Business Development Manager

Our client, a well‑established group of companies, is looking for a Business Development Manager with strong commercial and strategic thinking, supported by analytical and data-driven decision-making skills and excellent communication, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills. This is the ideal position for someone who wants to build their career by working for a company with an excellent reputation.

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in Finance, Marketing, Business Administration, Sales or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate diploma in financial planning and/or CFP® certification (advantageous).
• RE1 and RE5 (advantageous).

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience in financial services sales, business development, distribution or advisor management.
• Proven success in growing revenue, meeting commercial targets and managing senior stakeholder relationships.
• Experience working with financial advisors and using CRM, data and digital platforms to improve performance.
• Strong investment‑industry knowledge and working knowledge of life and short‑term insurance.

Revenue Growth

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 45 advisors and agree clear annual growth plans, priorities and targets for each advisor.
• Identify and execute growth opportunities through cross‑selling, AUA conversion, GC improvement, lead conversion and wider use of Group products and services.
• Embed approved technologies to improve productivity, financial planning and client engagement.
• Monitor advisor revenue and sales activity, identify performance gaps and agree practical corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Group subsidiaries and internal teams to unlock opportunities and remove implementation barriers.

Recruitment

• Execute the approved advisor recruitment strategy with the Corporate Finance Manager and Wealth Management, targeting candidates who meet the agreed profile.
• Recruit at least three advisors annually, each with an average annual commission base of approximately R750 000.
• Coordinate the two-year onboarding and integration of recruited advisors, including training, milestone tracking and access to appropriate Group support.
• Work with Group management to review progress and determine the appropriate advisor allocation after the initial development period.

Strategic Planning and Market Analysis

• Translate Group growth objectives into practical business‑development, portfolio and recruitment plans.
• Analyse market developments, competitor activity, advisor performance and client needs to identify opportunities, risks and required actions.
• Partner with marketing, product, technology and subsidiary teams to align campaigns and propositions with market and advisor needs.

Advisor Relationship Management

• Build trusted, commercially focused advisor relationships and maintain accountability for agreed growth plans and outcomes.
• Understand each advisor’s practice, client base, growth constraints and opportunities, and provide tailored support that strengthens client satisfaction and retention.
• Help advisors convert leads and identified opportunities into sustainable revenue and long‑term Group relationships.

Training and Development

• Identify advisor capability gaps and provide or coordinate relevant training, tools and support.
• Facilitate practical workshops on relevant Group offerings.
• Coach advisors on practice growth, pipeline management, opportunity conversion and disciplined execution.

Event Participation and Networking

• Represent the Group professionally at selected industry events, conferences and networking opportunities.
• Use events to develop relationships, originate opportunities, gather market intelligence and ensure disciplined follow‑up.

Performance Measurement

• Maintain accurate CRM, pipeline, activity and revenue information, and analyse performance data to identify trends and refine priorities.
• Report against agreed KPIs, evaluate the impact of Group initiatives and technology adoption, and recommend corrective actions or enhancements.