Business Development Manager

Merchant West; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West is seeking a Business Development Manager – Investments to drive sales growth and expand client relationships within the South African market. The role focuses on engaging financial advisers and institutional clients to align investment solutions with client needs and market trends.

You will lead strategy, monitor market opportunities, and work with product and marketing teams to develop compelling materials while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong pipeline management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• CFA, CFP, or equivalent certification is advantageous.
• 3–5 years minimum in investment sales, business development or financial advisory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sales strategy to grow AUM.
• Identify and pursue opportunities in financial advisory and institutional sectors.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, advisers and wealth managers.
• Drive adoption of investment products to meet sales targets.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, providing insights on investment solutions.
• Deliver presentations, workshops and training on Merchant West’s offerings.
• Provide market updates to ensure high client engagement and collaboration with investment teams.

Skills

Business development

Sales strategy

CRM management

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Business/Economics

Tools

CRM software

Job description

The Business Development Manager – Investments is responsible for driving sales growth, expanding client relationships, and promoting Merchant West’s investment fund range. This role involves identifying new business opportunities, engaging with financial advisers and institutional clients, and ensuring that investment solutions align with client needs and market trends.

Main Accountabilities:

1. Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Develop and implement a sales strategy to grow assets under management (AUM).
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the financial advisory and institutional investor sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, financial advisers and wealth managers.
• Drive adoption of investment products to achieve and exceed sales targets.

2. Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing insights on investment solutions.
• Conduct presentations, workshops, and training sessions to educate clients on Merchant West’s investment offerings.
• Deliver ongoing support and market updates to ensure high client engagement.
• Collaborate with internal investment teams to ensure clients receive the most up-to-date information.

3. Market Analysis & Product Development Support

• Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes to identify market opportunities.
• Provide feedback to the investment and product teams to enhance product development and positioning.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling sales materials and campaigns.
• Ensure all sales activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• A CFA, CFP, or equivalent certification is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years in investment sales, business development, or financial advisory.
• Strong understanding of investment products, financial markets, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.

Skills

• Business development and sales strategy
• Investment product and financial market knowledge
• Client relationship management
• Prospecting and consultative selling
• Sales pipeline and CRM management
• Market and competitor analysis
• Presentation and facilitation
• Regulatory and compliance awareness
• Data analysis and reporting
• Strong sales and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management abilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
• High-energy, self-motivated, and results driven.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.