Business Development Manager – Distribution | Gauteng

• Are you a commercially astute distribution professional with established intermediary networks and a proven track record of growing assets under management (AUM)? Our client, a premier independent, owner-managed investment management firm, is seeking a high-performing Business Development Manager to drive asset gathering, market penetration, and relationship management. Committed to delivering sustainable, long-term returns across Fixed Income, Equities, Multi-Asset, Alternatives, and Medical Aid portfolios, our client is looking for a strategic partner to expand their footprint across Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs), Discretionary Fund Managers (DFMs), wealth managers, family offices, and multi-manager platforms/LISPs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate and execute a targeted distribution strategy to increase net new inflows into collective investment schemes (CIS), segregated mandates, and bespoke alternative strategies. Identify, onboard, and cultivate robust relationships with tier-one IFAs, DFM networks, wealth management houses, and institutional retail intermediaries. Secure platform placement and shelf space across major LISPs and investment consulting panels. Act as an ambassador for our client at industry conferences, investment forums, roadshows, and client roundtable presentations. Serve as the primary strategic and technical partner to advisers, delivering macroeconomic context, market insights, and portfolio performance updates. Collaborate closely with internal portfolio managers, analysts, and product specialists to translate complex investment processes and positioning into actionable commercial narratives. Design and coordinate targeted CPD-accredited presentations, product webinars, and regional distribution campaigns. Monitor competitor positioning, fee benchmarking, and emerging market trends across the South African savings and collective investment ecosystem. Channel intermediary feedback to investment and executive teams to inform product innovation, wrapper selection, and pricing strategies. Maintain comprehensive CRM pipeline tracking, activity logs, and pipeline forecasts for executive reporting.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Commerce, or a related discipline. Post-graduate qualifications (Honours, MBA) or industry designations (CFA, CAIA, CFP) are highly advantageous. Accreditation: Fully compliant with FAIS Fit & Proper requirements (RE5 is essential; RE1 is advantageous). Track Record: 3 to 8+ years of proven distribution or business development experience within the South African asset management, LISP, or DFM landscape. Network: Established, transferable relationships across IFA networks, national advisory practices, and wealth managers in South Africa. Deep understanding of local and offshore multi-asset classes, fixed interest dynamics, and retail collective investment schemes. Strong familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks, including FAIS, CISCA, Regulation 28, POPIA, and FICA. Proficiency in investment performance analytics, attribution analysis, and tools such as Morningstar Direct, FactSet, or IRESS. High commercial drive, autonomy, and an entrepreneurial mindset aligned with an owner-managed firm ethos. Sophisticated verbal, written, and public presentation skills. High emotional intelligence and exceptional relationship-building endurance.