Sales Development Representative, Asia Pacific

About the Company

Financial Times is a globally acclaimed news organisation known for its authority, integrity, and accuracy in delivering quality news and services worldwide. The company promotes a culture rooted in curiosity and ambition, offering employees opportunities to connect with experts, grow their careers, and contribute meaningful journalism in a complex world.

The organisation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing in the value of diverse perspectives and ensuring a supportive environment where everyone is respected and empowered.

Role Overview

The Sales Development Representative for the Asia Pacific region, based in Singapore, will report to the Head of New Business, APAC – FT Professional. The FT Professional Sales team licenses FT content to corporate and educational clients across various sectors such as finance, government, professional services, education, and media globally.

This role involves qualifying leads and prospects to support the Business Development team’s efforts in generating new revenue. Core activities include prospecting for new contacts, pre-qualifying leads, arranging appointments, responding to inbound inquiries, and gathering testimonials for proposals. The position requires the ability to confidently engage with senior executives across industries, making over 30 calls daily to gain thorough knowledge of FT's offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop outbound calls and email outreach to build a sales pipeline for the business development team.
• Source new sales opportunities via inbound lead follow-ups, internal tools, FT content, and market research.
• Collaborate with marketing to ensure prompt lead response and feedback.
• Identify and contact potential budget holders and decision makers within organizations.
• Pre-screen leads and schedule appointments or callbacks for the business development team.
• Assign qualified leads for further pursuit and closing by business development managers.
• Follow up with business development managers to review feedback and next steps.
• Engage with readers to collect testimonials supporting sales proposals.
• Prepare weekly reports detailing calls made and encountered challenges.
• Document all prospect interactions within the CRM system accurately.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in lead nurturing, generation, and appointment setting.
• Excellent telephone communication skills combined with cultural sensitivity.
• Fluency in English and either Cantonese or Mandarin mandatory.
• Proactive attitude and comfort with cold calling.
• Highly motivated and target-oriented individual.
• Previous Sales Development Representative experience is advantageous.
• Organized with the ability to manage a demanding workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Initiative-taking approach in executing role responsibilities.
• Collaborative team player with a readiness to support colleagues.

Benefits and Working Conditions

FT offers competitive benefits that vary by location, including generous paid leave, medical coverage, inclusive parental leave, subsidised gym membership, and community engagement opportunities. The working model is hybrid with approximately 50% remote work, averaging two to three days onsite, fostering a balance of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration. Flexible work arrangements may be considered where feasible.

Accessibility and Inclusion

The FT is recognized as a disability confident employer and a Valuable 500 signatory, committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process. Applicants requiring adjustments during application or interview stages are encouraged to communicate their needs.

Additional Information

Applicants are welcomed to leverage AI tools in preparing their applications, provided all submitted information truthfully reflects their abilities and background. Usage of AI may be monitored to ensure fairness during hiring. Beware of fraudulent job posts claiming to be from FT; all authentic opportunities apply through official channels and do not request payments or third-party referrals. Concerns about scams can be reported via FT's dedicated contact email.