Business Development Manager

At M&G, our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions. Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions. Through 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 offer workplace adjustments to ensure you have the support you need to succeed in your role. The Role: Business Development Manager - M&G Wealth Platform The M&G Wealth Platform has entered an exciting new chapter. Following the confirmation that the platform is not for sale, we are focused on rebuilding momentum, strengthening adviser confidence, and re-establishing ourselves as a platform partner within the UK adviser market. Our growth strategy is centred on developing deeper partnerships with strategically aligned advice firms, helping them embed our platform into their operating models and drive long-term growth. To support this ambition, we are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Business Development Manager to join our Distribution team. This role will play a critical part in helping adviser firms successfully adopt, embed and grow their use of the M&G Wealth Platform. Working closely with the Platform Adoption Managers and Client Relations teams, you will be responsible for building strong relationships with advisers, identifying opportunities for increased platform usage, and delivering a consistently excellent experience for our strategic partners. Key Responsibilities: To identify and sign up firms to the M&G Platform. Establish and agree an account plan with the firm which details the new AUA to be moved onto the platform and timescales / requirements to achieve this. Co-ordinate the completion of client segmentation and asset transition processes, as required, to effectively integrate and embed the M&G Platform Build and maintain relationships with business owners, advisers and key administration staff at our paneled adviser firms. Working collaboratively with the wider M&G sales team to uncover opportunities for M&G across the board Communicate on an agreed regular basis, to all relevant stakeholders, progress against the business transition plan Ensure prospective and existing M&G Platform users fully understand the M&G Platform proposition including service differentiators and what this can do for their business Deliver any required Due Diligence requests and / or ‘beauty parades’ to firms who have expressed a wish to use the M&G Platform via any means Work with the training team to ensure all users of the M&G Platform are competent and accredited in using the platform to maximise asset flows from the BDM panel Ensure effective working relationships with all internal departments and key stakeholders within M&G Platform and wider M&G business, supporting the wider M&G growth strategy Taking an active role in the sales process and proposition to internal and external stakeholders. Conduct lead generation activity to supplement marketing campaigns. To include responses to enquiries within your region (usually via Marketing), as well as proactive campaigns and regular networking. Key Skills, Knowledge and Experience: Proven knowledge of the financial advice marketplace, 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 An appreciation of the Wrap Platform market Experience of web-enabled applications and an understanding of the functionality of the main IFA back office systems in common usage in the market IT literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Project Track record of working with IFA firms on strategic change, as well as a proven track record in development, sales or relationship management. Competitor Awareness 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 Excellent consultative selling skills with a results driven orientation and strong track record of achievement of goals and sales targets Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong client-facing focus and the ability to manage good working relations Ability to negotiate at all levels, with experience of dealing at Senior Management levels Highly motivated and able to work under pressure Numerate with experience in preparing business cases for investment and creating compelling business proposals demonstrating value to client organisations Flexible approach to work including hours and travel commitments Ability to think strategically and creatively using multiple sources of information to craft effective business solutions Reacts positively to change Articulate and well presented with high quality presentation skills Strong customer orientation, with an understanding of and commitment to delivering a customer service experience superior to our main competitors Willing to study for further relevant professional qualifications Location: Home based UK - Travel required Job Level: Manager / Expert Reporting to: Investment Director Recruiter: Phoebe Ewers What we offer: We’re dedicated to supporting your wellbeing and helping you thrive, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life , and financially plan for the future. Our UK benefits include : A valuable pension scheme of up to 18% (13% made up of employer contributions and 5% employee contributions). Access to our Share Save and Share Incentive Plan, alongside financial wellbeing and support services to help give you real confidence to put your money to work. Enjoy 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days. Our Time Off When You Need It policy gives you the flexibility - to balance work and personal commitments. Our market-leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - because supporting families is an important part of our inclusive culture. Health & Protection cover includes Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with additional family options - for peace of mind. To explore more about life at M&G and our full benefits offering, visit Life at M&G At M&G we strive to have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, underpinned by our policies and employee-led networks that offer networking, support and development opportunities for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – across gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation and more – including neurodivergent individuals, career returners and those with military service experience. M&G is proud to be Level 3: Disability Confident Leader under the UK Government Disability Confident employer scheme, and we welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions. If you would like to participate in the initiative, you will have the opportunity to indicate this on your application. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. All candidates have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments when applying. If you need any additional support at any stage, please contact us at: careers@mandg.com