Sales Development Representative (French-speaking Region)

About Us

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find an empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we give all employees a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

FT Professional

As part of the Financial Times, one of the world's most respected brands and news sources, we at FT Professional work to help our customers get more from Financial Times journalism – through additional resources, curated news, and action-oriented tools. We proudly serve over 7,700 businesses, governments, and education institutions, equipping users with specialist knowledge and tailored insights to help them make the best strategic and commercial decisions in an unpredictable global environment. FT Professional is entering a new exciting chapter in its growth journey - with an ongoing focus on developing our existing offering along with creating new stand-alone and complementary products for our customers.

The Role / Position Overview

The role reports into the regional sales team with a dotted line to marketing, to ensure alignment around campaign activity. This role requires the applicant to actively prospect for new contacts as such, they must be comfortable in making 20+ calls per day to develop a good understanding of the FT product offerings. 

Key Responsibilities

• Prospect and build a sales pipeline for the field sales team via outbound calling and email communication

• Source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up, internal tools, FT content and general market research

• Research and contact potential budget holders/decision-makers

• Pre-qualify leads and book appointments/call backs for the field sales team

• Assign qualified leads/opportunities to the field sales team for further development and closure

• Follow up with each field sales manager to gather feedback and agree next steps

• Contact readers to gather testimonials and evidence to support sales proposals

• Act as a bridge between marketing and sales. Liaise with the marketing teams on campaign activity to generate leads and improve the quality of leads

• Record conversations with prospects on the CRM system for reporting purposes

• Weekly reporting, including successful calls made and challenges faced 

Required Skills / Experience

• Fluency in written and spoken French is essential

• Experience in lead nurturing, lead generation and appointment setting
• Articulate and tactful communication skills, particularly on the phone

• Proactivity and readiness to learn and develop understanding of FT product offering and value proposition.

• Effective internet research skills

• Self-motivated and driven with strong desire to succeed

• Organised and ability to prioritise workload in a fast paced environment

• Ability to work accurately, with strong attention to detail

• Display initiative in undertaking all aspects of the role

• Good team player with a willingness to collaborate

• Be a willing contributor to the department, offering ideas and suggestions
   

What’s in it for you? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Further Information

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We have implemented a hybrid working model and we also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments 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, please send an email to talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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