Business Development and Advice Graduate

Who we are

St. James's Place (SJP) works in partnership to plan, grow and protect our clients’ financial futures. We deliver personalised, face-to-face financial advice to our clients, who trust us to manage their money to reach their goals. We provide this service via the Partnership, a network of qualified, expert advisors. We put financial wellbeing and responsible business choices at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the value of difference and know that diverse teams can help us problem and innovate for clients. We look for people to join SJP to make an impact and to contribute to our culture which is based around long term relationships, doing the right thing, and being the best version of ourselves.

Our comprehensive range of training programmes are tailored to developing early careers at a number of stages. Whether you are looking to gain work experience whilst studying at sixth form or college, or graduating from university, our dedicated Early Careers team are here to support you in driving your career along your chosen path.

Location: Cirencester Office

Salary : £30,000

**Please note that the application deadline for this vacancy is the 16th December but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Early applications are therefore advised. ** To help us effectively manage your application, please only apply for one Graduate vacancy. If you are unsure which role is best for you, please contact us to discuss the options.

NB: Assessment centres for this vacancy will be run on the 18th January so please ensure you are provisionally available to attend

About the role:

You will join St. James’s Place on a permanent full-time contract and complete a 2-year Graduate Programme. During this time, you will rotate within your chosen division, this will give you full exposure to that division and help you understand how it interacts with other areas of the business. On completion of your Graduate programme, we intend for you to continue your career at St. James’s Place with that division.

The programme will enable you to learn and gain an insight into the various roles within the Business Development & Advice division, and wider SJP community. It will support you in developing knowledge and skills in all areas of UK financial advice provided through the SJP Partnership. You will utilise the knowledge and skills gained to support Partners in delivering market leading advice, products, and great client outcomes. The role will be varied due to the extent of the activities performed by divisions within the wider Business Development & Advice division.

You will rotate through divisions that may include:

• Client Liaison
• Advice Policy
• Technical Connection
• Business Assurance

Alongside these rotations, and carrying out day to day duties, you’ll get involved in a range of projects and shadowing opportunities to give you all the exposure you need to secure a technical support role within the division, at the end of the programme. You'll build your understanding of our service provision to our Partners and Advisers, have a detailed knowledge of how each division operates and be able to effectively contribute to divisional objectives. To underpin this knowledge, you will also be supported to complete your CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

In addition to the support provided from your line manager, and the programme you will also have exposure to Technical Connection, a market leading brand in applied tax, technical and financial planning know-how.

You will be based in Cirencester, although the Business Development & Advice division is based across various locations such as Bristol, Edinburgh, and London. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings outside of Cirencester.

About you:

You'll be a self-starter who can demonstrate flexibility, enthusiasm, and a consistent professional attitude. With strong communications skills and an eye for detail, you'll drive your own career and development.

With a degree related to Finance, Business, Legal or a subject with a strong mathematical content, you'll be ready to kick start your career within SJP.

Flexible Working

We understand that employees work best in different ways, at different times and in different environments. We value all of our employees and appreciate that everyone is unique, and at one of many stages within their career. Our people are encouraged to work in a flexible way that suits their lifestyle where it can be accommodated, so please ask the question and start a conversation!

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented 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.

Why work for us?

Our Rewards

In addition to an attractive salary and eligibility to participate in the discretionary annual bonus opportunities, you will also receive an excellent benefits package including:

• Non-Contributory Pension – 10% (increasing with length of service) with further pension matching
• Meaningful protection benefits with real value, such as 10X life cover, PHI, and critical illness.
• Best in class terms and conditions including 6 months paid parental leave.
• Private Medical and Dental Insurance
• 28 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (based on full-time equivalent) with the option to buy up to an additional 5 days holiday
• Discretionary bonus scheme dependent on company and personal performance, varied by level
• Not applicable to fixed term contracts (standard uplift applies in lieu of the protection benefits)

Our Culture

Our culture is the glue that binds us together - It’s one of our biggest assets and one of the biggest reasons for our success. It’s underpinned by core values of doing the right thing, being the best version of ourselves and investing in long term relationships.

We want to embrace a diverse group of backgrounds and experiences to connect with clients, solve problems and innovate. We raise our voice on the things that matter to us and drive change from the front. Contributing to our inclusive culture is vital, ensuring a space for everyone to be their authentic self, no compromises.

In all we do, we consider how our work affects the communities in which we belong. Over 96% of our group employees are involved in supporting our communities through financial education, charitable giving and volunteering. Over 80% of all our employees and Partners donate each month to our Charitable Foundation, which is now the 3rd largest corporate charity in the UK.

What Happens Next?

Our process is the same for each of our Graduate opportunities, so once you have completed the application form, we will invite you to complete a Job Focussed Assessment (JFA). If successful after the JFA, you will be invited to complete an online video interview and if successful at this stage we will invite you to the final stage of the process, that consists of a face to face assessment centre.

Our team will be in touch. 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.