Business Development Executive - French Speaking in 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. 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.

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The Role

FT Professional, a part of our Reader Revenue Group, licenses Financial Times content and solutions to organisations around the world, serving customers across corporate, financial services, government, professional services, education and media sectors. We are looking for a Business Development Manager to drive new business growth across the French-speaking region, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and French-speaking African markets. Reporting to the Head of New Business – CEMEA, you will own the development and delivery of the regional new business sales plan, manage the full sales cycle from prospecting through to contract, and build relationships with senior decision-makers across a diverse range of organisations. Alongside your individual sales responsibilities, you will manage and support a Sales Development Representative, helping to create a collaborative, focused and high-performing team environment. This is an opportunity for an experienced consultative salesperson to combine hands-on business development with regional strategy, people management and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver against new business sales targets across the French-speaking region.
• Develop and implement the annual regional sales plan, identifying priority prospects, market opportunities and areas for growth.
• Manage the complete sales cycle, from prospecting and qualification through to negotiation and contract.
• Lead, support and develop a Sales Development Representative, providing clear direction, regular communication and coaching.
• Work closely with Marketing and Customer Success colleagues to plan and prioritise activity that supports new business revenue growth.
• Make effective use of available sales intelligence and prospecting tools, including FT.com content, Looker, LinkedIn, copyright leads, channel partner contacts and internal FT networks.
• Develop strong knowledge of the region and stay informed about relevant customer, market and competitor developments.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of sales activity in Salesforce, ensuring leads are followed up promptly and opportunities, forecasts and expected close dates remain current.

Skills and Experience

• Fluency in both spoken and written French.
• A proven track record of meeting or exceeding new business sales targets.
• Experience building credible relationships with senior decision-makers and a range of organisational stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective cross-functional relationships that contribute to successful commercial outcomes.
• Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to identify new approaches and opportunities that support business growth.
• An understanding of business intelligence and content-based solutions.
• Experience managing, mentoring or coaching others, with the ability to support the performance and development of a Sales Development Representative.

Desirable

• Previous direct line-management experience within a sales environment.
• Knowledge of the French-speaking markets covered by the role.
• Previous experience using CRM systems, particularly Salesforce.
• Good working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. 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. 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.

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