Business Development Director – Strategic Accounts

Business Development Director – Strategic Accounts

Location: London

Reports to: Commercial Director, Europe

Eligibility: Must be authorised to work in the UK

Job Overview

Fortune is seeking a senior-level, commercially driven BD Director to lead high-value, multi-platform partnerships across the UK and Europe. In this pivotal role, you will own strategic accounts, close complex deals, and manage a team of three Account Directors.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. to craft sophisticated proposals and partnership programmes that deliver measurable client and business impact.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Commercial Leadership: Demonstrated success leading senior-level partnerships and complex deal cycles.
• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of B2B media, partnerships, and integrated commercial solutions.
• Executive Presence: Ability to build trusted, senior client relationships across corporates and agencies.
• Strategic Thinking: Skilled in consultative selling and designing multi-platform solutions across events, content, digital, and leadership programmes.
• Team Coaching: Experience developing and guiding junior and mid-level commercial talent.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A values-driven, cooperative approach with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sales Execution

• Lead and grow a portfolio of strategic UK and European accounts.
• Drive high-value, multi-platform partnership opportunities from prospecting through to close.
• Maintain strong pipeline discipline and provide accurate weekly forecasting.
• Ensure precise CRM management (Salesforce) across all interactions.

Client Engagement & Impact

• Build and deepen senior-level relationships to drive long-term partnerships.
• Identify client needs and develop tailored, insight-led commercial solutions.
• Work with agencies and direct clients to deliver high-impact, multi-platform programmes.

Product Fluency & Storytelling

• Communicate the value of Fortune’s integrated offerings across digital, content, events, print, and leadership communities.
• Use audience insights and market data to develop compelling sales narratives and proposals.

Market Insight & Strategic Direction

• Stay attuned to industry trends to shape client conversations and partnerships.
• Share market feedback to influence internal strategy, product development, and internal direction.
• Manage and mentor 2-3 Account Directors, raising the commercial standard across the team.
• Lead or contribute to key commercial initiatives that improve effectiveness and performance.
• Partner closely with editorial, product, events, and marketing teams to align on client delivery.

European Market Coordination

• Support the oversight and alignment of third-party commercial representatives in Europe.

Your Experience & Attributes

• 10–12+ years in senior partnerships, business development, or B2B media roles.
• Proven success in closing complex, high-value, multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong executive communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic, analytical, and solutions-oriented commercial mindset.
• Experience managing and coaching commercial teams.

FORTUNE

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