Business Development Manager

Absa Group Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Cape Town seeks a Business Development Manager to manage key relationships and enhance Trust product offerings. The ideal candidate has a strong fiduciary background and experience in business development. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, marketing initiatives, and team leadership to drive business objectives. This full-time role offers an opportunity to thrive within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Two years' management level experience.
• Four years' experience in the fiduciary environment.
• Strong understanding of trust structures and fiduciary responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain professional relationships through networking.
• Champion and manage the strategic plan for bulk acquisition.
• Provide technical training in Trust Services.

Skills

Excellent communication

Business development

Relationship management

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies

Relevant B Degree or Certificates in Trust Law

Tools

MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job title: Business Development Manager

Job Location: Western Cape, Cape Town

Deadline: September 30, 2025

Overview

The role focuses on end-to-end relationship management with stakeholders for a variety of Trust products to retain existing clients and secure new sources of business and assets under management.

Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Establish and maintain professional relationships through networking with industry leaders, regulators, policy makers, and key business partners.
• Delivery and Business Development: Champion and manage the strategic plan for bulk acquisition in line with the Absa Business unit strategy.
• Market Intelligence: Collect market intelligence through research and networking to stay abreast of market developments.
• People Management: Coach, mentor and manage team members toward driving business objectives and colleague development.
• Operations & Compliance: Stay up to date with relevant knowledge, legislation and developments impacting the Business Advantage.

Accountability: Stakeholder Management and Customer Service

• Build strong relationships with existing and new clients.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, business partners, and intermediaries.
• Interact with individual clients during consultation, handover, and needs analysis.
• Engage with the Master of the High Court and other relevant institutions.
• Effectively communicate developments to relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with various Business Unit Heads within Absa Group.
• Work with Absa Trust Legal and Compliance to ensure alignment on technical legal and compliance matters.
• Provide professional client communication across channels and maintain high customer service standards.
• Resolve fiduciary industry complaints (Wills, Trusts and Estates) within 24 hours and follow up with clients to confirm resolution.

Accountability: Advisory Services

• Provide technical training in Trust Services and transfer skills to administrative staff.
• Support technical interpretation and usage of Trust Services to clients and stakeholders.
• Consult with clients on current and future client value propositions in respect of Trust products.
• Provide expert inputs on strategic projects/initiatives within the Trust Services offering.

Accountability: Generation of Assets Under Management / Administration

• Meet personal new business targets for Trust products from existing and new sources.
• Champion and execute the strategic plan for bulk acquisition and growth of the trust business.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through networking, referrals, and partnerships.
• Present trust solutions to prospective clients and stakeholders in a compelling and compliant manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop marketing and awareness initiatives that support sales goals.

Accountability: Marketing and Awareness

• Design marketing material and collateral for trust products in collaboration with the Branch Manager and General Manager: Trust Services.
• Plan and arrange marketing events and seminars with marketing teams and managers.
• Stay informed of market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes through daily research and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide strategic insights to inform product development, positioning, and business planning.
• Represent the trust business at industry events, forums, and client engagements.

Accountability: Compliance

• Adhere to ABSA compliance requirements and industry legislation to maintain high service standards.
• Follow business processes and controls; non-adherence may lead to disciplinary actions.
• Complete compulsory compliance and legislation training within required timeframes.
• Adhere to risk and compliance policies (Environmental Health and Safety, Information Security, Records Management, Money Laundering, Sanctions, etc.).
• Maintain compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Trust Property Control Act, FAIS, FICA).
• Monitor and manage operational risk and ensure adherence to internal controls and governance standards.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of trust administrators to achieve business and service excellence.
• Drive a high-performance culture through regular feedback, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment aligned with company values and objectives.

Education and Experience Required

• NQF level 6: relevant B Degree, or Advanced Estate and Trust Diploma, or LEAD Certificate, or Certificate in Advanced Trust Law.
• Two years' management level experience.
• Four years' experience in the fiduciary environment.
• Strong understanding of trust structures, estate planning, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in business development and sales within financial services.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiar with regulatory frameworks governing trust services.

Knowledge & Skills

• MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Interpersonal skills
• Professional presentation and communication
• Ability to work under pressure
• Planning, relationship management, analytical, numerical, presentation, coaching and mentoring skills
• Financial analysis and risk assessment
• Marketing and sales skills

Competencies

• Working with people
• Adhering to principles and values
• Analyzing
• Relating and networking
• Applying expertise and technology
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Planning and organizing
• Achieving personal work goals and objectives

Education

• Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: September 10, 2025