Head Of Sales - Asset Management At The People Practice

Our client, a financial services institution, is looking to hire a commercially strong and relationship-driven Head of Sales to lead the sales and business development function of the business. Our client partners with individuals, businesses, and governments to deploy strategic investments across emerging and global markets. The Head of Sales will be responsible for expanding the firm's client base, deepening existing relationships, and driving the growth of assets under management.

This is a senior commercial role for someone who understands how investment products are positioned, sold, and sustained over time. The successful candidate will combine strong market relationships with the ability to build a disciplined sales function and turn opportunities into long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

Sales & Business Growth

• Develop and execute the sales strategy for the asset management business in line with the Group's growth objectives.
• Drive the acquisition of new clients and the growth of assets under management.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across institutional investors, corporates, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and other relevant client segments.
• Develop a strong pipeline of prospects and ensure opportunities are actively managed through to conversion.
• Identify new markets, distribution channels, partnerships, and opportunities for business growth.
• Work closely with investment and product teams to position the firm's offerings effectively for different client needs.

Client & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, prospects, intermediaries, and strategic partners.
• Act as a senior point of contact for major and strategic accounts.
• Understand clients' investment objectives and work with internal teams to develop appropriate solutions.
• Strengthen existing relationships and identify opportunities to deepen client engagement and wallet share.
• Represent the firm at investor meetings, industry events, conferences, and other relevant forums.

Sales Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing sales team with clear targets and accountability.
• Establish a structured approach to prospecting, pipeline management, client acquisition, and relationship development.
• Set sales targets and monitor performance against agreed business objectives.
• Coach team members on relationship management, business development, negotiation, and converting opportunities.
• Establish a strong sales culture focused on performance, quality of relationships, and long-term value creation.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Maintain a strong understanding of the investment landscape, market trends, competitor activity, and changing client needs.
• Provide management with insights on market opportunities, client sentiment, and areas for growth.
• Work with product and investment teams to identify gaps in the market and opportunities to develop or refine offerings.
• Use market intelligence and sales data to inform commercial decisions and priorities.

Commercial & Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with investment, product, marketing, operations, risk, and compliance teams to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Ensure sales activities are aligned with the firm's investment philosophy, regulatory requirements, and risk standards.
• Track and report on sales performance, pipeline activity, client acquisition, and assets under management.
• Contribute to pricing, product positioning, proposals, and other commercial decisions where required.

Must have skills

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use market and sales data to guide decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior decision-makers.
• Strong commercial judgement, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. A relevant professional qualification or postgraduate degree is an advantage.
• Significant experience in sales, business development, or client coverage within asset management, investment management, wealth management, banking, or a closely related financial services environment.
• Demonstrated track record of acquiring and retaining clients and growing assets under management or investment-related revenues.
• Strong network of relationships across relevant institutional, corporate, HNI, family office, or intermediary markets.
• Strong understanding of investment products, asset management, and the investment needs of different client segments.
• Proven experience leading and developing a sales or business development team.