- The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and converting new business opportunities, developing and managing high-value client and institutional relationships, and contributing to the firm's growth across its investment banking and asset management activities.
- The role will involve end-to-end business development, from market mapping and prospecting through pitching, negotiation and deal closure, while working closely with senior management and internal teams to ensure successful execution and long-term client value.
- The successful candidate will be expected to operate with a high degree of commercial ownership and, depending on level, take increasing responsibility for strategic relationships, revenue generation, market expansion and business development initiatives.
Business Development & Client Acquisition:
- Identify, develop and convert new business opportunities across relevant financial services segments.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients, institutions and strategic partners.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to grow revenue and market share.
- Prospect actively within target markets and identify opportunities for cross-selling the firm's products and services.
- Develop relationships with high-value individuals, corporates, institutional investors and other relevant stakeholders.
Investment Advisory & Solution Development:
- Understand clients' financial objectives and identify appropriate investment, financing or financial-market solutions.
- Work with internal teams to develop commercially viable solutions tailored to client requirements.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of investment products, financial-market instruments and the broader Nigerian financial-services landscape.
- Evaluate prospective opportunities and contribute to the assessment of their commercial viability and potential returns.
Pitching, Negotiation & Deal Closure:
- Lead the preparation and delivery of compelling pitches, proposals and presentations to prospective clients and partners.
- Manage commercial negotiations and progress opportunities through the sales cycle.
- Take ownership of opportunities from initial prospecting through conversion and closure.
- Develop business cases, financial projections and supporting commercial documentation where required.
- Work with senior management and relevant internal teams to structure and close transactions and business opportunities.
Relationship & Account Management:
- Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients and strategic partners.
- Serve as a trusted point of contact for key accounts and address client requirements proactively.
- Identify opportunities to deepen existing relationships and increase wallet share.
- Maintain regular engagement with clients to understand changing needs and identify additional opportunities.
Market Intelligence & Business Growth:
- Monitor developments in Nigeria's financial markets, investment landscape, and competitive environment.
- Identify emerging sectors, products, client segments, and market opportunities that could support business growth.
- Conduct market research and translate market intelligence into actionable business-development initiatives.
- Provide management with insights on market trends, competitor activity and potential growth opportunities.
- Identify and develop strategic partnerships that can expand the firm's client base, capabilities and market reach.
- Build relationships with relevant financial institutions, corporates, professional networks, intermediaries and other strategic stakeholders.
- Evaluate potential partnerships and develop recommendations based on commercial viability and strategic fit.
Internal Collaboration & Risk Management:
- Work closely with investment banking, asset management, research, operations, compliance and other relevant teams to ensure successful execution of business opportunities.
- Ensure prospective transactions and client engagements are appropriately assessed and escalated where necessary.
- Work with senior management to identify, evaluate and manage commercial and execution risks.
- Ensure all business development activities comply with the firm's internal policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Reporting & Pipeline Management:
- Maintain accurate records of prospects, opportunities, client interactions and business-development activities.
- Monitor pipeline performance, conversion rates and revenue opportunities.
- Provide regular updates to senior management on business development activities, opportunities and market developments.
- Maintain and update relevant sales, marketing and business-development documentation.
Education & Professional Background:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Marketing or another relevant business-related discipline.
- An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
- Relevant professional qualifications in finance, investment, banking or capital markets will be an advantage.
- Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in business development, sales, investment advisory, corporate finance, relationship management or strategic planning, preferably within financial services.
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in investment banking, asset management, commercial/corporate banking, stockbroking, wealth management or related financial-services businesses.
- Demonstrable experience in business origination, client acquisition, prospecting, pitching and closing new business.
- Experience managing relationships with corporate, institutional or high-net-worth clients is highly desirable.
- Experience working across multiple financial-services products or business lines will be an advantage.