Head of Paraplanning

Purpose of Role:

Lead and manage the Paraplanning team to effectively support the Financial Advisors in carrying out high quality research on a full range of financial planning products and services, adhering to the Company’s processes and compliance framework.

Responsibilities:

Client Work

• Draft financial planning reports and letters on specific planning areas, providing recommendations based on our knowledge of the client.
• Draft and co-ordinate technical documents and research for client presentation.
• Continuously seek ways to improve report templates (including financial planning and life planning reports) thus creating efficiency and consistency across the regions.
• Work closely with Financial Advisors in each location to ensure effectiveness of Paraplanning activities.
• Work collaboratively with all Advisors, providing an evolving and improving service to ensure all client goals are met in accordance with specified objectives and constraints.
• Identify any missed sales opportunities on cases reviewed.
• Provide feedback and input on internal processes to ensure the most effective ways of working.
• Participate in national development activities for Paraplanners and assist in the design and implementation of training programmes and events.

Workflow/People Management

• Manage the workflow of the Paraplanning team to ensure effective allocation of workloads and consistency of approach within the team.
• Handle and resolve day to day queries arising from both direct reports and Advisors.
• Act as the point of contact for escalated or complex issues within the Paraplanning team.
• Coach and develop the paraplanning team - provide a forum for sharing expertise.
• Prepare, manage, arrange and follow through training plans for direct reports.
• Conducting annual and interim performance reviews, within the Company’s timescales.
• Agree and monitor holiday, sickness and any other form of absence from the office. Conduct return to work interviews when appropriate.
• Ensure Paraplanners maintain regulatory awareness.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide management information to the Senior Management Team and Board as and when required.
• Keep in regular contact with all locations to monitor and improve service levels.
• Undertake technical training where relevant.
• Carry out any other relevant duties within the remit of the role and as reasonably directed by management.

Experience:

• Experience of providing a first-class paraplanning service.
• Educated to at least A Level/Higher standard (or equivalent).
• Full FPC (Financial Planning Certificate) or equivalent industry qualification.
• Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning or AFPC (Advanced Financial Planning Certificate).
• Experience of managing a highly productive team to deliver an efficient technical research and quality report writing service.
• Ability to provide recommendations based on key client information, in line with their stated needs, objectives, risk profile and market trends.
• All practices and disciplines including Investments, Pensions and Financial Planning.
• Studying towards Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning; or studying towards Chartered Financial Planner status (desirable).
• Maintain knowledge of current regulatory and legal obligations - specifically in relation to money laundering and client identification checks.
• Engage and deal with other parties subject to appropriate standards and in compliance with the requirements of The Bribery Act 2010.
• Current and future financial legislation and regulation and their developments.