Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships with Financial Advisers and Private Banks in the South West.
- Company: Join Octopus, a B Corp committed to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, wellness support, and generous parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of tax-efficient investing.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Octopus, we’re entrepreneurs and we’re investors, on a mission to back the people, ideas and industries that will change the world. We think working here is great, but we’re understandably biased.
About the Role
What’s in it for you? We’re looking for an External Business Development Manager (EBDM) to join our Retail Sales Team at Octopus Investments, covering a defined region with a mix of established and growth accounts. You’ll be joining a high-performing, fast-paced team that’s passionate about delivering world-class service to our network of Financial Advisers and Private Banks. You’ll have the autonomy to run your own regional sales strategy, build long-term relationships, and drive sales into our market-leading investment products. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team, bespoke training, and a culture that rewards ambition and integrity.
The team
Our Retail Sales Team is known for its technical expertise and personal service. As a BDM, you’ll be at the heart of our success, educating and engaging with advisers, collaborating with internal teams, and helping shape the future of tax-efficient investing.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own and deliver a regional sales strategy
- Build and grow relationships with Financial Advisers and Private Banks
- Lead face-to-face meetings, events and presentations
- Collaborate with Internal Business Development Managers to create and execute business plans
- Communicate a complex suite of investment solutions with clarity and confidence
- Work closely with Fund Managers and Business Line Managers to ensure product alignment
- Keep CRM systems updated and manage a busy inbox with ease
- Always act in the best interest of the customer
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
- Proven experience in a business development role dealing with IFAs
- A track record of growing existing relationships and attracting new ones
- High-quality interpersonal skills, honesty and integrity
- A clear, articulate communication style
- Drive, ambition and self-motivation
Bonus points if you have:
- Additional qualifications or experience in financial services
- A strong financial adviser network in the South West
- Knowledge of tax-efficient investments and inheritance tax advice
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. What’s the worst that can happen? This role will evolve as we grow and develop. So, if you’re looking for a challenge in a fast-paced and dynamic business, we can deliver on that.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary, bonus, pension and share incentive plan
- Untracked holiday
- Hybrid working – most of our people spend 50% of their time in the office
- Anchor (our wellness hub) which includes Headspace, one to one coaching through Wellness Cloud, Digital GP, employee assistance program & more
- Up to 6 months paid parental leave regardless of gender
- Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection
- Private medical insurance for you and your family
- Electric vehicle leasing
- The option to work overseas up to a month per year
Our Values
At our core, we believe that how a company behaves is just as important as what it does. That’s why we chose to become an accredited B Corp and to change our Articles of Association so that the interests of all our stakeholders – employees, customers, communities, environment and shareholders – are considered in every decision we make.
We are committed to building a workplace where diversity is valued, and inclusion is a priority. By providing equal opportunities for growth and development, we embrace and celebrate all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ages, disabilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe teams achieve their best when every member feels safe, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves.
We're proud to be disability confident and are committed to supporting candidates with a disability, including neurodiversity and mental health conditions, throughout the recruitment process. Applicants are welcome to opt-in to the disability confident scheme as part of our application process. If you require any adjustments to the interview process, we’ll be happy to accommodate where possible.
External Business Development Manager – South West employer: Octopus Group
Contact Detail:
Octopus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Business Development Manager – South West
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those face-to-face meetings! Research your potential clients and tailor your pitch to their needs. Show them you understand their business and how your solutions can help them thrive. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! A quick email thanking them for their time and reiterating key points can keep you top of mind. It shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in working together. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Octopus. Make sure your application reflects your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our mission. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace External Business Development Manager – South West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with us at Octopus and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your relevant experience in business development. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication style reflects that. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Octopus Investments' products and services. Familiarise yourself with their investment solutions, especially those related to tax-efficient investing. This will help you communicate clearly and confidently during your discussions.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Since building relationships is key for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully developed and maintained connections with Financial Advisers and Private Banks. Highlight specific instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt your sales strategy or overcome challenges in business development. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Drive and Ambition
Octopus values ambition and integrity, so be sure to convey your motivation and passion for the role. Share your career goals and how they align with the company’s mission. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place to grow and contribute.
