Planning & Research Analyst

Skipton Building Society; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking motivated individuals to join their Planning & Research Team. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with key Financial Advice stakeholders while supporting advisers in delivering tailored financial solutions. Candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment that values work-life balance and provides opportunities for professional growth. With a commitment to training and development, as well as a range of attractive benefits, this position is perfect for those looking to advance their careers in Financial Planning. Join a collaborative team that prioritizes customer satisfaction and innovative solutions.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Holiday trading scheme

Matching employer pension contribution

Colleague mortgage

Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car

Commitment to training and development

Private medical insurance

3 paid volunteering days

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge in Financial Advice and ability to communicate effectively.
• Highly organized with proven stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide advisers on the Financial Advice Proposition for optimal customer outcomes.
• Support teams with technical aspects of Financial Advice Planning.

Skills

Financial Advice Knowledge

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Knowledge in Financial Planning

Decision Making

Education

Level 4 Qualification Diploma in Financial Planning

Relevant Financial Qualifications

Job description

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, flexible and hybrid working can be considered with a weekly head office presence required.

Salary: £35,700 Per Annum

Closing Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2025

If you have a good understanding of all things Financial Advice, are an excellent communicator and enjoy providing support to others, then this is a great opportunity to progress your career and work towards obtaining a diploma in Financial Planning.

The successful candidates will be brought in at either entry, mid or senior level within the progression scheme, dependent on skills, experience, and qualifications, with salaries ranging from £25,880 to £35,700 per annum.

Who Are We?

Not just another building society. Not just another job. We're the fourth biggest building society in the UK and what makes us a bit different is that we're a mutual organisation. We don't have shareholders; we're owned by our members.

Our colleagues say Skipton's a great place to work, and you could be one of them, bringing with you new ideas on how we can keep customers at the heart of what we do. Whatever your background, and whatever your goals, we'll help you take the next step towards a better future.

You will be joining the Planning & Research Team. A genuinely exciting opportunity due to the variety involved with the role, and the opportunity to link with key Financial Advice (FA) stakeholders. We work closely with several teams across the Money function including the Financial Planning Team, Quality Assurance, FA Proposition and with wider FA Distribution Teams. You will join a team of 8 which consists of colleagues both working towards, or have achieved, their Diploma in regulated Financial Planning.

What’s In It For You?

Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space.

We have a range of other benefits available to you including:

1. Annual discretionary bonus scheme
2. 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days
3. Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days
4. Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
5. Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
6. Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
7. A commitment to training and development
8. Private medical insurance for all our colleagues
9. 3 paid volunteering days per annum
10. Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
11. We care about your health and wellbeing – we provide a range of benefits that support this including cycle to work initiative and discounted gym membership

What Will You Be Doing?

Our role offers day to day variety; however the main responsibilities include:

1. Understanding the current FA Proposition and offering guidance to advisers and other FA colleagues, to ensure we are providing the most suitable outcome for our customers.
2. Keeping up to date with the changes to the FA Proposition alongside wider economic, political and market events.
3. Supporting various head office teams with the technical nuances of Financial Advice Planning including inheritance tax, retirement income strategies, pensions and investments and personal taxation.
4. Investigating and providing solutions for when things don’t always go to plan, to ensure things are put right for the customer if we have made an error.
5. Supporting the Technical Research Specialist by attending fund manager meetings and researching our recommended funds to ensure Skipton are offering due diligence on the long-term suitability of our Proposition.

What Do We Need From You?

1. Highly organised and able to manage your own workloads to deliver department objectives.
2. Able to influence, engage and work in partnership with stakeholders at all levels.
3. Strong and up to date technical knowledge relating to all areas of Financial Advice.
4. Excellent communication skills, ensuring complex information is communicated clearly and tailored to a variety of audiences.
5. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships, both internally and externally.
6. Effective decision making and providing challenge where appropriate.
7. Willingness to work towards and study to gain relevant qualifications.
8. As a senior you must already hold a level 4 qualification Diploma in Financial Planning or equivalent.