Sales Development Representative (6-month fixed term contract)

Research target organisations and identify relevant senior decision-makers across sectors including consulting, technology, financial services, professional services, enterprise software, risk, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Build and maintain accurate prospect lists using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, Google Workspace, CRM platforms and other sales intelligence tools.

Develop tailored outreach through telephone, email and LinkedIn, with an approximate 70/30 balance between phone-led and digital or social engagement.

Follow up marketing-qualified leads, campaign responses, event leads, named-account activity and self-sourced outbound opportunities.

Engage senior collaborators including Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Strategy Officers, Chief Information Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Human Resources Officers, transformation leaders, Heads of Thought Leadership and Heads of Content.

Use thoughtful questioning and MEDDPICC-based qualification to understand prospects’ needs, priorities, buying context and potential fit with FT Longitude.

Book qualified meetings and create well-defined early-stage opportunities for senior commercial colleagues.

Partner with sales and marketing colleagues to improve campaign follow-up, lead quality and account targeting.

Contribute ideas on priority sectors, market themes, target accounts, outreach angles and buyer challenges.

Maintain clear and accurate CRM records covering activity, conversations, qualification insights and agreed next steps.

Report weekly on activity, conversations, meetings created, opportunities identified, key takeaways and blockers.

As your knowledge develops, support selected early-stage discovery conversations and contribute relevant insight to pitches and proposals.

Success will be measured by the quality and consistency of your prospecting, your ability to create relevant conversations with senior buyers and your contribution to qualified meetings and opportunities. Measures are likely to include qualified meetings booked, opportunities created, target-account engagement, CRM activity and the quality of sales handovers.

The emphasis is on meaningful commercial engagement rather than activity volume alone.

Around one to two years’ experience in sales, sales development, business development, lead generation or a related commercial role.

Confidence engaging senior partners by telephone, email and LinkedIn.

Clear, professional communication skills and the ability to build rapport quickly.

Curiosity about businesses, brands, markets and the issues influencing senior executive agendas.

Resilience and persistence, with the ability to respond positively to rejection while maintaining a thoughtful and credible approach.

Strong research skills and the ability to develop relevant, personalised outreach rather than relying on generic messaging.

Excellent organisation and the ability to handle multiple accounts, leads, conversations and follow-up activities.

Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce concise and engaging prospect communications.

Confidence using data, CRM information and account research to prioritise activity.

A proactive, self-motivated approach and a strong appetite for learning.

A collaborative approach and willingness to work closely with sales, marketing, strategy and editorial colleagues.

The confidence to contribute ideas and insight, not simply complete activities.

Experience in thought leadership, content marketing, B2B publishing, media, research, professional services or an agency environment.

Experience using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, Salesforce or similar sales and CRM tools.

An understanding of B2B marketing, brand authority, content strategy, demand generation or senior buyer engagement.

Familiarity with MEDDPICC or another recognised sales qualification framework. Training will be provided.

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.

This is an opportunity to join a growing commercial team at an important stage in its development. You will work within a business that combines the credibility of the Financial Times with the creativity and pace of a specialist thought leadership agency.

You will receive structured induction, ongoing coaching and practical training from an experienced commercial team. You will also have the opportunity to help shape how inside sales operates at FT Longitude rather than simply inheriting an established process.

For the right person, the role offers valuable exposure to high-value consultative selling and a potential pathway towards a future business development or consultative sales position.

We are a Disability Confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or 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.

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