collaborate with Bid, Marketing and Framework teams on campaigns, tenders and client propositions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of sales processes, propositions and go-to-market strategy.
Required Skills & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrated success in winning new clients and closing commercial deals.
- Strong understanding of IT consulting, digital transformation and resource augmentation models.
- Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical and commercial propositions to senior stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience using CRM systems and managing structured sales pipelines.
- Comfortable engaging senior decision-makers in both public and private sectors.
- Experience selling project-based consulting and/or contract resourcing services.
Desirable
- Proven experience in UK IT sales, technology consulting sales or IT resourcing.
- Exposure to sectors such as Financial Services, Government, Energy, Retail Tech or Healthcare.
- Experience supporting or launching technology or digital products.
- Experience negotiating rates, MSAs, SOWs and commercial terms.
- Existing UK client network.
Personal Attributes
- Highly driven, target-oriented and results-focused.
- Confident and credible presenter, comfortable leading client-facing presentations, pitches and workshops.
- Professional, articulate and persuasive when representing the organisation externally.
- Commercially astute with strong business judgement.
- Professional, credible and confident with senior stakeholders.
- Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset suited to a growing consultancy.
- Strong organisation, follow-through and time-management skills.
What’s Included at Akoni
- Uncapped commission structure.
- 24 days of holiday plus 1 additional day for your birthday (excluding bank holidays).
- Vitality Rewards, including private health insurance and discounts at high street/online retailers after probation.
- Regular meetups and events.
- Performance-based career progression with clearly defined and achievable milestones.
- Access to Reading Green Park events.
Sales Business Development Executive in Reading employer: Akoni Technologies
Contact Detail:
Akoni Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Business Development Executive in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend industry events and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Sales & Business Development Executive role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a casual chat or a formal meeting, being able to confidently present yourself and your ideas is key. We want to see you shine when discussing how you can help Akoni grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up! After meeting someone or sending an email, don’t just leave it hanging. A quick follow-up can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply directly through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. It’s a great way to show your interest in Akoni and get noticed faster.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Business Development Executive in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales & Business Development Executive role. Highlight relevant experience in IT consulting and sales, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to win new clients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Be sure to mention your understanding of digital transformation and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, make sure your written application reflects your excellent communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional while still showing a bit of your personality!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akoni Technologies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Akoni Technologies and their services. Understand their focus on IT consulting, digital transformation, and the sectors they operate in. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully generated leads or closed deals. Highlight your understanding of the sales lifecycle and how you can apply that to the role at Akoni. Be ready to discuss your approach to building client relationships.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to deliver a pitch or proposal during the interview. Make sure you can clearly articulate complex ideas and demonstrate your ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Akoni's growth plans, their approach to client engagement, and how they position themselves in the market. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.