Business Development Manager

Hawksford; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawksford is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in Sydney or Melbourne, Australia, by cultivating new client relationships, building strategic partnerships, and expanding our presence across Australia and APAC.

You will engage with corporate services, professional services, private wealth, and institutional sectors, leveraging an established network of intermediaries to generate opportunities and manage risk with internal teams.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business development or sales.
• Experience in corporate or professional services.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities.
• Lead commercial negotiations and close deals.
• Represent Hawksford at industry events.
• Develop referral networks with law/accounting firms.
• Collaborate with risk and compliance teams.

Job description

We are looking for a Business Development Manager in Sydney or Melbourne, Australia to drive Hawksford’s growth by developing new client relationships, building strategic partnerships, and expanding our market presence across Australia and the wider APAC region.

The role requires a strong understanding of the Corporate, Professional Services, Private Wealth, and Institutional sectors, with the ability to identify opportunities that align with Hawksford’s risk appetite and service capabilities. An established network of intermediaries, including law firms, accounting firms, corporate advisors, private equity firms, financial institutions, and industry associations, will be key to generating new business opportunities across Hawksford’s service lines.

Principal Accountabilities

• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts to identify, qualify, and convert new business opportunities. Lead commercial negotiations and secure new business while collaborating with internal stakeholders as required. The initial focus will be on opportunities within Australia and the APAC region, with scope to support broader group initiatives.
• Represent Hawksford at industry conferences, networking events, and business forums. Proactively engage with prospective and existing clients, support the planning of marketing initiatives, and deliver presentations where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Risk Committee, where required, to review new business opportunities, assess potential risks, and ensure commercial arrangements appropriately reflect the associated risk profile.
• Identify, champion, and coordinate opportunities for new service offerings, partnering with senior leadership to define target markets and develop solutions aligned with client and market needs.
• Develop and maintain strong referral relationships with law firms, accountants, tax advisors, corporate finance advisers, and business associations to generate new business opportunities.
• Leverage Hawksford’s existing global client and intermediary network to identify and develop opportunities across Australia and the wider APAC market.
• Implement targeted business development strategies to strengthen key relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.
• Establish and manage referral partnerships that create mutually beneficial opportunities and support long-term business development objectives.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within Hawksford’s CRM system, ensuring a strong and visible pipeline of prospects, intermediaries, and clients.
• Manage and respond to enquiries from prospective clients and intermediaries, ensuring timely follow-up and effective internal coordination.
• Support the onboarding of new clients into Hawksford’s compliance framework, working closely with internal compliance and operational teams to ensure a seamless client experience.

The type of person we are looking for:

• Significant experience in business development, sales, or relationship management within a corporate services, professional services, financial services, or related industry (typically 6+ years).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Additional language capabilities would be advantageous.
• Proven track record of generating new business and achieving sales targets within a corporate services or professional services environment.
• Well-established network of intermediaries and professional contacts, including law firms, accounting firms, private wealth advisers, corporate advisers, financial institutions, and industry associations across Australia and the APAC region.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex, multi-jurisdictional opportunities involving multiple service lines and stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and highly organised, with strong attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Consultative and solutions-focused sales approach, with the ability to understand client needs and develop tailored service offerings.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior decision-makers.
• Relevant professional qualifications, business-related degree, or industry certifications would be advantageous.
• Ability and willingness to travel within Australia and the APAC region as required to support business development activities and client relationship management.