At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive lead generation and build long-term partnerships with senior decision-makers.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading news organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role that supports growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of sales experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
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
FT Live Forums are exclusive communities for senior leaders and board members, convened by the Financial Times. Rooted in the FT’s editorial authority, each Forum brings together leaders for year-round collaboration and insight around important business issues. Our portfolio includes the Tech for Growth Forum, Due Diligence Forum, AI Forum, Supply Chain Forum, Chair’s Forum and Energy Source Forum. We are looking for a Senior Commercial Manager to work closely with the Head of FT Live Forums to take our partnership propositions to market and support the next phase of growth for the business. This is an international, sales-driven and client-facing role with responsibility for acquiring new partners, developing new commercial opportunities and supporting the launch of new Forums. You will build long-term relationships with senior decision-makers while helping FT Live Forums deliver ambitious and sustainable revenue growth and protecting the credibility of the FT brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive lead generation, working closely with the marketing team to research, identify and engage prospective partners.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of high-quality commercial opportunities.
- Lead the approach to prospective client communication and outreach, developing trusted relationships with senior decision-makers including CMOs and marketing directors.
- Develop long-term commercial partnerships and take FT Live Forums’ partnership propositions to market.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the FT Group to identify and maximise revenue opportunities.
- Proactively identify new revenue streams and develop strategies and tactics to deliver them.
- Support the development of the FT Live Forums growth strategy, adapting the commercial approach as markets and opportunities evolve.
- Maximise commercial opportunities while protecting the credibility and reputation of the FT brand.
- Represent FT Live Forums and the wider FT at relevant events and conferences, using these opportunities to develop relationships and expand the commercial network.
- Maintain strong sales management, pipeline reporting and CRM discipline.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years’ sales experience, ideally in media, with a strong track record of building long-term partnerships.
- Proven success delivering against sales targets and developing a high-quality pipeline.
- Confident selling across digital, telephone and face-to-face channels.
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, including with senior decision-makers.
- Commercially sharp, with the ability to spot new business and revenue opportunities.
- Entrepreneurial, proactive and comfortable turning opportunities into action.
- Collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgement and a customer-focused approach.
- Experience using Salesforce or another mainstream CRM system.
Desirable
- Sales experience within a media organisation or similarly fast-paced commercial environment.
- Experience developing sophisticated, long-term partnership propositions.
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 currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.
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.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a warm and collaborative culture where employees can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the FT offers a range of benefits including generous annual leave, medical cover, and a flexible hybrid working model, ensuring that you can balance your professional and personal life while contributing to impactful journalism. Join a diverse community of experts and enjoy opportunities that challenge and inspire you in a role that connects influential decision-makers across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Senior Commercial Manager at Financial Times, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Financial Times. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Commercial Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Financial Times:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Financial Times. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Financial Times that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Financial Times that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Financial Times’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
