At a Glance
- Tasks: Prospect and build a sales pipeline through calls and emails.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading global news organisation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in journalism while developing your sales skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in lead generation and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About us 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.
Job Description Position Title: Sales Development Representative, Asia Pacific Location: Singapore Reports to Position: Head of New Business, APAC – FT Professional
The FT Professional Sales team is responsible for licensing FT content directly to corporate and education customers around the world, with clients across finance, government, professional services, education and media sectors. The Sales Development Representative will be responsible for pre-qualifying leads and prospects for the Business Development team to close into new business revenue. The role will support the field sales team through a number of activities which include:
- Pre-qualification of leads/opportunities
- Identifying potential budget holders
- Proactive prospecting for new contacts
- Booking appointments with prospects
- Responding to inbound and webchat inquiries
- Gathering testimonials/evidence for proposals
This role requires the applicant to actively prospect for new contacts. The candidate will need to possess professional telephone manners and the confidence in speaking to senior executives at organisations across a range of industry sectors. This role requires the applicant to actively prospect for new contacts as such, they must be comfortable in making 30+ calls per day to develop a good understanding of the FT product offerings.
In this role you will:
- Prospect and build a sales pipeline for the business development team via outbound calling and email communication
- Source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up, through internal tools, FT content, and general market research
- Work with marketing to ensure timely lead follow-up and feedback
- Research and contact potential budget holders/decision-makers
- Pre-qualify leads and book appointments/call backs for the business development team
- Assign qualified leads/opportunities to the business development team for further development and closing
- Follow up with each business development manager to gather feedback and agree next steps
- Contact readers to gather testimonials and evidence to support sales proposals
- Weekly reporting, including successful calls made and any challenges faced
- Record conversations with prospects on the CRM system for reporting purposes
Qualifications / Competencies / Skills / Experience:
- Experience in lead nurturing, lead generation and appointment setting
- Strong communication skills, particularly on the phone, and cultural awareness
- Fluency in English and Cantonese or Mandarin
- Proactivity and readiness to cold call
- Highly motivated and target driven
- Previous experience as an SDR preferred
- Organised and ability to prioritise busy workload in a fast paced environment
- Ability to work accurately, with strong attention to detail
- Display initiative in undertaking all aspects of the role
- Good team player with a willingness to collaborate
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 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.
Further information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.
APAC SDR — Hybrid Prospecting & Pipeline Growth employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Singapore where curiosity and ambition are celebrated. Employees benefit from a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while contributing to impactful journalism that reaches millions. Join a diverse community that values unique perspectives and fosters collaboration, ensuring your career at the FT is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land APAC SDR — Hybrid Prospecting & Pipeline Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the Financial Times, its values, and its products. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest when you connect with potential leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s on the phone or via email, having a clear and confident way to present yourself and the FT's offerings can make all the difference. Role-play with a friend or use a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from cold calling! It might feel daunting, but remember, every call is an opportunity. Set a daily target for calls and track your progress to keep motivated. We believe in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up like a pro! After initial contact, always send a quick follow-up message. It shows you're proactive and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to share more about how the FT can meet their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace APAC SDR — Hybrid Prospecting & Pipeline Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you connect with our mission at the FT. Don’t just list your skills; tell us how they relate to the role and why you’re excited about it!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the APAC SDR role. Highlight your experience in lead generation and appointment setting, and show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for. A little effort goes a long way in making your application stand out!
Show Your Curiosity:We love curiosity at the FT! In your application, share examples of how you've demonstrated this trait in your previous roles. Whether it's researching potential leads or learning about new markets, show us that you’re eager to explore and grow.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research the Financial Times and its products. Understand their mission, values, and recent news stories. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Since this role involves a lot of communication, practice your phone skills. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member, focusing on how to engage senior executives. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform during the actual calls.
✨Show Your Proactivity
Be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully prospected leads in the past. Highlight your ability to make cold calls and follow up on leads. Prepare specific metrics or achievements that demonstrate your target-driven mindset.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. Ask about the team dynamics, the tools they use for lead generation, or how success is measured in the SDR role. This shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute.
