Managing Director, Longitude

About the FT

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.

Overview of FT Longitude & the role

FT Longitude is a specialist thought leadership and B2B marketing consultancy that is part of the FT Group. It employs just over 60 people, mainly in its London offices, and works with many of the world’s leading B2B brands on their thought leadership campaigns. Its services span content strategy, research, content development, design and digital, and audio. Most of its work is done directly with clients and published as “white label” content, but FT Longitude increasingly collaborates with other divisions of the Financial Times, including advertising and FT Live events, on integrated marketing campaigns.

Following the departure of its founding CEO, FT Longitude is now looking for a new leader to take the business to the next level. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of B2B marketing and communications, and have first-hand experience of scaling an agency or consulting business beyond 100 employees. They will be comfortable leading a fast-paced agency-style business, but also be confident in working within and reporting into a larger parent company.  

Skills and competencies

Technical skills/competencies

• Track record of scaling an agency, consulting or other service business

• Deep understanding of B2B marketing and communications

• A strategic thinker who can set and communicate a strong vision for the business

• Strong people management and coaching capabilities

• A deep understanding of the sales and operational processes that make up successful agency or consulting companies

• Experience of leading product development and innovation initiatives

• Strong analytical capabilities to assess investment opportunities and trade-offs

• Sound financial understanding and experience of budgeting and forecasting, managing a P&L, and pricing

• Experience of working at board level and communicating with/influencing C-level executives

 

Interpersonal skills/competencies

• Proven track record as an inspiring leader

• Highly collaborative and comfortable challenging and being challenged

• Strategic thinker with big ideas, but also strong on execution

• An exceptional written and verbal communicator

• Experience of public speaking at high-profile events

• Comfortable managing C-suite level relationships

• Strong influencing and negotiation skills

• Comfortable multi-tasking and prioritising to meet tight deadlines

• Able to juggle multiple stakeholders and satisfy competing requirements

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Positive with a growth mindset

Core responsibilities and activities

• Setting an overall direction for the business with clear, measurable goals and then managing against those

• Determining the appropriate strategic priorities for the business and ensuring that the right resources and capabilities are available to execute against them

• Working with finance teams to set and evaluate ambitious but achievable financial targets and ensuring that these are met

• Setting priorities for sales, marketing, product management and delivery teams and working with the respective leaders on achieving those goals

• Representing FT Longitude in sales conversations and pitches, at events and conferences and through speaking engagements

• Building strong relationships with relevant colleagues across the wider FT business

• Developing and nurturing the company culture

• Setting appropriate targets and goals for teams and designing commission and bonus schemes to provide the right incentives

• Leading the senior management team and ensuring that key goals across the team are met

• Setting recruitment priorities and developing the business case for hiring needs

• Overseeing the overall company positioning and brand 

• Supporting key strategic sales conversations

• Problem solving

 

Signs of success/KPIS

• Revenue and profit growth

• Client satisfaction/renewal rate

• External recognition e.g. through awards

• Visibility and profile in the wider FT group

 

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

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 hybrid working model that promotes flexibility, including remote work options. We will support specific flexibility 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 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.