Browse all Account Executive Jobs by Location:
Make speculative applications to companies that interest you:
Don't see what your looking for? Get in touch with our recruitment team:
FAQs about Account Executive Jobs
What exactly is an Account Executive?
An Account Executive (AE) serves as the primary link between a company and its clients, managing the entire relationship from sale to retention. The role is a strategic blend of “hunting” for new business and “farming” existing client accounts to ensure satisfaction and identify growth opportunities. It’s important to note that the “Executive” in the title refers to the management of a portfolio of client accounts, not the management of a team of direct reports.
What are the main responsibilities of an AE?
The core duties of an Account Executive cover the full client lifecycle, which involves identifying a client’s specific business needs, presenting tailored product or service solutions, and negotiating contract terms. AEs are responsible for meeting or exceeding sales quotas, which they achieve by winning new accounts and growing existing ones through upselling and cross-selling. Internally, they collaborate with other departments like marketing and product development to ensure projects are delivered successfully and meticulously track all client interactions and sales progress in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
What skills do I need to be a successful Account Executive?
To succeed as an AE, you need a combination of strong interpersonal and technical skills. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities are fundamental for managing client interactions effectively. On a personal level, you must be target-driven, resilient enough to handle rejection, and possess exceptional organisational skills to juggle multiple accounts. Technical proficiency with CRM software, such as Salesforce, and the Microsoft Office Suite for presentations and data analysis is also a standard requirement across the industry
What qualifications or experience do I need?
While many employers list a bachelor’s degree in fields like business or marketing as a requirement, they are often flexible and place a higher value on a candidate’s skills, commercial awareness, and enthusiasm. The most critical prerequisite is relevant professional experience. Nearly all Account Executive positions require a minimum of two years, and often up to six years, of prior experience in a related field such as sales, client relations, or customer service.
What is a typical day like for an AE in London?
A typical day for an Account Executive in London is dynamic and varied, blending strategic planning with client-facing action. The morning often starts with a team sales meeting and research to prepare for the day’s calls and meetings. The core of the day involves a mix of external activities like discovery calls and product demonstrations, alongside internal work such as analysing campaign data, preparing proposals, and diligently updating the CRM system. The day might conclude with after-hours networking events or strategic calls to senior clients.
What is the typical career path for an Account Executive?
The career ladder for an AE offers clear and logical progression. A professional often starts in a support role like a Junior Account Executive or Account Coordinator, learning the fundamentals of client management. After gaining experience, they advance to a full Account Executive, taking direct ownership of closing new business. With a proven track record, they can become a Senior AE or Account Manager, focusing on nurturing and growing high-value client accounts. The pinnacle of this path is the Account Director, a senior leadership role responsible for managing a team and overseeing a large portfolio of business.
How much can I earn as an Account Executive in London?
The earning potential for an Account Executive in London is significant and substantially higher than in other parts of the UK. While the average base salary in London is around £54,705, the total compensation is often much higher due to performance-based pay. Most AE roles operate on an On-Target Earnings (OTE) model, where a commission structure can effectively double the base salary for meeting sales targets, making a total package of £100,000 or more a realistic goal for successful AEs.
Is there strong demand for Account Executives right now?
Yes, the demand for skilled Account Executives in the UK is exceptionally strong, especially in London. This surge is primarily driven by the relentless growth of the technology sector, with companies specialising in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AI, and FinTech constantly hiring. Recent market data shows that the number of advertised permanent jobs for Account Executives has more than tripled in the last year, indicating that companies are actively investing in these vital revenue-generating roles despite a cautious economic climate.
Are there Account Executive roles in the architecture and design industry?
es, the demand for skilled Account Executives in the UK is exceptionally strong, especially in London. This surge is primarily driven by the relentless growth of the technology sector, with companies specialising in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AI, and FinTech constantly hiring. Recent market data shows that the number of advertised permanent jobs for Account Executives has more than tripled in the last year, indicating that companies are actively investing in these vital revenue-generating roles despite a cautious economic climate.
How can a platform like Architecture Social help my AE career?
Architecture Social provides a specialised toolkit that gives an AE a competitive advantage when targeting the built environment sector. Its curated job board filters for relevant roles with product suppliers and AEC tech firms, while its extensive databases of companies, people, and projects allow for deep research before a sales call or interview. The exclusive “Architecture Social Club” offers a unique forum for authentic networking with architects and designers, helping you build genuine relationships. Furthermore, resources like the interactive salary survey provide the specific data needed to negotiate your compensation with confidence.
Other Useful Resources:
A private and exclusive forum for Architecture & Design professionals and students.
Backed by industry specialists, it’s where you can engage in meaningful conversation, make connections, showcase your work, gain expert insights, and tap into curated opportunities to advance your career or strengthen your studio.
