Trainee Financial Planner

Brooks Macdonald Group plc is one of the UK's leading wealth management firms, recognised for investment performance and client service. We offer leading multi-asset investment services to intermediaries and high-quality financial planning advice to private clients, benefitting from a strong local presence across the UK. We see an opportunity to lead the way within our sector in relation to sustainability and responsible investing. We have set a target for our direct footprint to be Net Zero by 2030 and continue to enhance our approach to responsible investment, which includes offering a dedicated service for clients with values-based objectives.

We offer fulfilling careers in an inclusive culture that values diversity, ambition and rewards high performance. Our guiding principles underpin our culture and are at the heart of everything we do:

• we do the right thing
• we make a difference

We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who live our guiding principles and are focused on ensuring good outcomes for our clients. We’re committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and positively encourage applications regardless of race, religion or belief, sexuality, age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Collaboration and knowledge-sharing is important to us as a firm, and we value different ways of working. Employees are required to be in the office three days a week, with flexibility to work from home on the other two days.

Role Overview

We’re excited to welcome aspiring Trainee Financial Planners to provide all round financial planning support under supervision while developing the skills, qualifications and experience required to progress into a fully qualified advisory role.

Role Responsibilities

Client & Meeting Support

• Assist Financial Planners with pre meeting preparation; produce follow up actions and documentation.
• Assist the Financial Planning Consultants with their day‑to‑day private client work and client liaison including carrying out administrative duties for the Consultant.
• Prepare review packs, valuations and meeting materials; document outcomes and update CRM and fact finds after meetings.
• Provide administrative support to the Consultant, dealing with client queries up to the point of but not including advice.
• Attend seminars and adhoc client and provider meetings with the Consultant.
• Attend sales meetings as required to discuss new products, legislative changes and technical updates.
• Other duties as the management may from time to time reasonably require.

Technical Research & Administration

• Analyse client financial circumstances and draft initial planning proposals under supervision.
• Research products and investments using approved platforms and provider extranets; prepare quotations and suitability report drafts.
• Liaise with product and investment providers to obtain information and progress applications.
• Develop and maintain an excellent understanding of the company’s target audiences and commercial activities to ensure goals and objectives are achieved.
• Maintain accurate client records in CRM; manage workflow instructions to paraplanning/admin teams; ensure files meet internal quality standards.

Implementation & Follow through

• Support implementation of recommendations, including paperwork, platform processing and trading instructions under supervision.
• Track and chase outstanding items to completion, ensuring excellent client communication throughout.

Risk, Compliance & Conduct

• Operate within a strict ethical, regulatory and compliance framework; always act in line with Consumer Duty to deliver good client outcomes.
• Ensure AML/KYC requirements are satisfied; follow internal processes and record keeping standards; elevate risks promptly.
• Adhere to the FCA Conduct Rules at all times and uphold Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) and COBS expectations.
• Adherence to Brooks Macdonald Code of Conduct.
• Understand role boundaries: this is a supervised role and is not authorised to provide regulated advice.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Diploma (Level 4) qualified or actively working towards it; commitment to achieving Chartered status (supported by the Academy).
• Experience in an IFA practice or similar environment is advantageous; familiarity with Intelliflo (IO), cash flow tools (e.g., Voyant) and analytics is beneficial.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Excellent time management, organisation and attention to detail; proactive, collaborative and client focused mindset.
• Persuasive and well informed about the products and services offered by the company.
• Strong time management skills with an ability to work within the constraints of specific deadlines.
• A proactive and positive approach.
• Good commercial understanding and mindset.
• Excellent communication skills, consultative approach and able to influence others to support objectives.
• Confident and able to work alongside key stakeholders within the business and target markets.

Development & Progression

• Structured study pathway with funded qualifications; maintain accurate CPD records in line with Financial Planner requirements.
• Personal Development Plan (PDP) with milestones; coaching, shadowing and rotational exposure across front/back office functions.
• On achieving specified milestones (e.g., Diploma completion and tenure), progress to the next stage of the Academy, ultimately working towards Chartered Financial Planner status.