Distribution Development Manager

PPS Advice and Distribution team is looking for an experienced and skilled financial services professional to support the Head of Business Development and Innovation, in promoting the PPS Group value proposition to identified distribution partners and implementing the matched business strategy.

Primary responsibility will be to work nationally, with the segmented external “large” FSP groups and Internal Distribution or Agency advisers. The candidate will also assist in managing the qualifying broker and investment consultants from the Graduate BC/IS programme and other contracted staff, in line with their growth and development.

It involves working with the Head of Business Development and Innovation, to align systems, people and processes to implement the business unit strategy. Key to the role is the ability to strengthen the relationships within a base of intermediaries that we are intending to grow. The role therefore requires in-depth knowledge of practice management and business development; strong understanding of industry trends; identifying opportunities and gaps when working with the key stakeholders, with the aim of increasing PPS Groups Market share.

The role requires a candidate with project management ability, strong implementation skills, leadership qualities and inter-relational skills when working with intermediaries.

Reporting to the Head of Business Development and Innovation (Advice and Distribution). The role involves business development and relationship management within a base of Life Assurance & Investment Intermediaries with the intention to grow this base, cross and up solution with a focus on the PPS Group VP

Formal Qualifications:

• Matric.
• Bachelors degree in commerce or related field essential / A track record of experience and industry related qualifications.
• RE5 advantageous.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning advantageous.
• CFP and/or investments related honours degree will be an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years in sales or related roles within the insurance and financial planning environment.
• A minimum of 2 years in face-to-face advice sales or third-party sales

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of financial services industry and long-term Insurance.
• Marketing management knowledge.
• Sound understanding of current and emerging industry trends.
• Business reporting and tracking skills.
• Sound communication skills.
• Results and target orientated.
• Innovative and change orientated.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Problem-Solving Skills.
• Good leadership Skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure third party management and delivery/buy in.

Computer Literacy:

• MS Office package, particularly Internet, Outlook, Excel and Power Point.
• CRM experience.
• Financial Planning Software.
• FinTech typically used by financial planners.

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills

• Relating to Customers.
• Excellent communication skills .
• Quality Orientated.
• Reliable.
• Customer Focused.
• Resilient.
• Results Driven.
• Service driven professional with a strong need for financial independence.
• Demonstrable training delivery skills are essential .
• Self-discipline to work unsupervised.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Relationship management - networking.
• Communication - verbal & written.
• Performance driven.
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving.

• Support and drive the implementation of the agreed partnership strategy.
• Assist with managing the day-to-day activities of the BCs and ISs in the business unit.
• Hosting and co-ordination of distribution events, functions and training sessions towards achievement of business unit outcomes.
• Gather business intelligence and provide feedback into the Business Development function with the intention of strengthening the value proposition.
• Promote PPS Group VP as solutions where appropriate.
• Assist with identifying intermediary prospects who take up the PPS Group Value Proposition (mainly focused on risk and investment business).
• Support and drive new business acquisition and the attainment of production targets.
• Compile monthly tracking/activity reports.
• Assist in preparing monthly EXCO reports.
• Build/ edit presentations for business development initiatives.
• Enhance collaboration between management, large FSPs, associated networks and relevant stakeholders within the PPS Group.
• General administrative related requests.