Business Development Manager - French Speaking

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The Role

FT Professional a part of our Reader Revenue Group licenses Financial Times content and solutions to organisations around the world, serving customers across corporate, financial services, government, professional services, education and media sectors.

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to drive new business growth across the French-speaking region, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and French-speaking African markets.

Reporting to the Head of New Business - CEMEA, you will own the development and delivery of the regional new business sales plan, manage the full sales cycle from prospecting through to contract, and build relationships with senior decision-makers across a diverse range of organisations.

Alongside your individual sales responsibilities, you will manage and support a Sales Development Representative, helping to create a collaborative, focused and high-performing team environment.

This is an opportunity for an experienced consultative salesperson to combine hands-on business development with regional strategy, people management and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver against new business sales targets across the French-speaking region.
• Develop and implement the annual regional sales plan, identifying priority prospects, market opportunities and areas for growth.
• Manage the complete sales cycle, from prospecting and qualification through to negotiation and contract.
• Lead, support and develop a Sales Development Representative, providing clear direction, regular communication and coaching.
• Build strong relationships with senior decision-makers and stakeholders across prospective customer organisations, developing a detailed understanding of their priorities and requirements.
• Work closely with Marketing and Customer Success colleagues to plan and prioritise activity that supports new business revenue growth.
• Make effective use of available sales intelligence and prospecting tools, including FT.com content, Looker, LinkedIn, copyright leads, channel partner contacts and internal FT networks.
• Develop strong knowledge of the region and stay informed about relevant customer, market and competitor developments.
• Contribute to strategic discussions around product, pricing and process improvements that could support sustainable year-on-year growth across the region.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of sales activity in Salesforce, ensuring leads are followed up promptly and opportunities, forecasts and expected close dates remain current.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across support functions to deliver an excellent experience throughout the customer journey.

Required Skills and Experience

• Fluency in both spoken and written French.
• A proven track record of meeting or exceeding new business sales targets.
• Strong consultative selling, communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience building credible relationships with senior decision-makers and a range of organisational stakeholders.
• A high level of initiative, self-motivation and accountability for results.
• Strong understanding of FT Professional's value proposition and the ability to discuss customer challenges and requirements confidently.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective cross-functional relationships that contribute to successful commercial outcomes.
• Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to identify new approaches and opportunities that support business growth.
• Strong prioritisation and organisation skills, with the ability to focus activity on the opportunities most likely to deliver results and work effectively to deadlines.
• An understanding of business intelligence and content-based solutions.
• Experience managing, mentoring or coaching others, with the ability

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