Business Development Executive, New Products

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 Professional has a well-established value proposition and business model which enables organisations to read our journalism on FT.com and via third-party platforms. 

A core part of the Professional strategy is to transform the FT from a pink business newspaper into a trusted business intelligence partner. The role sits within the Commercial Innovation team (called Pathfinder) which is responsible for the validation of new products. This exciting role requires a sharp, curious and entrepreneurial mindset to sell new products as they are initially launched.

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for commercially validating new products that optimise the Financial Times' esteemed journalism to address complex organisational challenges and help professionals make high-stakes decisions with confidence, e.g. Monetary Policy Radar, a new exciting product catered to Professionals with interest rate risk. 
• Research new markets, validate early product ideas and conduct customer research.

Sales & Business Development

• Exceed sales targets by articulating clear value propositions and persuading clients to join as early adopters
• Identify and spark interest with key buyers through stakeholder mapping
• Negotiate contracts that align with client needs and product strategy

Customer Insights & Product Development

• Identify new market opportunities and evolving professional challenges
• Conduct feedback calls to refine products and improve positioning
• Understand user value drivers, profitability, and feasibility

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Liaising with key account managers to align tactical selling 
• Engage Product, GSA, and other FT stakeholders at strategic moments.
• Maintain accurate documentation in Salesforce and share insights.

Market & Commercial Awareness

• Continuously learn about customer needs, industry trends, and business drivers.
• Develop and present business cases based on commercial viability.

Required skills and experience 

• Ideally at least 2 years experience of hitting/exceeding sales targets
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of current affairs
• Curious mindset - always asking ‘why’
• Agility & Adaptability - respond and action changing priorities with ease 
• Independent thinker & solutions orientated
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Strong ability to network
• Excellent questioning skills 
• Excellent listening skills
• Confident and resilient
• Excellent communication skills. 

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 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 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.

 

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