Business Development Manager | Edinburgh, UK

At M&G our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. As an international savings and investments business with roots stretching back more than 170 years, we offer a range of financial products and services through Asset Management, Life and Wealth. All three operating segments work together to deliver attractive financial outcomes for our clients, and superior shareholder returns. Through our behaviours of telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent. We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer workplace accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

M&G Wealth Advice is the financial planning and advice business within the M&G Group, consisting of three current advisory businesses: 1) The Advice Partnership (TAP), a restricted network with circa 180 Appointed Representatives; 2) Sandringham Financial Partners (SFP), an independent network with circa 200 Appointed Representatives; 3) Continuum Financial Services LLP, a self-employed national business with 70+ advisers.

The Business Development Manager will play a key role in the identification and qualification of growth opportunities across the advice business. The primary focus will be assisting the Head of Business and Partnership Development in sourcing and managing third parties (B2B) that will generate adviser meetings that support the Wealth growth strategy. In addition, the individual will work with the Consultancy Manager and Business Development Manager to ensure that our Advisers are aligned to our third party relationships and providing excellent service to referred clients. The role will require strong collaboration with key field colleagues and internal Group stakeholders in order to deliver an excellent B2B experience. The role will report into the Head of Partnership & Business Development.

Key Responsibilities for this role:

• Support Head of Business Development sourcing and managing new B2B and strategic partnerships
• Working collaboratively within the team to drive the production of pitch packs, RFI/RFP presentations
• Research, analyse and prepare proposition analysis / pitch material within agreed timescales using appropriate material and agreed criteria
• Provide appropriate pro-active support on all trading campaigns, event follow-up and local initiatives to help convert opportunities, achieve key targets and drive revenue
• Build and strengthen relationships with both internal stakeholders and external strategic partners, networks and contacts
• Maintain key databases, ensuring accurate updating of CRM as appropriate to hold up-to-date adviser account intelligence, insight and contact details
• Analyse information gained from advisers alongside internal data & MI to produce high quality, accurate reports, presenting recommendations to influence future
• Identifying new business opportunities, including new markets, new clients, new partnerships or new products and services and creating strategies to successfully reach new opportunities
• Build strong relationships with advisers, gauging needs and developing proposals to address these needs
• Attending conferences and events to build relationships with industry partners and staying up to date with new trends from across the market
• Develop a strong understanding of the company's products, the competition in the industry and positioning

Key Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Good knowledge of UK advice marketplace, competitors and products / services therein namely Platform, MPS and Investment, Tax wrappers and Compliance
• Experience working in a fast-paced Sales environment, including lead generation and conversion, whilst managing multiple priorities and variable targets
• Good understanding of the financial advice workplace i.e. the mechanics of an adviser's back office and an understanding of different adviser propositions, their processes and the key drivers for success
• Track record of sourcing and building third party relationships B2B
• Highly motivated and results driven, with the ability to work under pressure and on own initiative, identifying and qualifying opportunities
• Articulate, well presented with high quality presentation and consultative selling skills with a commitment to deliver exceptional customer service
• Ideally relevant professional qualifications gained in Financial Services or in an IFA facing business e.g. FPC, AFPC, ACII
• A self-starter who demonstrates enthusiasm and commercial acumen with a "can do" attitude
• Ability to work confidently with data and maintaining critical systems such as CRM to agreed quality standards and pull together compelling analysis and reports
• Flexible approach to work including hours and travel commitments

Location: Edinburgh or Stirling

Work Level: Manager / Expert

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

M&G is also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, and we welcome applications from candidates with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or neuro-divergent conditions. Being a Disability Confident Leader means that candidates who meet the minimum criteria of a job will be offered an interview if they 'opt in' to the scheme when applying.

If you need assistance or an alternative means of applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know by contacting us at: careers@mandg.com