Business Development Director Funds

Meraki Talent Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Business Development Director to drive growth in the funds sector across the UK and Europe. This senior role requires strong market knowledge and relationship management skills. The successful candidate will develop strategic opportunities and work closely with fund managers and institutional clients. The position offers a competitive remuneration package and flexible working location options in London or Jersey with travel opportunities across Europe.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Performance-related incentives

Flexible work location

Autonomy in role

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development within the funds industry.
• Strong experience working with fund managers or institutional investors.
• Success in originating and closing high-value fund-related opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth of the firm's funds business across UK and European markets.
• Build and manage relationships with fund sponsors and institutional clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver competitive fund solutions.

Skills

Commercial judgement

Relationship building

In-depth knowledge of fund structures

Negotiation skills

Self-motivated

Education

Relevant professional qualification or degree in finance, law, business

Job description

Business Development Director – Funds (UK & Europe)

Location: London or Jersey (with regular travel across the UK and Europe)

Reporting To: CEO & COO

Role Overview

The Business Development Director will be responsible for driving the growth of the firm's funds business across the UK and European markets. The role focuses on originating and developing new fund opportunities, building strategic relationships with fund sponsors and institutional clients, and expanding the firm's presence within key European fund jurisdictions.

This is a senior, externally focused role requiring strong market knowledge, a proven network within the funds industry, and the ability to translate commercial opportunities into long-term, sustainable revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth

• Develop and execute a business development strategy for funds across the UK and Europe, aligned with the firm's overall growth objectives.
• Originate new fund mandates and structures, including private equity, real assets, private credit, hedge funds, and other alternative strategies (as relevant to the firm).
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including emerging fund domiciles, regulatory developments, and evolving client needs.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective fund sponsors, managers, and institutional clients.

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with fund managers, sponsors, investors, intermediaries, and professional advisors (legal, tax, audit).
• Act as a trusted commercial partner to clients throughout the fund lifecycle, from structuring and launch through to ongoing growth and expansion.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and networking forums across the UK and Europe.

Market & Product Expertise

• Maintain a deep understanding of UK and European fund structures, regulatory frameworks, and distribution considerations.
• Work closely with internal product, legal, compliance, and operations teams to design and deliver competitive fund solutions.
• Provide market intelligence and feedback to senior management on competitor activity, pricing, and client trends.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective onboarding and delivery of new fund mandates.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives, thought leadership, and client materials related to the funds business.
• Support and mentor junior business development or client relationship colleagues where appropriate.

Key Requirements Experience

• Proven track record in business development within the funds industry, ideally across both UK and European markets.
• Strong experience working with fund managers, sponsors, or institutional investors in alternative or traditional fund structures.
• Demonstrable success in originating and closing complex, high-value fund-related opportunities.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions, with a strong understanding of European fund domiciles (e.g. UK, Luxembourg, Ireland, Jersey, etc.).

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent commercial judgement with the ability to identify and convert strategic opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills at senior and C-suite level.
• In-depth knowledge of fund structures, governance, and regulatory considerations.
• Highly credible communicator with strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification or degree in finance, law, business, or a related discipline (desirable but not essential).
• Professional network within the UK and European funds ecosystem is highly advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with a long-term, relationship-oriented approach.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, execution-focused mindset.
• Comfortable representing the firm externally and acting as a brand ambassador.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK and Europe.

What the Firm Offers

• A senior, high-impact role with significant autonomy and visibility.
• Opportunity to shape and grow a key strategic area of the business.
• Competitive remuneration package, including performance-related incentives.
• Flexible location (London or Jersey) within a collaborative, international environment.