Business Development Manager

About Protea Capital Management ("Protea")

Protea is an investment management firm specialising in hedge fund management. We currently manage approximately R1 billion in hedge fund assets across South African and global mandates. Our team currently consists of five professionals, each specialising in a focused area while collaborating closely across the business.

Our principles: Integrity & authenticity; Continuous improvement; Balancing work & personal life.

We follow a work-from-home operating model, interacting regularly via MS Teams. The successful candidate should be based in the Western Cape and reside within an hour's drive of a regional airport, to facilitate periodic in-person team meetings and client visits. The role requires a self-directed, disciplined, and internally motivated individual who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. As part of a small and dynamic team, a hands-on approach and willingness to contribute across functions are encouraged and expected.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and driven Business Development Manager (Investment Specialist is also used as an alternative job title) to represent Protea in the Southern regions of South Africa, with a particular focus on the Western Cape. The role will focus on expanding Protea's distribution footprint among independent financial advisors (IFAs), discretionary fund managers (DFMs), financial adviser networks, high net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors based in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

The ideal candidate will have an established network of relationships within the local wealth management industry and a solid understanding of hedge funds and how they fit within investment portfolios, considering the South African regulatory environment. This position offers an opportunity to represent one of South Africa's leading hedge fund managers within a high-performing and collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities across DFMs, IFAs, other prospective investors, and investment platforms in the Western Cape.

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with existing/prospective investors, advisers, and intermediaries in the region.

• Deliver engaging and informative presentations on Protea's funds, investment philosophy, and performance to prospective investors and industry partners.

• Collaborate closely with Protea's Head of Business Development to ensure alignment between client messaging and service delivery.

• Assist with the preparation and distribution of marketing materials, investor updates, and thought-leadership content.

• Represent Protea at relevant regional industry events, conferences, and roadshows with authenticity and professionalism in all engagements.

• Monitor industry trends and distribution activities to identify potential opportunities and threats.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Commerce, Investments, or a related field (a postgraduate qualification or adviser certification e.g. CFP would be advantageous).

• Minimum 5 years' experience in business development, distribution, or client relationship management within asset management, hedge funds, or investment platforms.

• Established network of adviser and DFM relationships within the Western Cape region is essential.

• Strong technical knowledge of investment products, performance metrics, and portfolio construction.

• Proven ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) is essential.

• Candidates who would add to the Team's diversity in terms of background, way of thinking, gender, race and/or other attributes would be looked at favourably.

A competitive monthly salary and an annual performance-based bonus would be offered.

If you are interested in joining Protea Capital Management by applying for this role, kindly send a detailed curriculum vitae with motivation to by close of business on 31 October 2025. All applications will be treated as confidential.