Senior Sales Executive

About Us

Across the FT Group, our people are united by a mission to deliver world-class information, news and services to our global audiences. We're a digital-first organisation made up of journalists, technologists, product managers, event planners, strategists, commercial and finance experts, marketing and communications specialists - and much more. Our strength is in our employees.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we aim for employees across all regions to have 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 and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

Job Purpose

The FT is a trusted guide to navigating the current disruptive business and political environment. Our goal is to serve global decision-makers in every aspect of their businesses and day-to-day lives. Trust, quality and effectiveness are central to our efforts in every regard.

Our sales team in Japan is responsible for growing Japanese commercial revenues through integrated media offerings across the FT portfolio.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of thorough sales responsibilities; identifying different departments at clients/agencies, meeting them regularly, planning, presenting/pitching, closing and overseeing the executions of integrated marketing solutions. Client sectors in Japan are broad-ranging, including Manufacturing/Industrial, Technology, Government, Luxury, Finance, and Energy.

Financial Times in Japan collaborates with its owner- Nikkei Inc. in the Japanese market taking advantage of their nationwide sales network to accelerate business growth and maintain strong client relationships.

About FT Group

Every business is unique and so is our offering. We produce bespoke programmes utilising our group portfolio. You will have the ability to work across the following:

• FT Editorial

• Other teams in the Commercial department: Creative Strategy, Client Services, FT Studio and Operations

• FT Longitude

• FT Live

• Other group media including FT Specialist and Nikkei

We expect the successful candidate to engage in the following activities: 

• Work closely with the Nikkei sales team and advertising agencies and have constant conversations with various clients; from big solution pitches to trading and programmatic.

• Produce high-quality proposals and presentations in both English and Japanese (including translation).

• Collaborate with the Creative Strategy team to accelerate sales and ensure programmes deliver on the KPIs that matter to the partners.

• Ensure smooth and successful execution of campaigns by closely working with external vendors including freelance journalists/ creative studios in adjoining FT Studio and other FT internal teams; Data Strategy, Global Client Services, Campaign Management, and Finance.

• Identify new sales opportunities through independent market research and work closely with the Commercial Marketing team in the Japanese market.

Other associated tasks:

• Achieve/Exceed individual and team advertising revenue targets, as well as contribute to the overall global revenues.

• Proactively showcase the latest developments of FT products and research results to clients, agencies and the Nikkei sales team on a regular basis.

• Be on top of the FT website developments including editorial coverages/features, new products, and its traffic.

• Attend industry seminars and conferences for networking and learning about business challenges and opportunities.

Key Skills / Experience

• Strategic mindset and aptitude for problem-solving, influencing and motivation

• Ability to manage complex work streams while maintaining strict attention to detail and pre-empt problems

• Strong communication and presentation skills; particularly adapting high-level negotiation to obtain internal and external relationship management

• Advertising comprehension; including data analytics, digital advertising technologies and content marketing

• ​Candidates with more experience will be considered for the Sales Manager role

Personal Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and prioritise tasks in a complex context

• Team player: covers the team if necessary; contributes to improving the team's performance

• Excellent command of English and Japanese; Ability to understand FT Journalism and the Japanese business landscape

• Good command of Microsoft Office, Google Suite and other platforms including ad tech interface

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, 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 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 contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help. 

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