Business Development Manager, Longitude

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 Longitude, a specialist thought leadership and research business within the Financial Times, is looking for a Business Development Manager to help drive our growth. In this role, you will work closely with the commercial and management team to build a strong pipeline of prospective projects for 2025 and beyond.

We are seeking an experienced, driven, and entrepreneurial individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is passionate about thought leadership, and is skilled at consultative selling.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve annual new business targets by identifying and converting opportunities.
• Develop tailored sales plans by targeting key demand sources for FT Longitude’s services.
• Identify target prospects, build a network of key decision-makers, and understand their organisations.
• Nurture prospects throughout the sales cycle to maximise conversion.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing team to drive engagement through digital and in-person marketing initiatives (e.g. events, social campaigns, roundtables).
• Create compelling proposals and solutions tailored to clients’ needs.
• Manage opportunities from lead generation through to contract completion.
• Partner with editorial, strategy, research, and design teams to develop pitches and proposals.
• Develop client-focused marketing materials (e.g. proposals, credentials decks) incorporating insights from client conversations.
• Work with the Commercial Director to refine business development processes, experiment with new lead generation strategies, and measure effectiveness.
• Engage stakeholders across the Financial Times to explore business development opportunities and create joint offerings.
• Stay informed on market trends and competitor activities, becoming a subject matter expert in FT Longitude’s services.
• Maintain an organised sales pipeline, ensuring accurate activity documentation in Salesforce.

Your Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of thought leadership and branded content.
• Minimum five years of business development experience in a related sector.
• Expertise in consultative and solution-based selling.
• Proven ability to develop new business and exceed sales targets.
• Knowledge of key sales methodologies and their practical application.
• Excellent communication skills, with a highly self-motivated working style.
• Strong track record of pitching and presenting at a senior level.
• Interest in business, management, and global trends.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Intellectually curious, adaptable, and able to build strong relationships.
• Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks under pressure.

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 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 [email protected], and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further Information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and 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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