Business Development Manager

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 Specialist is a division of the FT Group that delivers must-have information to niche audiences, empowering them to make smarter decisions and operate more effectively.

We are looking for a dedicated and driven Business Development Manager to join our London-based subscription sales team. In this role, you will be responsible for selling corporate subscriptions to FT Specialist’s Banking portfolio, including The Banker and The Banker Database. These products provide vital insights and analysis to professionals across the global banking community.

Reporting to the Global Head of Subscription Sales, this role involves developing client relationships and achieving new sales targets through a combination of face-to-face and telephone engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Present and promote FT Specialist Banking products to prospective clients

• Build, develop and sustain strong customer relationships

• Meet and exceed agreed new business targets

• Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals

• Lead in-depth sales discussions and close deals effectively

• Provide market feedback to enhance product development

• Leverage marketing data to inform sales strategies

• Maintain an up-to-date sales pipeline and report regularly

• Drive outbound sales activity through cold calling existing databases

• Clearly communicate subscription terms and conditions to clients

Required Skills and Experience

• Solid understanding of the banking industry, with experience selling into this sector

• Proven success in B2B sales, both face-to-face and over the phone

• Skilled in lead development, targeted selling and account management

• Excellent persuasion and negotiation skills

• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service

• Strong relationship-building capabilities

• Effective organisational and time-management skills in a fast-paced setting

• Experience managing large, demanding accounts

• Comfortable working cross-functionally with teams such as editorial and marketing

• Confident presenting to stakeholders at all levels

• Experience representing products at trade shows and conferences

Desirable

• Foreign language skills

• Existing client portfolio in the financial services sector across various geographies

Person Profile

• Passionate about sales with a consultative approach

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Tenacious, yet discreet and professional

• Solution-oriented with a proactive mindset

• Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment

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 [email protected] 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.

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