Business development manager – media sales

Who we are

Sifted is a new media platform, backed by the Financial Times, reporting on the world of technology and startups in Europe. Three years after launching, our high-quality journalism is a must-read for many founders, investors and people working in startups across the continent.

Our team of reporters, based across Europe, aren’t chasing the latest funding announcements or product releases; plenty of other sites have got that covered. We are telling the stories that should be told — big startup trends, compelling company profiles and the everyday lessons that come from growing a business and messing up along the way. We have also just raised £4m to do more of what we do, even better.

The commercial team

We work with a diverse range of companies, from big tech and large corporates to early-stage startups looking to increase their visibility. We’re constantly developing new products so you’ll be selling a full suite of media products from digital advertising to events and reports sponsorships.

We’ve already helped over 100 clients position their brands and products with Sifted’s audience through advertising with Sifted, but we want to help more.

We’re growing!

We’re a fast-growing team with huge ambitions, and an exciting path ahead of us. We’re always on the hunt for amazing salespeople to join us on this journey, to help us grow the business through selling our advertising and sponsorship offerings to relevant clients who want to position themselves as key players within the European startup ecosystem.

Who we are looking for

We’re looking for business development professionals with proven experience selling media (including digital advertising, branded content, sponsored reports, newsletters and webinars and branded content) and/or events sponsorship.

You should have:

  • B2B sales experience in publishing, media or events (minimum two years experience)
  • A passion for finding pairing needs with solutions within a suite of products
  • A track record of developing stellar relationships with CMOs, marketing managers and other budget holders
  • A consultative sales approach, understanding the nuances in client needs
  • Proven track record of working to sales targets
  • The ability to win business from cold and warm leads
  • Excellent presentation skills with the ability to pick up on key client objectives and goals offering the correct solutions to fit a client need
  • Negotiation experience and be comfortable discussing client budgets
  • Comfortable selling to and retaining clients — this is a 360 sales role

What you’re like:

  • You’ll be excited to work for a growth-stage startup
  • You’ll have an interest in the tech and startup space
  • You’ll enjoy working with a smart team in a fast-paced environment
  • You’ll enjoy the independency of running your own “book” of clients, but working as part of a dedicated team to succeed on delivering results together.
  • You’ll be a brand ambassador and champion of Sifted — conveying an entrepreneurial spirit and have a passion for our mission to be the must read media platform for every person in the European startup ecosystem (and beyond!).
  • You’ll have a willingness to travel and attend conferences, social events and other meetings (when it becomes safe to do so again)

What are we like to work for?

We have a small-company mindset but big company goals, and can draw on many of the strengths and benefits of being a world-respected brand the Financial Times. We’re friendly, hard-working and passionate about what we do. We collaborate across disciplines and value feedback, honesty and clear communication.

What we offer

  • £26-40k salary, depending on experience, plus commission
  • Equity equal to 10% of your starting salary
  • 25 days of annual leave plus the usual public holidays
  • Flexible working hours and the option to work from home some days 
  • Weekly team lunches (virtual for now) and seemingly endless snacks (when in the office)
  • Regular team socials… post-lockdown (eg. pub quizzes, dinners, theatre trips)
  • The chance to have an impact across many areas of the business, and to build and be part of a large team over time 
  • £1,000 annual learning budget to spend on personal development

Location

London (although we are open to semi-remote applicants — ie. people who could travel in a 2-3 days per week)

How to apply

Click here to apply.