Business Development Manager

About Discovery Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society. About Cogence Cogence is the first truly global discretionary fund manager in South Africa. It marries the expertise of Discovery, whose behaviour-change platform is the largest of its kind, and BlackRock, one of the world's leading asset managers. Using innovative and globally advanced technology, Cogence is the world's first discretionary fund manager that fully models retirement solutions, taking health experience into account, and is here to elevate the client investment experience to levels that have never been seen or experienced before. Cogence attracts smart, energetic, dynamic achievers who take initiative and ownership, and who thrive on constant challenges and high-speed change. This role aims to improve the flows into Cogence portfolios, amongst advisors who have both a primary & secondary relationship with external platforms (not Discovery Invest), by positioning Cogence as the ‘go to’ investment option for their clients Key Purpose Increase net inflows amongst independent financial advisors (large, mid-tier & small) writing on external platforms. Responsibilities - Have a strong existing network of IFA’s, Fund of Funds, Private Wealth & Tied Agency brokers. - Build strong relationships amongst IFA’s, Fund of Funds, Private Wealth & Tied Agency brokers by creating the right level of activity. - Implement the external platform sales strategy for Cogence - Exceptional analytical, problem solving and research skills. - Creative thinking and the ability to operationalise strategy. - An ability to deal with complex issues and migrate between detail and high-level requirements. - A drive and commitment to exceed expectations. - The ability to influence and negotiate with impact across divisions and teams at all levels and with external partners. - A deep understanding of business dynamics and challenges. Preferred skills and qualifications - Advanced written and verbal communication skills for executive-level internal and external delivery. - A passion for personal development and growth with a high learning potential. - A commitment to excellence. - An ability to deal with ambiguity and continuous change. - The ability to build strong relationships and network - The ability to sell and market Additional Attributes - Strong Leadership skills - Planning and organizing skills - Client focus - Resilience - Good relationship building skills - Interpersonal skills - Problem solving - Decision making - Excellent verbal and written communication - Strong numeric ability - Organisational awareness Education and Experience - Industry related experience, with particular focus on the technical positioning and selling of local & offshore model portfolios and unit trust funds. - A strong network of IFA’s, Fund of Funds, Private Wealth & Tied Brokers. - Extensive technical and/or business experience with a proven track record of innovation, delivery and performance. - A formal Finance/Commerce degree at least at an Honours level (or equivalent qualification provided that the candidate is technically sound in all aspects of Retail Asset Management sales & marketing). - A minimum of 5 years of sales experience in the Asset Management industry. EMPLOYMENT EQUITY The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.