Sales Director

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is seeking a Sales Director to join the UK Institutional and Insurance sales team. The successful candidate will be responsible for originating, developing and converting opportunities through proactive client and prospect activity, systematic account planning and strong internal coordination across Investments, Consultant Relations, Client Management and Marketing.

How you'll spend your time…

• Originate and convert new business through regular, insight‑led engagement with clients and prospects.
• Deliver strategic account planning and a solution‑led sales approach (including cross‑selling where appropriate) for an agreed list of clients and prospective clients.
• Work in close partnership with the Consultant Relations team to deliver a coordinated, collaborative approach to field consultant engagement including monetizing buy‑ratings and coordinating defence activity when required.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, prospects and industry contacts to establish trusted‑partner status and a strong professional network.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activity to provide insights and maintain competitive positioning.
• Leverage marketing content to lead with insights in client and prospect engagement.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to provide feedback on market and prospect knowledge to support and develop business strategy.
• Proactively manage retention of at‑risk assets, escalating issues as appropriate and implementing documented defence strategies for key mandates.
• Maintain close involvement in ongoing client relationships, working with Client Management to ensure effective delivery while retaining client engagement and strategic involvement for relationship continuity.
• Leverage the time and resources of the investment teams.
• Partner with Marketing on key messaging and go‑to‑market activity including events and targeted industry engagement.
• Achieve all applicable regulatory and risk management standards through on‑going training.

To be successful in this role you will have…

• Extensive industry experience. IMC preferred.
• Entrepreneurial approach to building relationships with new clients and cross‑selling to existing clients, providing a consultative, technically oriented approach to sales.
• Experience within the institutional market (direct sales, consultant relations, investment consulting, etc.), providing a combination of technical and commercial skills and capabilities.
• A strong understanding of complex institutional clients, and a systematic approach to covering them.
• A technical understanding of major asset classes, investment theory and practice.
• A solutions approach to sales.
• Strong team player as well as the ability to work autonomously.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with strong levels of energy and a self‑starter.

In Office Collaboration

We are a client‑centric, relationship‑based business. Working together, in‑person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face‑to‑face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders – clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in‑office time or different in‑office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance‑based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential. We appreciate that work‑life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.