Commercial Manager - Global Industries (FTC - Parental Cover)

London

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. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

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 under‑represented groups.

FT Live overview:

Financial Times Live (FT Live) is the conferences and events division of the Financial Times newspaper and its group publications. Our mission is to bring our global executive audiences the very latest in knowledge and opinion, and connect them to one another. Chaired by senior FT journalists, the contents of the 250‑plus conferences, strategic forums and customised events organised by FT Live every year gather pre‑eminent public and private sector decision‑makers, visionaries and strategists from the world’s most important economies and industries for agenda‑setting debates that cover the key issues of our time.

Summary of role:

We’re looking for a commercially driven and relationship‑focused Commercial Manager to join FT Live’s high‑performing team on a fixed‑term basis in 2026. The successful candidate will support the Senior Commercial Manager in driving sponsorship revenue for a global portfolio of conferences and tailored events. The contract will run until the end of December 2026.

In this role you’ll:

• Secure high‑value sponsorship deals from leading global corporations
• Prospect, pitch and close new business in excess of annual targets
• Manage all stages of the sales cycle, from client consultation to contract negotiation
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including content, marketing, and operations
• Identify new commercial opportunities and revenue streams
• Attend relevant industry events to build networks and intelligence

Skills you’ll bring to the role:

• Proven success in sponsorship sales within commercial events
• Track record of exceeding sales targets
• Strong consultative selling and negotiation skills
• Ability to engage and influence senior‑level partners
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify sector opportunities
• CRM experience (e.g. Salesforce preferred)
• Minimum 3 years in event sales
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, global organisation
• Strong time management and ability to manage multiple priorities

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. Full details of our benefits are available here.

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.