Account Development Executive

IRIS Software Group; Slough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

IRIS Software Group’s Education Sales team is hiring an Account Development Executive to identify and develop opportunities across schools, academies and MATs. You’ll work with Field Account Executives to grow territory and create qualified meetings.

You don’t need EdTech experience – we want sales fundamentals, ambition and drive to progress into Field Sales, with a clear development path and opportunities to influence a growing education software business.

Qualifications

• Experience in a sales development or account development role.
• Ability to generate new business opportunities.
• Comfortable engaging customers via phone, Teams and outbound channels.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, target-driven approach with pipeline discipline.
• Experience using a CRM system to manage opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Generate qualified sales opportunities across new and existing Education customers.
• Proactively prospect with schools, academies and MATs.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and understand their needs.
• Support Field Account Executives to develop accounts and territories.
• Identify growth opportunities within existing IRIS customers.
• Manage inbound enquiries and schedule high-quality meetings.
• Maintain accurate CRM updates and track progression toward targets.

Skills

BDR experience

Sales pipeline management

CRM experience

Strong communication

Relationship building

Proactive & target-driven

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Teams

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.

Account Development Executive – Education

Location: South UK / Slough (Hybrid, x1 per week)
Team: IRIS Education Sales
Reporting to: Field Sales Manager

About the Role

Are you an ambitious sales professional looking to take the next step in your career and build towards a future in Field Sales?

We’re looking for an Account Development Executive to join our successful IRIS Education Sales team.

You’ll be responsible for identifying and developing sales opportunities across schools, academies and Multi‑Academy Trusts (MATs), working closely with our experienced Field Account Executives to support territory growth.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in Business Development, Sales Development or Account Development who wants to develop their commercial skills, gain greater exposure to the sales process and ultimately progress into a Field Account Executive position.

What will you be selling?

IRIS Education provides software solutions to schools, academies and Multi‑Academy Trusts across the UK, helping them manage areas including finance, HR and operations more effectively.

You’ll work across both existing and prospective customers, identifying where IRIS can provide additional value and creating qualified opportunities for the Field Sales team.

What will you be doing?

You’ll:

• Generate qualified sales opportunities across new and existing Education customers

• Proactively prospect and engage with schools, academies and MATs

• Build relationships with key stakeholders and understand their needs

• Work closely with Field Account Executives to support their territories and develop accounts

• Identify growth opportunities within existing IRIS customers

• Manage and qualify inbound enquiries

• Generate high-quality meetings and opportunities for the Field Sales team

• Build strong knowledge of IRIS products and the Education market

• Manage your own activity, pipeline and opportunity progression

• Keep customer interactions and opportunities accurately updated within the CRM

• Work towards clear sales and pipeline‑generation targets

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience within a BDR, SDR, Account Development or similar sales role

• A proven ability to generate new business opportunities

• Confidence engaging customers and prospects over the phone, Teams and other outbound channels

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

• A proactive and target‑driven approach

• Experience managing a sales pipeline and using CRM systems

• Good organisation and follow‑up skills

• A genuine desire to develop a long‑term career within sales

You don't necessarily need previous Education or EdTech experience – we're looking for someone with the sales fundamentals, ambition and drive to develop.

Where can this role take you?

This role has been designed as a fantastic development opportunity for someone who ultimately wants to progress into Field Sales.

You’ll work closely with experienced Field Account Executives, gaining exposure to larger customer conversations, territory development and the wider sales process while continuing to build your own commercial skills.

High‑performing individuals will have a clear progression route towards a Field Account Executive position.

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

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:

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.