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- Tasks: Drive sales strategy and build relationships with Financial Advisers and Private Banks.
- Company: Join Octopus, a B Corp committed to changing the world through innovative investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, untracked holiday, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in 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 ÂŁ per year.
At Octopus, we’re entrepreneurs and investors, on a mission to back ideas and industries that will change the world. We think working here is great, but we’re understandably biased.
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 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. 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
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 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 in Exeter employer: Octopus Investments
Contact Detail:
Octopus Investments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Business Development Manager - South West in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships is key to landing that EBDM role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with financial advisers and how you've successfully grown relationships in the past. Be ready to share specific examples during interviews to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to communicate complex investment solutions clearly and confidently. Rehearse your presentation skills and get feedback from friends or mentors to refine your approach before any meetings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace External Business Development Manager - South West in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with IFAs and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build relationships and drive sales.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your articulate style. Whether it’s through your writing or how you present your experiences, make sure it reflects your ability to convey complex information simply.
Highlight Your Ambition: Octopus values drive and ambition, so don’t shy away from sharing your career goals and what motivates you. Let us know how you plan to contribute to our mission and how you see yourself growing within the company.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Investments
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the investment landscape in the South West. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges that Financial Advisers and Private Banks face. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can add value to their operations.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you used to engage with clients and how those relationships led to tangible results. This is crucial for a role focused on long-term partnerships.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex investment solutions in a straightforward manner. You might want to rehearse explaining these concepts to someone outside the industry. Clear communication is key, especially when dealing with intricate financial products.
✨Demonstrate Your Drive
Be prepared to share your personal motivation and ambition. Discuss your past achievements and how they reflect your drive to succeed. Octopus values integrity and ambition, so showing that you align with these values will set you apart from other candidates.
