Paraplanner

Paraplanner
Portalegre
Portalegre, Portalegre District, Portugal

Head of Technical Planning

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Vilamoura, Portugal

Role Purpose

The Head of Technical Planning is a senior leadership position responsible for managing and developing the paraplanning function, ensuring the delivery of
- quality, compliant, and
- focused financial planning support to advisers. The role provides technical leadership, oversees governance and product oversight, and drives the implementation of processes and policies.

This individual will lead the Paraplanning Department, chair the Product Committee, and collaborate closely with Compliance and the COO to ensure that all advice, processes, and documentation meet Mi
FID II and
- border regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor the paraplanning team to deliver exceptional technical support to advisers.
• Establish and manage department goals aligned with the organisation's strategic objectives.
• Ensure all paraplanners and advisers maintain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in line with Mi
  FID II and local regulatory requirements (France, Portugal, and Cyprus).
• Support the implementation of new advice processes, ensuring full integration into daily practice.
• Promote a culture of learning, professionalism, and excellence.

2. Technical Research & Analysis

• Conduct detailed technical research across pensions, investments, protection, and tax planning.
• Analyse financial circumstances and prepare comprehensive cashflow and scenario models.
• Review and evaluate existing portfolios to provide
  - based recommendations.
• Collaborate with advisers to ensure financial solutions align with client goals and compliance standards.
• Maintain
  -
  - date knowledge of provider offerings, fee structures, and product developments.

3. Report Writing & Quality Assurance

• Draft and review compliant, clear, and tailored suitability reports.
• Oversee report checking and quality assurance across the paraplanning team.
• Approve investment trades and transactions in line with suitability reports.
• Ensure all trade desk activity is compliant, documented, and auditable.

4. Trade Desk Oversight

• Build, manage, and oversee a Trade Desk service responsible for the Reception and Transmission of Orders (RTO).

5. Product Governance & Committee Leadership

• Chair the Product Committee, ensuring rigorous due diligence and selection of products and providers.
• Collaborate with Compliance to oversee governance of materials and documentation in line with Mi
  FID II requirements.
• Ensure the organisation's product range and client offerings meet both internal quality standards and regulatory obligations.
• Contribute to the firm's risk management and due diligence frameworks.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert in product selection, suitability, and implementation.

6. Compliance & Governance

• Maintain
  -
  - date knowledge of Mi
  FID II, EU financial regulations, and best practices.
• Work with Compliance to ensure advice and processes meet all regulatory obligations.
• Participate in compliance audits, advisor file checks, and regulatory reviews.
• Ensure the paraplanning and advisory teams operate within established risk and governance frameworks.
• Represent and explain advice and governance processes to regulators when required.

7. Process Improvement & Implementation

• Drive continuous improvement in paraplanning procedures, templates, and workflows.
• Ensure the successful implementation of new internal policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with operations and technology teams to integrate CRM and system enhancements to streamline advice and compliance processes.
• Support compliance and operations in ongoing audits, monitoring, and reporting activities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Chartered status with the CII or CISI (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a senior paraplanner within a wealth management or financial planning environment.
• Proven
  - border financial planning experience (EU jurisdictions).
• Strong technical knowledge across pensions, investments, protection, and taxation.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (native or fluent).
• Strong analytical and
  - solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work effectively with Advisers, Compliance, and Senior Management.
• Passionate about paraplanning, continuous learning, and maintaining the highest professional standards.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a Mi
  FID II-regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Cypriot regulatory frameworks.
• Experience implementing new processes or CRM systems.
• Proven track record of building or managing a trade desk or similar operational function.

Key Attributes

• Technically proficient and strategically minded.
• Ethical, diligent, and
  - focused.
• Strong leader and team builder with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proactive in identifying risks, opportunities, and solutions.
• Adaptable to change and passionate about continuous improvement.