At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing team in EMEA Account Development.
- Company: Join Kong, a leader in AI connectivity and API management.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive pay, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team on the path to IPO.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI connectivity while driving team success.
- Qualifications: 5 years of management experience in tech or SaaS environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you ready to unlock intelligence? If you don’t think you meet all of the criteria below but are still interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box - we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas, and have some interest and capabilities in others.
The Role
We are looking for an ADR Leader to build and lead our EMEA Account Development Representative team from our central London office (walking distance from Bank Station and London Bridge). This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds: the energy of in-person collaboration 2–3 days a week, combined with the flexibility of remote work. As ADR Leader, you won't just manage a team - you'll be entrusted with something bigger. Our EMEA SDR leadership team are the market makers and drivers of growth at Kong. We don't just build pipeline; we define the blueprint for SDR excellence, shaping the next generation of top sales talent and driving winning outcomes for the business. You’ll show up with integrity, energy, and purpose and you’ll build a team that does the same!
Kong is The AI Connectivity Company. Our platform sits at the centre of how enterprises manage APIs, AI agents, and the infrastructure connecting them — and we're scaling fast. The ADR function is the front line of that growth. Accounts you open today are the expansion stories of tomorrow, and the team you build here will be a meaningful part of how Kong writes its next chapter on the path to IPO.
What You'll Do
- Lead & Inspire: Build a culture that is high-performing and deeply human. SDRs on your team should be motivated, supported in their growth, and clear on what great looks like every day.
- Hire & Plan for Talent: Own the talent pipeline end-to-end. Align with Recruiting on headcount and profiles, anticipate gaps before they land, and source proactively.
- Ramp & Enable: Get new hires to productivity fast. Support the enablement team with running structured bootcamps, build individual development plans, and coach to certification.
- Coach for Excellence: Deliver regular call reviews, structured 1-1s, and AE-readiness programs. Coach to Attitude, Process, and Results.
- Drive Pipeline: Own your team's contribution to EMEA pipeline targets with the forecasting discipline and visibility that Regional Directors can actually bet on.
- GTM Ecosystem Alignment: Partner closely with Regional Directors, Marketing, RevOps, Partners, and Enablement.
- Data-Driven Leadership: Track KPIs, analyse team performance, and drive process improvements that maximise efficiency and results.
- Champion Tools & Process: Drive effective use of Salesforce, Outreach, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and other prospecting tools across the team.
What We're Looking For
- 5 years of management experience leading SDR, ADR, or BDR teams in a tech or SaaS environment.
- Proven success building and scaling high-performance outbound teams, particularly in an enterprise context.
- Strong background in coaching, enablement, and AE readiness.
- A clear point of view on what good enterprise outbound looks like, and the competence to build it.
- Experience at a playbook-driven, process-oriented organisation is highly valuable.
- Prior AE experience is a big plus.
- The ability to build accurate forecasts that people actually trust.
- Versatility across people leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and pipeline management.
- Fluent in English; French (Highly advantageous), Spanish or Italian is highly beneficial but not required.
- Genuine drive to operate in a fast-paced, scale-up environment on the path to IPO.
- At or entering the Senior Manager stage of your ADR Leadership journey with the ability to run your business mostly independently.
Why Join Kong?
- Be part of the company defining the future of AI connectivity.
- Shape and lead the ADR function in EMEA at a pivotal stage of growth, with real global influence on how the team scales toward IPO.
- Hybrid work from our central London office, walking distance from Bank Station and London Bridge.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and paths for career progression into senior leadership as we scale.
- Join a leadership team that shows up with integrity, energy, and purpose.
About Kong: Kong Inc., a leading developer of API and AI connectivity technologies, is building the infrastructure that powers the agentic era. Trusted by the Fortune 500 and startups alike, Kong's unified API and AI platform, Kong Konnect, enables organizations to secure, manage, accelerate, govern, and monetize the flow of intelligence across APIs and AI models.
Senior Manager, EMEA Account Development employer: Kong
Kong Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those looking to grow in leadership roles. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to mentor and coach a talented team while optimising performance metrics in a supportive environment. Located in London, our hybrid work model allows for flexibility and in-person collaboration, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals eager to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, EMEA Account Development
✨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 Senior Manager, EMEA Account Development at Kong, 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 Kong. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Manager, EMEA Account Development. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, EMEA Account Development
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 Kong:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Kong. 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 Kong
✨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 Kong 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 Kong 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 Kong’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.
