Who we are

Kene is a specialist innovation funding consultancy that believes in client service excellence delivered through a blend of talent and technology.

The government previously provided £7.6bn of support to the most innovative companies in the UK in the tax year 2021 to 2022 and announced plans to increase the support available to £39.8bn between 2022 and 2025. With this level of support available to companies, Kene wants to continue to facilitate supporting innovative companies year on year.

We see a future where every SME, regardless of size or resource, has the opportunity to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact on society. By breaking down complex barriers to government funding and providing expert guidance, we empower businesses to unlock their full potential, contributing to a vibrant economy driven by sustainable and purpose-driven growth. As a trusted ally, we’re helping SMEs lead the way in shaping a better future for their industries and communities.

This is an ambitious goal and achieving it requires an equally ambitious team. As such we’re looking for exceptional people excited by the prospect of building something that matters to join the team.

Day-to-day you will:

• Identify, develop, and manage new and existing client relationships across SMEs and larger UK businesses
• Own and manage a portfolio of clients, focusing on retention, renewal, and cross-sell opportunities
• Lead commercial conversations with senior stakeholders, understanding client needs and positioning appropriate solutions
• Manage opportunities from initial engagement through to agreement, ensuring a structured and high-quality handover to delivery teams
• Develop and grow a network of strategic partners and referral sources, including industry bodies, advisors, accountants, and innovation networks
• Represent the business at industry events, partner meetings, and networking opportunities
• Work collaboratively with partners to identify joint opportunities and maximise mutual value
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline through proactive relationship management and targeted prospecting
• Support account planning and long-term growth strategies for key clients
• Understand and articulate client eligibility for all our innovation funding products
• Stay informed on industry trends, client challenges, and market opportunities
• Contribute ideas for new offerings, partnership models, or go-to-market approaches

You will have:

• Experience in Business Development, Account Management, Partnerships, or Consulting within R&D tax, innovation, or professional services space
• Comfortable managing senior stakeholders and long-term client relationships
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to spot and develop growth opportunities
• Relationship-led approach to sales, with a focus on trust, value, and long-term partnerships
• Confident communicator with excellent verbal and written skills
• Well organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple relationships simultaneously
• Proactive self-starter, able to work autonomously and remotely
• Comfortable using CRM systems to track activity and performance
• Willing to travel across the UK as required
• Enjoys networking and building meaningful professional relationships
• Curious, solutions-focused, and motivated by helping clients succeed
• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement

Benefits

Finally, benefits! It wouldn't be a job description without a benefits section. We have some great perks to tell you about which relate to our core values, culture and mission:

Our Team – We're a positive, fun, energetic bunch who enjoy more than just the usual social drinks. You’ll find us getting together for fitness activities, company offsites, regular lunch-and-learns, and quarterly socials that keep things exciting.

One step ahead – We know our success is credited to our hard-working and talented employees, so

every employee is paid competitively, with regular, performance-related pay reviews.

Do the right thing – Your wellbeing and development are pivotal to being able to work effectively. We aim to guide you in your career with excellent learning and development provisions, private healthcare including physical, mental, dental and optical care as standard.

Ready when you are – We offer generous holiday allowances, flexible working, the ability to WFH and parental leave policies to ensure you are well looked after. As a business with set deadlines, we counteract this by closing at three carefully selected points in the year to ensure all employees are rested and rejuvenated.

Kene is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.