Business Development Manager

Role Overview

This position carries the commercial agenda for a single branch, translating the organisation's broader growth targets into a practical, locally grounded plan — and then personally driving the activity that delivers it. The work splits between hands-on selling (prospecting, pitching, negotiating and closing) and the quieter disciplines of reading the market, sharpening the product and service mix, and keeping the branch compliant and well run. The employer relies on this role to widen its presence in the market, protect and grow the revenue already on the books, and lift the capability of the team around it.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and execute the branch business development plan, converting annual revenue and market-share targets into measurable activity and milestones.
• Identify and pursue new business — prospecting employers, intermediaries and other potential clients — and manage the pipeline end to end, from first contact through to signed mandate.
• Deepen existing client relationships through structured account management, service reviews and fast resolution of concerns, while matching client needs to suitable retirement benefits and investment solutions.
• Lead branch-level sales and marketing efforts, including campaigns, presentations, proposals and tender responses.
• Carry out market research and competitor analysis, applying tools such as SWOT to test where the branch should compete and what it needs to sharpen.
• Feed client insight and market trends back into product and service development so the offer stays relevant and competitive.
• Monitor branch operational performance and ensure policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed, acting promptly on any gaps.
• Support branch staff through appraisal, coaching, training and constructive performance feedback, and report progress, forecasts and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Degree in a business-related field, or a professional qualification in marketing, sales, public relations or a comparable discipline.
• A diploma in insurance or pensions would strengthen an application.
• At least eight years in business development, marketing or sales, with demonstrable success in building profitability rather than simply generating activity.
• Sound working knowledge of the pension schemes industry, together with familiarity with retirement benefits solutions or general investment accounting.
• Practical grounding in market research, customer relationship management and product development.
• Proven capability in strategic planning and SWOT analysis, supported by strong numerical judgement.
• Exposure to risk management and compliance within a policy-driven or regulated environment.
• Experience of leading staff appraisal, training and development.
• Excellent presentation, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-driven, results-oriented and quality-focused, with the maturity and credibility to engage senior executives comfortably.
• Reliable, determined and empathetic as a communicator, with a track record of high performance and team leadership.