Senior Manager - Investment Platforms (Wealth Management & Retail Investments) in London

Alpha FMC is the leading global consultancy to the Wealth & Retail Investment, Asset Management and Insurance industries. As a trusted partner to 100% of the top 20 global Asset & Wealth 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 Wealth Management & Retail Investment team has experienced strong growth in the past seven years, pursuing its singular goal to be the best sector specialist consulting function in the UK. Our team works with industry leading D2C & Advice Investment Platforms, Financial Advice Nationals and Networks, Vertically Integrated LifeCo’s, and technology/service providers to position their businesses for lasting success. The team collaborates with Alpha’s equivalent sector teams across the world serving the global retail investment sector, and with colleagues in other sectors whose clients are exploring growth opportunities.

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.
• At the forefront of market change. Our team are working on the most exciting and groundbreaking initiatives across the retail investment space, from proposition strategy & design, through to technology & AI transformation.
• 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.

Example Projects (not exhaustive)

• Distribution strategy for a leading D2C investment platform
• Design & Implementation of a crypto-currency investment platform
• Leading the migration workstream in a major platform transformation
• Designing the transformation operating model for a Workplace Pension provider
• AI strategy & roadmap definition for a FTSE 100 Investment Platform
• Vendor Selection, Design & Implementation of an Investment Platform for a Vertically Integrated Advice Network

Role Responsibilities:

• Independently managing highly successful client engagements to achieve strong client satisfaction rating, from scoping through to delivery, alongside a dedicated Alpha team.
• Developing strategies to set our clients up for success, driving high-quality work products within expected timeframes and to budget.
• Driving outcomes for clients, through a mutually agreed approach & collaborative way of working.
• Building trusted adviser relationships with core stakeholders at client firms and your wider network.
• Analysing clients' business needs to identify key issues and propose solutions and recommendations.
• Providing insight & knowledge within the Investment Platform segment, across customer/proposition, regulatory, technology/AI and operating model.
• Monitoring progress, managing risks and ensuring key stakeholders are kept informed about progress of project and expected outcomes.
• Managing and motivating junior colleagues, supporting their professional development.
• Staying abreast of current retail investments & Investment Platform trends relevant to the client's business, specifically across D2C, Advised & Workplace platforms.
• Clearly articulating Alpha offerings and credentials.
• Making a strong contribution towards business development.
• Undertaking effective account management including financial management.

Role Requirements (Experience, Skills and Qualifications):

Experience

• 7–10 years of proven experience delivering consulting or change projects, gained within a leading financial institution, consulting firm, or Investment Platform.
• Demonstrated experience leading project/programme work, engaging senior stakeholders internally and externally, and project resource to drive outcomes.
• Significant experience working across Investment Platforms, Financial Advice or Life & Pension firms.
• Deep project experience across one or more of the following areas: Customer & Adviser/Proposition, Platform Transformation, Custody & Dealing, Technology/AI, M&A Integration.
• Knowledge of Investment Platform Technology, including but not limited to FNZ, Bravura, GBST, Seccl, Hubwise, SEI, FIS.
• Track record of managing commercial aspects of consulting engagements, including fee negotiations, scope management and contract adherence.

Skills

• Excellent communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure and articulate complex messages clearly and confidently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and lead across both client and internal teams.
• Ability to build new client relationships and maintain existing ones, demonstrating initiative and sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to develop and deliver compelling proposals and pitch materials, converting business development opportunities into mandates.
• Financial modelling and business case development skills, with the ability to translate strategic options into quantified outcomes for senior decision-makers.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive interest in business development and account management, with a desire to contribute to practice growth.
• In-depth understanding of market trends, drivers and outlook across Financial Advice.
• High degree of professional resilience and adaptability, with the ability to manage ambiguity and maintain quality of output under pressure.
• Strong academic background, with a genuine appetite for continued learning and development.
• Business fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel.

What’s on offer?

• Industry leading compensation (including competitive salary and annual discretionary profit share).
• Continuous learning through our comprehensive training and development programmes.
• 25 days’ holiday additional to bank holidays.
• An allowance for home-working technology set up.

What does the recruitment process look like?

Our recruitment process typically includes 3 interviews, and a Final Round with a Senior Partner – giving you the opportunity to meet Alpha team members throughout. We look forward to hearing from you!