Business Development Manager

Role Purpose:

The Business Development Manager – Investments is responsible for driving sales growth, expanding client relationships, and promoting Merchant West’s investment fund range. This role involves identifying new business opportunities, engaging with financial advisers and institutional clients, and ensuring that investment solutions align with client needs and market trends.

This role is based in Durban but may require travel to Port Elizabeth and Pietermaritzburg as needed.

Main Accountabilities:

• Business Development & Sales Strategy
• Develop and implement a sales strategy to grow assets under management (AUM).
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the financial advisory and institutional investor sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, financial advisers and wealth managers.
• Drive adoption of investment products to achieve and exceed sales targets.
• Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing insights on investment solutions.
• Conduct presentations, workshops, and training sessions to educate clients on Merchant West’s investment offerings.
• Deliver ongoing support and market updates to ensure high client engagement.
• Collaborate with internal investment teams to ensure clients receive the most up-to-date information.
• Market Analysis & Product Development Support
• Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes to identify market opportunities.
• Provide feedback to the investment and product teams to enhance product development and positioning.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling sales materials and campaigns.
• Compliance & Risk Awareness
• Ensure all sales activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• A CFA, CFP, or equivalent certification is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years in investment sales, business development, or financial advisory.
• Strong understanding of investment products, financial markets, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.

Skills

• Business development and sales strategy
• Investment product and financial market knowledge
• Client relationship management
• Prospecting and consultative selling
• Sales pipeline and CRM management
• Market and competitor analysis
• Presentation and facilitation
• Regulatory and compliance awareness
• Data analysis and reporting
• Microsoft Office proficiency

Competencies:

• Strong sales and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management abilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
• High-energy, self-motivated, and results driven.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.