Commercial Performance and Technology Director - 12 month Parental Cover

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

This parental cover role will lead the Commercial Product team, which focuses on product innovation, targeting capabilities, and advertising technology to drive the FT’s digital advertising business. The Commercial Product team plays a crucial role in supporting the development of innovative advertising products, tech integrations, vendor management, and user targeting & segmentation. The team’s goal is to enhance the FT’s ability to deliver impactful marketing solutions for advertising clients while aligning with editorial and subscription objectives.

The Commercial Performance and Technology Director will report to the Global Revenue Operations Director and be responsible for:

• Ensuring advertising business needs are represented in cross-business initiatives, particularly in projects affecting advertising inventory.
• Developing and structuring the FT’s commercial product catalogue to align with client outcomes.
• Aligning the product roadmap with advertiser needs and ensuring marketing materials reflect FT’s advertising propositions.
• Supporting senior leadership in strategic alignment across the FT’s advertising and commercial operations.
• Advocating for the Commercial Product team’s work across the business and industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction for the team, ensuring the development of high-quality advertising products and seamless technology integrations that benefit readers, clients, and the business.
• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships, representing commercial needs in cross-departmental transformation projects.
• Align roadmaps and delivery with the Revenue Operations strategy to support digital advertising revenue.
• Support the team in developing best-in-class advertising products, from display to branded content, that maximise campaign performance.
• Ensure the advertising team’s needs are prioritised in product development initiatives.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure advertising capabilities are effectively communicated and reviewed.
• Stay informed on privacy legislation, sustainability, and industry changes, ensuring advertising solutions are compliant and aligned with FT’s brand values.
• Promote commercial product achievements through industry press, awards, case studies, and speaking engagements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in digital advertising, ad technology, and commercial product management.
• Strong understanding of advertising industry trends, data privacy regulations, and digital monetisation strategies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and align commercial goals with editorial and subscription strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage with senior leadership, product teams, and advertisers.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving product innovation and delivering revenue growth.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to evangelise commercial product initiatives both internally and externally.

What’s in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location, but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships, and opportunities to give back to the community.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and a Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.