Business Development Director

Universal-Investment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Investment, a leading European fund services platform, is expanding its Business Development team in London. We seek a senior sales professional who can originate mandates and manage complex client relationships across Europe.

You will identify opportunities with asset managers, promote fund platform solutions, and build a robust pipeline across priority markets while staying abreast of UCITS and MiFID developments. Travel nationally and internationally as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive fund sales experience within a Management Company.
• Proven track record selling fund administration services to top-tier clients.
• Strong understanding of UCITS structures and liquid strategies.
• Fluent English; additional European language beneficial; willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Identify, originate, and close new business opportunities within public markets.
• Target asset managers for liquid strategies such as equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and ETFs.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline across Europe.
• Lead end-to-end sales processes from prospecting to mandate signing.
• Develop long-term partnerships with asset managers, banks, and institutional clients.
• Advise clients on fund launches, platform migrations, and distribution readiness.
• Stay informed on regulatory developments (UCITS, MiFID) and industry trends.

Skills

Investment fund sales

Management Company experience

Capital markets knowledge

UCITS knowledge

Client relationships

European regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance

Business or economics

Job description

Grow with us! Universal Investment is on its way to becoming Europe\'s leading fund services platform and Super ManCo. We have provided innovative fund solutions for asset managers and institutional investors since 1968. We are also well established in Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland and Poland. From here and from our offices in Frankfurt, Krakow, Luxembourg, Dublin, Paris and Stockholm, we continue to expand internationally.

Grow with us! We are currently looking for a colleague to join the Business Development Team that is a part of our Sales and Relationship Management Department under the Chief Commercial Officer.

The position is ideal for a senior sales professional who combines strong capital markets knowledge with a proven ability to originate mandates and manage complex client relationships across Europe.

• Identify, originate, and close new business opportunities within public markets.
• Target asset managers running liquid strategies such as equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and ETFs.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline across priority European markets.
• Lead end-to-end sales processes, from prospecting to mandate signing.
• Develop long-term partnerships with asset managers, banks, and institutional clients.
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding clients’ operating models and growth plans.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities across the securities platform.
• Promote fund platform solutions, ManCo/AIFM services (where applicable), fund administration, and regulatory hosting.
• Advise clients on fund launches, platform migrations, and distribution readiness.
• Maintain strong awareness of regulatory developments (e.g., UCITS, MiFID) and industry trends.
• Monitor competitor activity and market dynamics.
• Stay informed about market trends, gathering insights on client requirements, competitor pricing, and reporting standards.
• Research and plan client-specific events, collaborating with the marketing team to create targeted, high-impact engagements.
• Build and strengthen relationships with business partners, expanding our network and enhancing long-term partnerships.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, client events, and professional forums.

Your skills and experience:

• Extensive experience in investment fund sales within a Management Company with a solid understanding of market practices, particularly in an international setting.
• Extensive experience in sales and business development within the securities space.
• Proven track record of success in selling fund administration services to top tier Clients.
• Strong understanding of UCITS structures and liquid investment strategies
• Good knowledge of capital markets and the European regulatory environment
• Familiarity with distribution models and fund platform ecosystems
• Established network and relationships with key players in the industry.
• Result driven with ability to leverage industry connections to identify business opportunities, source new clients, and build strategic partnerships.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Adaptable and resilient, able to perform under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
• Proactive self-starter, with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to take initiative.
• Willingness to travel both nationally and internationally as needed.
• Fluency in English. Proficiency in French, German, or any other European language may also be beneficial.
• Bachelor\'s degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field is typically required.

What we offer:

• An exciting working environment and challenging tasks
• Extensive insight into the European fund industry
• Friendly, international and goal-oriented working environment