At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sponsorship revenue for exciting events and connect with industry leaders.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a global leader in news and information.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping impactful conversations in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in B2B, excellent communication skills, and a degree or equivalent.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and flexibility in a supportive, diverse workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 underrepresented groups.
The Role / Position 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 200-plus core events, strategic forums and digital webinars organised by FT Live every year capture 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.
From outstanding experiences such as the FTWeekend Festival to our senior-level business summits such as the award winning Global Boardroom, FT Live has become one of the FT Group’s most successful and fastest-growing divisions, and is at the forefront of the FT’s accelerated development as a crucial, interactive information source across numerous platforms.
The Role
FT Live is seeking a commercially minded individual to join our high-performing team. This role will focus on originating and growing sponsorship revenue across our diverse portfolio of events.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and exceed sponsorship revenue targets across live and digital event products.
Cultivate new revenue streams in collaboration with content, marketing, and design teams.
Manage the full commercial cycle from prospecting to closing and post-sale administration.
Build and nurture strategic client relationships, especially at senior decision-maker level.
Collaborate cross-functionally with FT advertising, research, and content divisions to create integrated solutions.
Represent FT Live at relevant domestic and international industry events.
Required Skills and Experience
A strong commercial track record in a B2B environment with consistent overachievement of sales targets.
Demonstrated ability in sponsorship, media, or event sales.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Ability to work autonomously with initiative and strong time management.
Commercial awareness and adaptability across sectors and client types.
Familiarity with Salesforce and MS Office suite.
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
Experience in a commercial events business or media owner environment.
International sales experience and dealing with C-suite partners.
Strong grasp of global business trends and sector-specific challenges.
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 availablehere .
We’ve embraced a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility, including remote work options. We will support specific flexibility 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 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.
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Commercial Manager (Specialist Events) - FT Live employer: Financial Times
Contact Detail:
Financial Times Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Specialist Events) - FT Live
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the events and sponsorship sectors. Attend industry conferences and seminars where you can meet potential colleagues or clients, as this role requires strong relationship-building skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Financial Times' recent events and sponsorship initiatives. Understanding their portfolio will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial awareness by staying updated on global business trends and sector-specific challenges. This knowledge will be crucial when discussing strategies for revenue growth in your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with Salesforce and other relevant tools. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these platforms will set you apart as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Specialist Events) - FT Live
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management, sponsorship, and event sales. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to exceed sales targets and manage client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at FT Live. Mention how your skills align with their mission and values, particularly your experience in B2B environments and your understanding of global business trends.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention specific revenue targets you have exceeded or successful sponsorship deals you have secured. This will help illustrate your strong commercial track record.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your experience with C-suite partners and your adaptability across different sectors. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to FT Live's growth and success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Research the Financial Times
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Financial Times' mission, values, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their events division, FT Live, and how it connects global audiences. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its goals.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a Commercial Manager, it's crucial to highlight your track record in B2B sales and sponsorship. Prepare specific examples of how you've exceeded sales targets in previous roles, and be ready to discuss your strategies for cultivating client relationships, especially at the senior decision-maker level.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage multiple stakeholders or navigate challenges in event sales. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires collaboration with various teams, such as content, marketing, and design. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked across departments in the past. Highlight any experiences where you created integrated solutions that benefited both clients and your organisation.