At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and build relationships with financial advisers in South West England.
- Company: Join Downing, a certified B Corp focused on impactful investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with industry leaders and enhance your professional network.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team at a pivotal growth stage in investment management.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in financial services with a proven track record in business generation.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
South West England region (Devon and Cornwall)
About Downing
Downing is dedicated to delivering investments that matter - for our economy, our health, our society, our local communities and our environment. For over 40 years, our highly experienced team and our entrepreneurial spirit has driven us to seek out long-term and unique opportunities that solve challenges faced by investors, companies and society. As a certified B Corp, we take our responsibilities, to our investors, our stakeholders and society, seriously. We invest for return while always considering our impact on the world.
About the team
As part of Downing’s sales strategy we are hiring a driven, relationship-led Regional Business Development Manager with a track record of growing AUM across the IFA market to further our growth across the South West of England (Devon & Cornwall). This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established, entrepreneurial investment management business at a pivotal stage of growth - building on strong momentum across our platform, investment and network propositions.
Role and responsibilities
As Regional Business Development Manager for the South West region, you'll take ownership of the region's commercial relationships with Independent Financial Advisers, network firms and Discretionary Fund Managers. You'll be responsible for the full sales cycle - from prospecting and pitching through to onboarding and long-term retention - while acting as a trusted technical and strategic partner to the firms you support.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Drive net new business growth and increase AUM across a panel of IFA firms, networks and Directly Authorised businesses in the South West
- Build and manage client senior relationships across the region
- Promote Downing's platform, investment and partnership proposition, translating technical detail into clear commercial value
- Manage retention and profitability of existing relationships across your panel
- Work closely with Discretionary Fund Managers and platform partners to identify and convert new opportunities
- Deliver technical workshops, seminars and events to strengthen adviser relationships and pipeline
- Provide accurate forecasting and reporting on pipeline, retention and regional performance
- Collaborate with Compliance, Operations, Legal and Marketing to support firms through onboarding, migration and growth
Education, experience and skills
We're interested in a relationship-led Regional Business Development Manager combining commercial drive with genuine technical credibility in the advice market - the ideal candidate will have the following:
- 8+ years' experience in financial services, ideally spanning platforms, investment propositions, protection or workplace pensions
- A proven record of new business generation and AUM growth within the IFA, network or DFM distribution channel
- Experience managing a regional panel of adviser firms, with demonstrable success increasing monthly business volumes
- Strong existing relationships across the South West adviser and network community (or a credible plan to build them quickly)
- Comfortable operating at all levels - from adviser desk to Investment Committee and C-suite
- A consultative sales style: able to advise firms on efficiency, proposition fit, and business growth, not just "sell"
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively across the South West region
Further information
All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK or have a working visa. We endeavour to reply to all individual applicants and will provide feedback for any candidates that reach the interview stage. Please note, we are committed to sourcing candidates directly and as such we do not accept speculative CVs from agencies.
Regional Business Development Manager employer: Downing
Downing is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to regulatory excellence. The company's focus on innovation and compliance ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the future of financial services, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Business Development Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Downing. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Downing.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Downing's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Downing.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Downing will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Downing employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
