Government Advertising Lead – fDi Intelligence

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.

The Role

Sitting within the Professional Services, Legal & Government team and reporting to the Group Head, you will be solely responsible for driving revenue growth from Government accounts. The Government patch spans UK Government departments and agencies, global Foreign Government clients, and also includes being responsible for advertising across fDi Intelligence (the FT’s Foreign Direct Investment trade specialist title). This is a commercially important patch within a high performing team, and has strong growth potential. The role combines both account management and new business development, with a clear focus on building revenue across Government accounts and fDi Intelligence. Success depends on building strong sector knowledge, disciplined pipeline management and effective cross‑team collaboration spanning multiple global markets.

This role is responsible for managing and growing advertising revenue across UK Government, Foreign Government and fDi Intelligence. You will own an account list spanning UK government departments, embassies, trade agencies and investment promotion organisations, ensuring the Financial Times and fDi Intelligence are central to their marketing plans. As well as driving your own sales leads, you will work closely with FT reps in key global markets, driving engagement with relevant government bodies, protecting and growing revenue across the FT and fDi portfolio. You will lead the fDi sales proposition, align internal teams and represent both brands at key industry events (both domestically and internationally) to build long‑term, consultative partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth across UK Government departments, agencies, Foreign Government clients and fDi Intelligence.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships across your account patch, delivering a high standard of consultative service.
• Proactively identify and convert new revenue opportunities through sector insight, creative solution selling and bespoke proposals.
• Lead the full sales process including prospecting, pitching, negotiation and closing, while protecting yield and long‑term value.
• Represent the FT and fDi Intelligence at industry events, strengthening brand presence and building new commercial relationships.
• Collaborate closely with global FT representatives and internal teams including Research, Campaign Management, Planning and Project Management.
• Use Salesforce daily to manage accounts, contacts, opportunities and activity, maintaining accurate forecasting and pipeline visibility.
• Monitor campaign performance, interpret data and respond to client metrics and outcomes.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum three years’ experience in multi‑platform media sales.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering against revenue targets with clear ownership of pipeline and forecasting.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across UK Government departments and international government bodies.
• Strong account management capability, building trusted, long‑term consultative relationships.
• Experience managing complex sales cycles and multi‑stakeholder approvals.
• Confident pitching and presenting both virtually and face‑to‑face.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to protect commercial value.
• Proactive, commercially driven and accountable mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and long sales cycles while maintaining focus and momentum.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape; knowledge of Government and FDI sectors desirable.
• Experience working with Government or public sector clients is desirable.

Desirable

• Experience working across international markets.
• Understanding of the FDI landscape and investment promotion organisations.
• Experience representing a brand at industry events.

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, contact talent@ft.com.

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