Senior Business Development Consultant

Benchmark Capital; City of Westminster; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial advisory firm in the UK seeks a Senior Business Development Consultant to utilize their robust network in the financial advisory sector. This role involves identifying and onboarding new advisers, actively engaging with stakeholders, and participating in industry events. The successful candidate will have strong business development skills and a deep understanding of the financial services industry. Remote work is offered, with occasional travel to Horsham for team meetings.

Benefits

Flexible home-based work

Participation in industry events

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the Financial Services industry, especially Financial Planning and IFA.
• Proven track record in recruiting within the financial advisory ecosystem.
• Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a pipeline of recruitment opportunities.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and business owners for recruitment.
• Participate in industry events to represent Benchmark Capital.

Skills

Networking

Business Development

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

IT CRM systems

Job description

Description

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Senior Business Development Consultant with a strong and established network in the financial advisory sector. This individual will utilise their professional relationships to identify and attract advisers and advisory firms to our network. As a pivotal team member of our business development team, the role includes actively networking and holding meetings with advisers or firms, continually striving to achieve our annual onboarding targets. You will enhance visibility by being a prominent market presence, attending industry events, participating in networking opportunities, and representing Benchmark Capital with professionalism and enthusiasm. Additionally, you will proactively fill the recruitment pipeline with high-quality advisers and firms, utilising existing relationships and market insights to drive recruitment efforts, thereby directly contributing to the growth of our network and the continued success of our business.

What you'll do

Pipeline Management :

Develop and sustain a robust pipeline of recruitment opportunities targeting high-quality financial advice businesses and self-employed advisers. Focus on segments such as network switchers, breakaway advisers, and directly authorised firms transitioning to a network.

Networking & Recruitment : Utilise your established connections to actively engage with senior stakeholders and business owners. Your primary objective will be to identify, recruit, and onboard new advisers, including self-employed advisers, into Benchmark Capital’s network, as well as to pinpoint directly authorised firms wishing to partner with Benchmark to leverage our cutting‑edge technology and investment solutions.

Market Engagement :

Participate in industry events, networking functions, and seminars to represent Benchmark Capital, enhance visibility, and drive recruitment.

Stakeholder Interaction : Communicate effectively with various teams, including the Membership Team, Partnership Directors, Service Delivery Managers, Marketing, and the UK Client Group team within Schroders. Collaborate closely to align recruitment strategies with business goals and ensure a cohesive approach to stakeholder engagement.

Understanding Market Dynamics : Stay informed about market trends and competitors to position Benchmark Capital effectively as a partner of choice among financial advisers.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is desirable but not essential. Candidates with relevant experience and skills will also be considered favourably.
• Extensive knowledge of the Financial Services industry, particularly within Financial Planning / IFA and wrap / platform markets.
• Proven track record in business development, networking, and recruiting within the financial advisory ecosystem.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and excellent communication skills for engaging senior decision-makers.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with IT CRM systems and processes.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Tenacious self‑starter with strong analytical and decision‑making capabilities.

The base

This position offers the flexibility of being home‑based, focusing on active engagement in the market. While the role allows for remote work, candidates should be prepared to travel to Horsham for essential team meetings and key communication sessions as needed. The frequency of visits will depend on project requirements and collaborative needs within the team.

We're looking for the best, whoever they are

We know that diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture where all can succeed lead to better decisions and stronger outcomes for the company its clients and its employees. That’s why inclusion and diversity are strategic priorities for us. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. You’re welcome at Benchmark regardless of your age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio‑economic background. We’re building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Benchmark is one of the UK’s leading planning businesses, aiming to help our clients realise aspirations and achieve peace of mind. We do this through our unique business model which provides supports to over 1000 financial planners through our technology led platform across our employed, self‑employed and independent segments. The solutions are award‑winning, enabled by proprietary technology covering regulatory, platform and investment services, all of which are designed to support advisers at every step of their journey – from starting their career, improving how they run productively and effectively, to accelerating its growth and ultimately thinking about succession planning.

We operate offices across the UK, and have rapid expansion plans, and are highly acquisitive having made over 50 acquisitions over the last few years. We also provide integrated solutions incorporating our own investment, pension, platform, technology and compliance services.

As a financial planning business, we help people realise their aspirations and achieve peace of mind, and therefore ensuring good client outcomes is central to decision making. Our regulatory requirement to achieve positive consumer outcomes and to treat client fairly are embedded within our organisation, and we take responsibility for embracing and promoting our duty of care to all clients, including those who may be more vulnerable than others.

As part of the Schroders Plc Group , and the Schroders Wealth Division, Benchmark sits within the UK largest listed asset manager with over £750bn of assets. Benchmark has the benefit of having a focussed business model with clear accountability with the benefits of being part of one of the UK’s largest financial services businesses.