Sales Development Representative (6-month fixed term contract)

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. About FT Longitude FT Longitude is a thought leadership specialist within the Financial Times Group. We help leading B2B organisations define, evidence and communicate the ideas they want to be known for. Our work combines critical thinking, research, editorial expertise, storytelling and creative activation. We partner with clients to create high-profile thought leadership programmes that help them build authority, influence senior audiences and create commercial impact. As part of the Financial Times Group, we bring the credibility, rigour and authority of one of the world’s most respected business brands. 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 We are looking for a commercially curious, resilient and highly motivated Sales Development Executive to join FT Longitude’s growing commercial team. Inside sales is an important and developing part of FT Longitude’s growth strategy. In this newly created role, you will help open high-quality conversations with senior decision-makers at leading B2B organisations. We believe in a tailored and consultative sales approach at FT Longitude. You will research accounts thoroughly, understand the issues affecting senior buyers and develop thoughtful, credible outreach that communicates FT Longitude’s value proposition. Working across inbound leads, marketing campaigns, named target accounts and proactive outbound activity, you will focus on creating qualified meetings and early-stage opportunities for the senior sales team. Along the way, you will develop the commercial skills and sector knowledge needed to progress in a consultative B2B sales environment. Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will be based in London and work across a global remit. This is a six-month parental leave cover, with potential to extend, subject to demand and business rationale. Key Responsibilities 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…