Client Relationship Manager

We are currently recruiting for a Financial Planning practice in Hove who are looking to recruit a Client Relationship Manager. This role does offer hybrid working.

Purpose

The Client Relationship Manager, reporting to the Regional Client Delivery Manager, will collaborate as part of a team to assist Advisers in all areas of client administration, ensuring exceptional client outcomes.

In coordination with Advisers, Paraplanners, and Client Service Administrators, the role will support the management of a client portfolios. Responsibilities include liaising with policy and platform providers, obtaining illustrations, processing new business applications, and tracking them through to completion.

The role is crucial in maintaining the Client/Adviser relationship, directly communicating with clients to keep them updated at each stage of the process and throughout their journey.

Key Responsibilities

Administration

• Managing a portfolio of clients and maintaining accurate client records.
• Preparing client files for meetings, including gathering relevant documentation and reports.
• Handling client queries and ensuring timely responses, either directly or through co-ordination with Advisers.
• Handling the submission and processing of new business applications for all types of financial products.
• Liaising with product providers to ensure applications are processed efficiently and following up to track their progress.
• Ensuring all compliance requirements are met before submission, such as Know Your Client (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks.
• Maintaining and updating the firms back-office systems with client details, transactions, and investment updates.
• Ensuring the integrity and security of client data.

Suitability and Document Preparation

• Preparing illustrations and basic suitability reports for clients based on financial advisers’ recommendations.
• Ensuring that client documentation is completed and submitted accurately
• Updating client portfolios with changes in investments or policies ensuring the CRM system reflects the changes.
• Working closely with paraplanners to support the preparation of detailed financial plans and advice documents.
• Assisting in research and data collection for product recommendations or investment strategies.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Providing guidance and support to Client Service Administrators, ensuring their work meets quality and compliance standards.
• Assisting with training new staff and acting as a point of escalation for complex cases.

Client Communications and Relationship Management

• Regularly communicating with clients to update them on the status of their applications or portfolios.
• Ensuring that client review meetings have been organised and scheduled and follow-ups and actions are completed.
• Building and maintaining relationships with product providers, platforms, and insurers.
• Coordinating with solicitors, accountants, and other third-party professionals on behalf of clients, where necessary.

Key Competencies & Characteristics

•  Attention to detail
•  Organisational skills
•  Strong communication skills
•  Regulatory knowledge and compliance awareness
•  Client-centric approach
•  Problem-solving and initiative
•  Technical proficiency
•  Team leadership and collaboration
•  Time management and ability to work under pressure
•  Adaptability and flexibility
•  Ethics and integrity
•  Numerical and analytical skills
•  Relationship management skills
•  Self-motivator
•  Ability to maintain a calm, objective and inclusive stance when dealing with people issues
•  An ability to drive a positive working culture within the physical office and remote working environment

Experience

•  Previous IFA or Financial Services experience
•  Good knowledge of financial products, services and liaising with financial Providers
•  Experience of new business processing, submitting proposals to tracking them to completion
•  Good knowledge of compliance and regulatory procedures, document handling and data security
•  Client relationship management
•  Confidently use a back-office/CRM system
•  Team leadership or mentorship exposure
•  Experience in managing a client portfolio
•  Problem solving and workflow optimisation