At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing sales team to drive new business growth.
- Company: Join IRIS, one of the UK's largest privately held software companies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading sales teams and a strong B2B sales background.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
About IRIS
IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms. We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.
Location: Manchester (Office-based)
Salary: Competitive Base + Bonus
Reporting to: Head of Sales
About the Role
As a Sales Development Manager at IRIS, you'll lead and develop a team of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), playing a key role in driving our new business growth. Based in our Manchester office, you'll be responsible for building a high-performing sales development team that consistently generates quality opportunities for our wider sales organisation. You'll coach, motivate and develop your team to achieve and exceed KPIs, while fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performance culture. Working closely with Sales, Marketing and Enablement teams, you'll continuously improve prospecting strategies, optimise performance and ensure your team delivers a best-in-class customer experience from the very first interaction. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced sales leader who thrives on developing people, driving performance and making a measurable commercial impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs).
- Recruit, onboard and train new team members, ensuring they have the tools and support to succeed.
- Drive a high-performance culture focused on achieving individual and team KPIs.
- Monitor team performance through regular 1:1s, coaching sessions and call reviews.
- Support SDRs with prospecting techniques, objection handling and qualification skills.
- Work closely with Sales Managers to ensure a seamless handover of qualified opportunities.
- Collaborate with Marketing to maximise campaign performance and lead conversion.
- Analyse performance data to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Ensure CRM accuracy, reporting and pipeline visibility across the team.
- Lead by example, creating an engaging, inclusive and motivational team environment.
- Identify and implement continuous improvements to processes, tools and ways of working.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience leading or coaching a team of SDRs, BDRs or inside sales professionals.
- A strong background in B2B sales, ideally within a software or SaaS environment.
- A proven track record of developing high-performing sales teams and delivering against KPIs.
- Experience recruiting, onboarding and coaching sales professionals.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong coaching ability with a passion for developing people and helping them reach their potential.
- Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce, alongside sales engagement tools.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance data and drive improvements.
- A proactive, resilient and collaborative leadership style.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.
- Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
- Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
Ready to Apply? Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.
What to expect from our hiring process
Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:
- Application review — we assess your experience and potential
- Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
- Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
- Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS
We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence. If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.
Sales Manager (SDR's) in Manchester employer: Iris
IRIS Software Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the finance sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts in a supportive culture. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance and the unique advantage of being part of a global organisation that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager (SDR's) in Manchester
✨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 Manager (SDR's) at Iris, 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 Iris. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Manager (SDR's). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager (SDR's) in Manchester
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 Iris:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Iris. 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 Iris
✨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 Iris 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 Iris 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 Iris’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.
