Business Development Director - Private Markets

Universal Investment; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in fund services is seeking a Business Development Director to drive growth in private markets. The role involves developing strategies, building client relationships, and expanding services across European and global markets. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in finance and a strong commercial drive.

Benefits

Performance-related salary

Exciting working environment

Extensive insight into the European fund industry

Friendly, international working environment

High degree of independent work

Qualifications

• 7+ years of financial sector experience.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Shape business development strategy in private debt & infrastructure.
• Build and maintain client relationships to grow market share.
• Conduct market research and participate in industry events.

Skills

Business Development

Client Servicing

Investor Relations

Private Markets Knowledge

Strong Commercial Drive

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Education

University degree in Finance, Economics or equivalent

Job description

Business Development Director - Private Markets

Universal Investment

Deadline: 19.05.2025

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Full Job Description

Grow with us! We are currently looking for a colleague to join our international sales team, part of the Sales and Relationship Management department. We are responsible for ensuring continuous growth and internationalization. The successful candidate will be primarily accountable for increasing sales of direct private debt & direct infrastructure AIFM & admin services within European and Global markets.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

1. Shape UI Group’s direct alternatives business development strategy (private debt & infrastructure) in AIFM and admin services, leveraging an existing network of contacts.
2. Execute the commercial strategy targeting asset management firms in the alternatives space.
3. Identify and target new prospects, expand the contact network, and develop a prospect list.
4. Organize workshops, create pitch presentations with sales support, and engage in RFIs/RFPs.
5. Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and letters of intent with the structuring team.
6. Build and maintain client relationships to grow UI’s market share.
7. Conduct market research, participate in industry events, and contribute to thought leadership.
8. Capture market opportunities to expand services and monitor competitor initiatives.
9. Manage workflows to meet client deadlines and coordinate team deliverables.

Your skills and experience:

• 7+ years of financial sector experience, with expertise in business development, client servicing, or investor relations.
• Knowledge of private markets / direct alternative investments, including private debt & venture capital.
• Adaptable, flexible, and comfortable in an international environment.
• Strong commercial drive and resilience to close sales.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a long-term relationship-building mindset.
• Skilled in influencing, building trust, and negotiating confidently.
• Results-driven, proactive, and positive individual.
• Strong leadership, integrity, and high ethical standards.
• Exceptional communication skills in formal and informal settings.
• Willingness to travel.
• University degree in Finance, Economics, or equivalent.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

What we offer:

• Performance-related salary.
• An exciting working environment and challenging tasks.
• Extensive insight into the European fund industry.
• Friendly, international, and goal-oriented working environment.
• High degree of independent work.

About us:

Universal Investment aims to become Europe's leading fund services platform and Super ManCo. Since 1968, we have provided innovative fund solutions for asset managers and institutional investors. Operating across Germany, Luxembourg, and Ireland, with offices in Frankfurt, Krakow, Luxembourg, Dublin, Paris, and Stockholm, we continue to expand internationally. We seek entrepreneurial individuals who want to grow and share in our success.