With a history going back well over a century, this well-established UK financial services group is a recognised name in life, pensions and retirement, trusted by advisers and their clients across the country. It has recently invested in a dedicated national sales team for its advised platform, and is now hiring a Business Development Manager to take ownership of Yorkshire.

The role covers a panel of around 125 IFA firms, with the remit to win new adviser relationships and grow business across the region. It reports to a hands-on Divisional Sales Manager in the North West who will help the new hire settle in. The proposition focuses on decumulation: helping advisers position smoothed funds alongside conventional investments for clients approaching or already in retirement.

This suits a business developer who enjoys getting in front of advisers and building something of their own. Targets are realistic comparedwith much of the market, so earning potential is strong once the patch is established. The business is open to an established regional BDM or to someone stepping up from a hybrid or internal sales role.

The successful candidate will be involved in:

• Taking ownership of the Yorkshire IFA panel and setting priorities across the patch
• Opening doors with advisers not yet using the platform and turning interest into new business flows
• Agreeing a contact strategy for each account and a visit plan with the Divisional Sales Manager
• Positioning smoothed fund solutions within advisers' retirement income and decumulation conversations
• Delivering against business mix and volume targets, with reward linked to both new business and activity KPIs
• Running adviser meetings and presentations that keep the proposition front of mind
• Deepening existing relationships so platform usage grows over time
• Working alongside off-platform sales colleagues to present a joined-up offering to shared accounts
• Feeding market intelligence and competitor insight back to the wider distribution leadership team
• Producing accurate management information on pipeline, activity and results
• Keeping all client activity within governance and regulatory standards
• Building expert knowledge of the retirement income market and competing products

The ideal candidate should have:

• Proven business development or account management experience with IFAs
• A hunter mentality and the confidence to approach new firms and win their business
• Advised platform experience, though strong IFA sales experience from a provider or asset management background will also be considered
• A good understanding of the asset management landscape and how intermediated distribution works
• Awareness of smoothed fund solutions, or the ability to get up to speed quickly
• A track record of hitting sales targets and influencing advisers' product choices
• Working knowledge of FCA rules and compliance procedures in an advised context
• Confident presentation skills, with advisers one to one and in larger groups
• The self-motivation and organisation to manage a large territory independently
• QCF Level 4 ideally
• A home base in Yorkshire and the existing right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not available
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to put team goals ahead of personal ones

For more information on this position, please apply here or email Chris at Christopher.rolfe@bruinfinancial.com .