At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth by building strong partnerships with financial advisers across the North West.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a leading investment platform and FTSE 250 success story.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health plans, and exciting social events.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with autonomy and support from a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in financial services and a strong adviser network are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially driven Business Development Manager with a strong North West adviser network and a passion for investment solutions? AJ Bell is one of the UK’s leading investment platforms and a FTSE 250 success story. As we continue to strengthen our presence across the North West, we’re looking for an ambitious, relationship‑led sales professional to take ownership of a high‑potential region and accelerate growth. This is a visible, field‑based distribution role focused on platform growth. You will represent a trusted, award‑winning proposition to adviser firms across Scotland, building deep partnerships that drive long‑term inflows and strategic alignment. You will have genuine autonomy to shape your regional plan, backed by a collaborative national sales team, strong brand recognition, competitive pricing and a broad investment offering. This is an opportunity to combine strategic territory planning with hands‑on adviser engagement in a business that continues to gain market share. If you are motivated by winning new firms, influencing platform adoption and becoming a trusted partner to advisers, this role offers real scope to make your mark.
What you’ll do:
- Take full ownership of your regional business plan to deliver new business targets and maximise adviser engagement.
- Build strong, long‑term partnerships with financial advisers and firms across your region through a structured, data‑led approach.
- Collaborate with Business Development Consultants and Support teams to deliver consistent regional performance.
- Promote AJ Bell’s full range of investment solutions including MPS, passive funds, and our award‑winning platform.
- Deliver engaging adviser presentations, seminars, and technical sessions to showcase AJ Bell’s proposition.
- Oversee the onboarding of new firms, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
- Use tools such as Financial Express and Touchstone to identify new opportunities and monitor performance.
- Maintain relationships with key investment partners and fund groups to maximise regional potential.
- Ensure all activities align with Consumer Duty principles and regulatory expectations.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven success in a field‑based sales or business development role within the investment platform or financial services market.
- Strong network of IFA and adviser firm relationships.
- In‑depth understanding of platform propositions, SIPP, and investment solutions.
- Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
- Familiarity with AJ Bell’s platform, investment solutions, and tools such as Bulk Dealing and Model Portfolios.
- Excellent planning, negotiation, and influencing skills.
About Us: AJ Bell is one of the UK’s fastest‑growing investment platforms, serving over 644,000 customers and managing £103.3 billion in assets. Through our award‑winning platform, we support everyone from professional financial advisers to first‑time investors, making it easier to take control of your financial future and feel good investing. With over 1,500 employees across Manchester, London, and Bristol, AJ Bell is a FTSE 250 company and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, as well as a Great Place to Work® in 2025 and 2026. We offer a collaborative, friendly environment built on strong guiding principles and pride in what we do.
In return for your hard work you will be entitled to:
- Competitive starting salary + sales bonus.
- Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme.
- A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%.
- Annual free share awards scheme.
- Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme.
- Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth.
- Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan.
- Free gym.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Sick pay+ pledge.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
- Loans for travel season tickets.
- Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice.
- Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more.
- Ongoing technical training.
- Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off.
- Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches.
- Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals.
AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.
If you like the sound of the above or just want to know more about the company and the role, we’d love to speak to you.
Platform Business Development Manager – North West employer: AJ Bell
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and tailored learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The company’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For make it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Business Development Manager – North West
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with advisers in your area! Attend local events, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. Building those relationships can really help you stand out when it comes to landing that role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to present, make it count! Use engaging visuals and real-life examples to demonstrate your knowledge of investment solutions. This is your moment to shine and show why you're the best fit for the job.
✨Be Data-Driven
Use tools like Financial Express and Touchstone to back up your strategies. Showing that you can identify opportunities through data will impress potential employers and prove you’re serious about driving growth.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Business Development Manager – North West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Platform Business Development Manager role. Highlight your network in the North West and any relevant achievements in business development to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about investment solutions and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Network:Since this role is all about building relationships, don’t forget to mention your connections with financial advisers and firms. We want to see how you can leverage these relationships to drive growth in the North West!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the AJ Bell team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of AJ Bell’s platform and investment solutions. Brush up on key terms like SIPP and MPS, and be ready to discuss how these can benefit advisers. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely knowledgeable about what they do.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role relies heavily on building relationships with financial advisers, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully engaged with your network in the past. Highlight specific instances where your connections led to successful outcomes, as this will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Planning Skills
Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic territory planning. Prepare a brief outline of how you would develop a business plan for the North West region, including how you would identify opportunities and engage with advisers. This will illustrate your proactive mindset and organisational skills.
✨Engage and Present Well
Practice delivering engaging presentations or pitches, as you'll need to showcase AJ Bell’s offerings effectively. Consider rehearsing a mock presentation to a friend or family member, focusing on clarity and enthusiasm. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and demonstrate your communication skills.
