Account Development Executive

Iris Software, Inc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

IRIS Software Group in Manchester is seeking an Account Development Executive to grow new business by presenting our software to prospective customers. Based in the Manchester office, you’ll manage the full sales cycle—from prospecting and qualifying opportunities to demonstrations and closing deals.

You’ll work with organisations across the UK, solving real business challenges with our award‑winning software portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in B2B sales with a track record of hitting targets.
• Strong communication, negotiation and objection-handling skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior decision-makers and managing a full sales cycle.
• Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities through outbound prospecting and inbound inquiries.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers across the target market.
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial outreach to contract signature.
• Deliver product demonstrations tailored to customer requirements.
• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline using Salesforce CRM.
• Prepare proposals and negotiate terms to close new business opportunities.
• Consistently achieve monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Collaborate with Sales Development, Marketing, Product and Customer Success teams.

Skills

B2B sales

Sales targets

Communication

Negotiation

CRM (Salesforce)

Relationship building

Prospecting

Objection handling

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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 + Uncapped Commission
Reporting to: Sales Manager

About the Role

As an Account Development Executive (ADE) at IRIS, you'll play a key role in driving new business growth by introducing our market-leading software solutions to prospective customers.

Based in our Manchester office, you'll be responsible for managing the full sales cycle—from prospecting and qualifying opportunities through to delivering demonstrations, negotiating commercial terms and closing new business. You'll work with organisations across the UK, helping them solve real business challenges through our award-winning software portfolio.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious sales professional looking to develop their career within one of the UK's leading software businesses. With structured training, ongoing coaching and clear progression opportunities, you'll be supported every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities through outbound prospecting, networking and inbound enquiries.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers across your target market.
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial outreach through to contract signature.
• Conduct discovery calls to understand customer needs and identify the right IRIS solution.
• Deliver engaging online product demonstrations tailored to customer requirements.
• Build, manage and maintain an accurate sales pipeline using Salesforce CRM.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate commercial terms and successfully close new business opportunities.
• Consistently achieve and exceed monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Collaborate closely with Sales Development, Marketing, Product and Customer Success teams.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the IRIS product portfolio and market trends.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience within B2B sales, Business Development, Account Executive, Account Management or Recruitment.
• A proven track record of achieving sales targets and delivering commercial results.
• Strong communication, negotiation and objection-handling skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior decision-makers over the phone, online and face-to-face.
• A proactive, resilient and self-motivated approach to winning new business.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce or similar is desirable.
• A genuine passion for sales, relationship building and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

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.

What to expect from our hiring process

1. Application review — we assess your experience and potential
2. Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
3. Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
4. 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.