Head of Retail at M&G Investments Southern Africa

• This role is accountable for the management of the retail market segment which includes the development and management of existing relationships and partnerships within the retail market segment inclusive – but not limited to Independent and Tied Financial Advisors, Family Offices, Private Wealth Managers, Stockbrokers, Linked Investment Service Providers and other Cat 2 Wealth Managers. The role includes driving the strategy for this market segment as well as ensuring appropriate resourcing, capacity and skills. The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate a deep understanding of and extensive experience within the South African retail market.
• Reporting directly to the Head of Distribution, the ideal candidate will have proven track record of managing high performance teams, strategic leadership skills, a client-centric approach and strong collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a business development strategy for the retail market segment aligned to M&G’s overall business strategy.
• Conduct research into market trends, competitive landscape and emerging opportunities to ensure M&G has a competitive capability offering for the retail market in both local and global solutions ensuring appropriate pricing structures.
• Fulfil a proactive role in the identification, formulation and implementation of strategic projects / workstreams supportive of M&G’s strategic goals.
• Ensure M&G builds meaningful long-term partnerships with retail clients by ensuring strong value adding client experiences underpinned by an ethos of knowledge-based client relationships, process driven protocols, high quality excellence in service levels, strong market visibility, robust client activity and the diligent use of our Sugar CRM system.
• Provide technical product support, investment insights and knowledge to team members and be able to step in to do a presentation or report back etc. when a fund manager is not available or where required.
• Actively influence, facilitate and collaborate with internal stakeholders both in SA and globally to ensure functioning and efficient support services – thus ensuring a well-executed client journey providing our clients with seamless access to M&G’s local and global investment expertise.
• Facilitate the development of tactical responses to segment focus areas and themes in collaboration with other stake holders such as Front Office and Marketing in support of the overall business strategy.
• Accountable for the ownership of all M&G and Partner events in the retail market in collaboration with Marketing ensuing that the M&G brand receives appropriate prevalence in line with the targeted client segments.
• Represent M&G and present at industry events, conferences, and other forums.
• Ensure appropriate governance structures are in place and complied with across all areas of responsibility.
• Set the tone on culture in the retail distribution team, ensuring a high-performance culture based on professional integrity consistently displaying high ethical standards such as honesty, dependability, confidentiality and trustworthiness.
• Manage the retail team in a manner that ensures individuals can deliver to their highest potential, in a collegiate and constructive environment.
• Be a positive contributor to the wider M&G Distribution team, facilitating collaboration and integration in terms of client servicing standards and the implementation of the go-to-market business strategy.
• Be a positive contributor at various management forums keeping management and Exco informed on key strategic and tactical issues pertaining to the retail market that may impact on our business targets and goals.

Attributes, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Minimum Honours degree in finance, investments or related field (CFA, MBA, or Master's (finance related preferred) with a solid understanding of investment markets.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant client-facing experience in asset management or investment consulting, with a proven track record in managing high performance teams, strategic leadership skills, a client-centric approach and strong collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen and business awareness, with an in-depth understanding of investment products and the South African retail asset management landscape.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strategic Thinking - An ability to think strategically and develop and implement a business strategy based on an in-depth understanding of local and global market trends, client needs and emerging opportunities, leveraging market research.
• Leadership and Team Empowerment - An ability to inspire and empower teams, set clear goals, and create an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, ensuring a high-performance culture that drives the business development process forward effectively.
• Networking and Relationship Management - An ability to build and maintain strong professional networks and build long-term value-adding relationships internally and with clients, partners, and other industry influencers and stakeholder.
• Negotiation - An ability to negotiate mutually beneficial contracts and terms that benefit both the organisation and the needs of clients / strategic partners.
• Market Analysis and Business Intelligence - Proficiency in analyzing market trends, competitor activities, potential business opportunities or threats to inform strategic decisions, identify new market segments, and anticipate industry shifts.
• Project Management - Ability to plan, execute, and manage projects from conception to completion. This includes setting clear objectives, coordinating with cross-functional teams, managing resources, and ensuring that projects align with overall strategic goals.
• Communication and Presentation Skills - Effective communication skills to communicate, present, assert and speak to various stakeholders via various platforms. An ability to explain complex investment concepts simply and understandably.
• Integrity and Ethical Conduct - Consistently displaying a high level of professional integrity with ethical standards such as honesty, dependability, confidentiality and trustworthiness.
• Teamwork and Collaboration - An Ability to collaborate with multiple parties from inside and outside the business to build relationships, influence and manage conflicts fostering a cohesive and supportive working environment.

Application Deadline

2024-10-25