Client Advisory Partner – Wealth Management - Job Opportunity at VANRATH

Belfast, GB
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 11, 2025
Hybrid
£64,420.00 - £75,461.54 per year

Benefits

Competitive salary package with negotiation flexibility based on experience and market positioning
Comprehensive private medical insurance providing healthcare security and family coverage options
Performance-based cash bonus structure aligned with business development achievements
Hybrid working arrangements offering work-life balance and reduced commuting costs
Flexible start times between 09:00-17:00 supporting personal scheduling preferences
Professional development opportunities through mentoring junior team members

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic client relationship management across high-net-worth portfolios to maximize client retention and asset growth
Deliver specialized pension and retirement planning advisory services positioning the firm as a thought leader in retirement solutions
Architect comprehensive financial planning strategies encompassing retirement, tax optimization, and estate planning to drive client wealth accumulation
Navigate complex pension legislation and regulatory frameworks ensuring compliance while maximizing client benefits
Generate new business opportunities through strategic prospecting and collaborative sales initiatives to expand market share
Lead and develop junior talent to build organizational capability and maintain service excellence standards

Requirements

Education

Relevant Professional Services qualification, or Degree or Masters level in a related area

Experience

At least 5 years' experience in wealth management, in a client facing advice role

Required Skills

Strong demonstrable experience in advising on pensions & retirement planning Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong influencing; commercial negotiation and presentation skills Excellent administration and IT skills, including a strong understanding of MS Office, Excel and PowerPoint Ability to operate within a compliant framework and adhere to corporate and regulatory quality standards
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UK wealth management sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by an aging population requiring sophisticated retirement planning, with assets under management projected to reach £2.5 trillion by 2025. This demographic shift creates sustained demand for experienced wealth managers who can navigate complex pension regulations and provide holistic financial planning services. Digital transformation in wealth management is reshaping client expectations, with hybrid service models becoming the new standard. Clients now expect seamless digital experiences combined with high-touch personal advisory services, particularly for complex pension and estate planning decisions. Regulatory complexity continues to increase following Brexit and ongoing FCA reforms, creating premium demand for advisors who can maintain compliance while optimizing client outcomes. The pension freedoms introduced in recent years have particularly increased the need for sophisticated retirement planning expertise.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £64,420-£75,461 represents competitive mid-to-senior level compensation for the Belfast market, approximately 15-20% below London equivalents but strong for regional standards. With performance bonuses and benefits, total compensation likely reaches £80,000-£90,000 annually, positioning this role competitively within Northern Ireland's financial services sector.

Role Significance

Typical wealth management teams consist of 8-12 professionals including senior advisors, junior advisors, and support staff. This role likely involves managing 2-3 junior team members while collaborating with investment specialists, compliance officers, and administrative support personnel.
This is a senior-level advisory position requiring significant autonomy in client management and business development. The role combines individual contributor responsibilities with team leadership elements, indicating a pathway toward senior management or partnership opportunities within the organization.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive wealth management strategies for high-net-worth individuals approaching or in retirement, typically involving portfolios ranging from £500,000 to £5 million Development and execution of complex estate planning structures including trust arrangements, inheritance tax optimization, and succession planning for family businesses Leading regulatory compliance initiatives ensuring adherence to FCA guidelines while maintaining competitive service delivery and client satisfaction metrics

Success Factors

Deep expertise in UK pension regulations and retirement planning strategies, enabling confident navigation of complex client situations and regulatory requirements while identifying optimization opportunities Exceptional relationship management capabilities that build long-term client trust and loyalty, essential for managing high-value portfolios and generating referral-based business growth Business development acumen combining consultative selling skills with market awareness to identify and convert prospects while expanding existing client relationships Leadership and mentoring abilities to develop junior talent while maintaining team cohesion and service standards across diverse client portfolios Adaptive problem-solving skills to address conflicting client requirements and regulatory constraints while delivering innovative solutions that meet both compliance and performance objectives

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced wealth management professionals, particularly those with pension specialization. The combination of regulatory complexity, demographic trends, and digital transformation creates a candidate-driven market where experienced advisors command premium compensation and flexible working arrangements.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Pension and retirement planning expertise represents the most critical differentiator, as regulatory complexity and demographic trends create sustained demand for specialists who can navigate SIPP, SSAS, and workplace pension arrangements while optimizing client outcomes. This specialized knowledge commands premium compensation and ensures career resilience in an evolving market. Client relationship management capabilities are fundamental to success in wealth management, where trust and long-term thinking drive client retention and asset growth. The ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly while building emotional connections determines both individual success and firm profitability. Regulatory compliance knowledge is essential given the heavily regulated nature of financial advice and the severe consequences of non-compliance. Understanding FCA requirements, documentation standards, and risk management protocols ensures both client protection and career sustainability.

Beneficial Skills

Digital literacy and technology adaptation skills are increasingly valuable as wealth management firms implement new platforms and clients expect sophisticated digital experiences alongside traditional advisory services Business development and networking capabilities accelerate career progression by expanding client bases and generating revenue growth opportunities that lead to partnership or leadership positions Cross-border planning expertise becomes more valuable as clients increasingly require international tax planning and investment solutions, particularly given Brexit-related complexity and global mobility trends

Unique Aspects

The combination of wealth management expertise with specific pension specialization creates a distinctive market position, as pension complexity continues to increase following regulatory changes and demographic shifts
Hybrid working arrangements in a traditionally relationship-driven industry demonstrates progressive thinking and adaptation to changing client and employee expectations
The emphasis on team development and mentoring suggests organizational investment in building internal capability rather than relying solely on external hiring
Belfast location offers unique advantages including lower cost of living compared to London while maintaining access to sophisticated financial services infrastructure and global firm presence

Career Growth

Progression to senior leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing advisors, with partnership opportunities emerging after 5-7 years of demonstrated business development success and team leadership capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Partner or Director positions within established wealth management firms, typically involving P&L responsibility and strategic oversight of multiple advisory teams Regional Head or Practice Leader roles managing geographic markets or specialized service lines such as retirement planning or family office services Independent advisory firm ownership or partnership opportunities, leveraging client relationships and market expertise to establish boutique wealth management practices

Company Overview

VANRATH

VANRATH operates as a leading recruitment consultancy specializing in professional services placements across Ireland and the UK. The firm maintains strong relationships with established financial services organizations and has built a reputation for quality candidate placement in wealth management, banking, and advisory roles.

As an established recruitment partner, VANRATH represents prestigious organizations with global presence, indicating this role is likely with a major financial institution or established wealth management firm rather than a startup or regional player.
Belfast's position as a growing financial services hub provides significant opportunities for wealth management professionals, with the city attracting major UK and international firms seeking cost-effective operations while maintaining access to skilled talent pools.
The emphasis on hybrid working, flexible hours, and team development suggests a progressive organizational culture that prioritizes work-life balance while maintaining high performance standards. The focus on compliance and professionalism indicates a well-established firm with mature processes and systems.
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