Business Development Manager

Who we are

We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.

We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity. 

As the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) helps leaders prepare for opportunity, empowering them to act with confidence when making strategic decisions. The EIU is the global standard in providing quality, actionable intelligence to the public and private sector, assessing issues that impact the marketplace for over two hundred countries.

The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (EICN) is the executive briefing and networking service of The EIU. Participating in our members-only C-suite group helps international firms understand the political, economic and business environments of the markets where they operate, and particularly what impact changes in this macro environment will have on business. This opportunity is open to candidates located in Beijing or Shanghai.

The EICN service is delivered in a few main ways:

• Through a programme of meetings that create the opportunity to hear from outside experts, and from peers within EICN;
• Through private briefings (presentations) delivered to clients at their management and strategy meetings;
• Through summary reports and data (covering key economies and business issues).

In this exciting role you will be responsible for new business development for our group in Beijing/Shanghai, selling EICN memberships to senior-level executives of China based international firms and local MNCs. You will also seek out other revenue opportunities with new clients in this territory including event and research sponsorship, and paid speaking engagements.

How you would contribute:

• Work with the Commercial Director, Network Director and other stakeholders to develop and personally execute an aggressive new members acquisition plan in China
• Meet and exceed revenue and renewal targets in the region
• Develop and sustain an aggressive personal pipeline of new client opportunities
• Achieve deep market penetration across the full spectrum of sectors
• Manage the whole sales cycle from prospecting through to closing the sale
• Ensure the right level and number of participants attend member events
• Take ownership of your remit as if it was your own business
• Act as a trustworthy and reliable Economist Group brand ambassador

The ideal skills of the role are:

• Experience in B2B sales
• Some degree of experience in selling (preferably content-related) solutions to C-suite using in-person, phone and online channels on a high-volume, high-frequency basis
• A certain level of refinement and sophistication when communicating
• Ability to build and maintain trusted partner relationships at the highest level (C-suite/executive)
• The ability to work independently and to be a self-starter
• High degree of intellectual curiosity, and an interest in international business and current affairs
• Native or near-native English skills
• Confidence to approach people at high levels of seniority
• An ability to thrive upon expectation and exposure

#LI-Hybrid

What we offer

Benefits
We offer excellent benefits including an incentive programme, generous annual and parental leave policies, volunteering days and well-being support throughout the year, as well as free access to all Economist content. Country specific benefits are also offered.

Our Values
Our values are a collective set of beliefs and behaviours that strengthen The Economist Group's purpose and demonstrate where we want to be as an organisation. They reflect on our mission to pursue progress for individuals, organisations and the world.

Independence
We are not bound to any party or interest and encourage exploration and free-thinking. We champion freedom, both within our organisation and around the world.

Integrity
We are bold in our efforts to uncover the truth and stand up for what we believe in. We inspire trust through our rigour, fact-checking and transparency.

Excellence
We aspire to the highest standards in all we do. We are ambitious and inquisitive in our pursuit of continuous progress and innovation.

Inclusivity
We value diversity in thought and background and encourage healthy debate with a breadth of perspectives. We treat our colleagues and customers fairly and respectfully.

Openness
We foster a collaborative and empathetic culture conducive to the interests, wit and initiative of our colleagues. New ideas are our lifeblood.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues and potential colleagues regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, gender identity, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status or any other status.