Senior Manager (Life, Pensions & Retail Investments)

Alpha FMC is the leading global consultancy to the Asset Management, Wealth Management and Insurance industries. As a trusted partner to 100% of the top 20 global Asset Management firms by AUM, we have an unrivalled track record in providing our base of over 660 clients with a competitive edge by using our deep industry knowledge and expertise. At Alpha, diversity and inclusion is critical to our success. We are committed to employing individuals from all backgrounds to reflect the multi‑cultural society we live in. We want an Alpha that welcomes everybody and to not only feel like ‘a job’ but be a community.

The Life, Pensions and Retail Investments (LPRI) team was founded in 2019 with the goal to be the best LPRI consulting function globally. Our team works with industry-leading investment platforms, adviser networks, Life and Pensions companies, and technology providers to position their businesses for lasting success.

What makes us different?

• Established yet entrepreneurial: Founded in 2003, Alpha is established, yet still has an SME feel being entrepreneurial, dynamic, and growing – meaning your contribution is seen and valued.
• Work alongside the best in the industry: We work with the best, both internally and externally. Learning directly from both will allow you to develop your own expertise in our space.
• A true meritocracy: At Alpha, we don’t have any concept of ‘time at level’ or promotion quotas – which means that your potential is truly driven by your performance rather than anything else!
• Culture and community: We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, nurturing environment where people can be themselves.

Role Responsibilities

• Leading highly successful, complex client engagements to achieve strong client satisfaction ratings, from project design through to delivery – including management of Alpha team and potentially contractors.
• Defining approaches to engagements across strategy, operating model, transformation and design to achieve the outcomes required by clients.
• Supporting C‑Suite executives to understand complex problems, and being a trusted adviser to articulate clearly the solutions to these problems.
• Developing strategies to set our clients up for success, and driving high-quality work products within expected timeframes and to budget.
• Analysing clients' business needs to identify key issues and propose solutions and recommendations, assisting and implementing recommendations to ensure the best use of clients’ resources.
• Monitoring progress, managing risks and ensuring key stakeholders are kept informed about progress of project and expected outcomes to ensure client efficiency.
• Conducting research, surveys and interviews and discussing organisational problems with clients.
• Bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership.
• Managing and motivating colleagues, supporting their professional development and maximising their personal effectiveness.
• Developing and maintaining long‑term client relationships and networks, building a respectable profile within your network of new and existing clients.
• Identifying and executing appropriate client/vendor entertainment opportunities.
• Staying abreast of Retail & Wealth trends relevant to our clients' business, including technology developments and regulatory changes.
• Communicating Alpha’s proposition and credentials in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy‑in.
• Making a strong contribution towards business development.
• Undertaking effective account, financial and risk management across our engagements and clients.

Role Requirements (Skills, Experience and Qualifications)

• Deep understanding of distribution within the Life, Pensions, Retail Investments & Wealth sectors.
• Successful candidates typically have 7-10 years proven experience in the delivery of consulting or change projects, gained within a leading financial institution, technology vendor or consulting firm.
• Significant experience within Financial Advice and/or Wealth Management firms, with deep understanding of their business structure and operating model.
• Experience of Target Operating Models, business processes and/or IT solutions in areas such as Lead Acquisition, Client Onboarding, Financial Planning/Wealth Management, Product Fulfilment/Implementation, Back Office Operations/outsourcing, Risk & compliance.
• Demonstrable proficiency in relationship development and client account management and a proactive interest in contributing to the growth of the practice.
• A network of executive contacts across the industry and proven experience of Business Development.
• Senior stakeholder management and influencing skills, demonstrated with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, confident at structuring and articulating complex messages.
• Ability to show initiative when dealing with clients, form strong relationships with new clients, and maintain existing relationships.
• The ability and desire to proffer good mentorship and coaching skills towards other team members.
• An in-depth understanding of key topics and themes in the Retail & Wealth industry, with the ability to debate key industry issues with senior clients.
• Strong academic background (including a minimum of a 2:1 degree from a leading institution) or equivalent professional experience, as well as an aptitude and desire to proactively learn and develop.
• Business language fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel to client offices, based on requests from clients.