Senior Account Executive

About Us:   Akka is a leading organization in the software industry, providing innovative solutions for distributed systems, real-time streaming, and cloud-native applications. We are committed to delivering exceptional value through our advanced technology offerings, building long-term partnerships based on trust and technical excellence. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Account Executive to join our team. Position Overview: As a Senior Account Executive, you will be responsible for driving new business growth across the UK and Europe. This role requires a highly motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, bringing new products to market, and selling cloud-based solutions with dynamic pricing models. You will manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting to closing, while ensuring that Akka’s solutions meet the strategic needs of our clients. Strong proficiency in English is essential, and knowledge of the DevSecOps space is important. Proficiency in French and/or German is a plus. Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities with enterprise-level clients across the UK and Europe.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders within client organizations.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve revenue targets and support business growth.
• Conduct presentations and product demonstrations, showcasing Akka’s solutions and tailoring the message to client-specific challenges.
• Collaborate with internal technical teams to ensure smooth delivery of solutions and provide feedback for future product development.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with clients to secure long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Manage multiple opportunities simultaneously, ensuring timely follow-ups and accurate forecasting.
• Represent Akka at industry events and conferences, enhancing the company’s market presence.
• Stay updated on industry trends, competitive offerings, and emerging technologies to position Akka as a leader.

• 5+ years of experience in enterprise software sales, particularly in cloud-based solutions and distributed systems.
• Strong proficiency in English (near-native speaker), with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Comfortable working in a startup environment, where agility and adaptability are key to success.
• Demonstrated ability to bring new products to market and effectively communicate their value to potential clients.
• Experience selling cloud-based solutions, with an understanding of pricing models and cloud-native architectures.
• Knowledge of the DevSecOps space is important, with an understanding of its impact on modern software development.
• Proficiency in French and/or German is a plus.
• Ability to build relationships with both technical teams and senior executives, delivering high-value solutions.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets in a competitive environment.
• Familiarity with real-time streaming, microservices, and cloud infrastructures (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or related field preferred.

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Flexible working environment, with remote work options.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and innovative company culture.

• We’re Authentic:  We value transparency and genuine communication, without politics or games. We're honest and assume good intentions, cultivating trust and accountability within our organization and in our interactions with others outside of Lightbend.
• We’re Customer-Focused:  We value customer outcomes above all else. By prioritizing our customers' interests, and meeting them where they are today, we help ensure their success. We are dedicated to deeply understanding our customer’s needs, anticipating challenges, navigating time constraints and striving to exceed expectations.
• We’re Nonconventional:  We value fearless innovation by challenging the status quo and embracing alternative approaches. Continuous learning and a growth mindset aimed at improving ourselves, our company, and our products, drives us to push boundaries and explore new solutions. Guided by a bias for action, we leverage industry and customer insights to inspire fresh ideas, enabling optimal future offerings.
• We’re Persistent:  We value excellence through continuous experimentation and courageous problem-solving. We recognize that achieving success often demands approaching challenges with tenacity and taking calculated risks to achieve leading-edge solutions.