Private client consultancy manager

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance

• Location: Cirencester Office
• Workplace Type: Hybrid
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Seniority: Mid‑Senior Level

The role

We’re looking for a senior business advisory specialist to support high‑net‑worth individuals and business owners through key moments such as growth, succession, and exit. You’ll act as a specialist in business sales and acquisitions, working with financial advisers to help clients unlock value from their businesses—whether through capital release, improved cashflow, or long‑term growth planning. This is a senior consultancy position that combines expertise in financial planning with a strong understanding of the UK owner‑managed business market and corporate finance landscape. You’ll act as a trusted advisor, offering strategic guidance, identifying suitable solutions, and connecting clients with leading external specialists such as corporate finance advisers, lenders, and legal professionals. You’ll also contribute to thought leadership and help raise the profile of St. James’s Place in the business owner and SME space.

Responsibilities

• Act as a recognised expert on business sales, acquisitions, and succession planning for UK owner‑managed businesses
• Provide guidance on corporate finance considerations, including business valuation, deal structuring, and tax implications
• Work closely with financial advisers to understand client circumstances, goals, and long‑term objectives
• Identify opportunities across business growth, capital raising, cashflow optimisation, succession, and exit planning
• Translate complex financial and business information into clear, actionable insights
• Build and maintain relationships with external professionals (corporate finance advisers, accountants, legal specialists)
• Facilitate introductions to trusted third‑party partners
• Contribute to thought leadership through articles, webinars, and knowledge sharing
• Act as a spokesperson on business owner and SME topics where required
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge across tax, trusts, and financial planning disciplines (investment, retirement, protection)
• Represent and promote the Private Client offering at internal and external events

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of personal and corporate tax, trust planning, and financial planning across investment, retirement, and protection solutions
• Fellowship status (or actively working towards it)
• Experience supporting high‑net‑worth clients with complex financial and business planning needs
• Strong client‑facing skills with the ability to build trust and credibility
• Ability to analyse complex scenarios and develop tailored, practical solutions
• Experience in corporate finance, business advisory, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly

Desirable (Optional)

• Professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CFA, or similar

Benefits

We reward you for the work you do through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), and an online rewards platform with a variety of discounts. We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• Non‑Contributory Pension – 10% (increasing with length of service up to 15%) with further pension matching

Reasonable Adjustments

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing careers@sjp.co.uk. Research tells us that applicants—especially those from under‑represented groups—can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career‑break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience, please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

Special Requirements

This position is a Certification role under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.

Regulatory Note

As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and, in particular, consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.