Client Service Manager

Your next challenge starts here.

Client Service Career

Whatever your background, if you’re a professional who is great at building relationships, then you could become a Client Service Manager at Baillie Gifford. Financial services experience isn’t necessary, just a curiosity about the world around you and a real passion for learning new things. If this sounds like you, then an exciting new career awaits.

FIND OUT MORE
CLIENT SERVICE

Trusted long-term partners

As a Client Service Manager, you'll build strong relationships with our clients to get an in-depth understanding of their requirements, aiming to become a trusted long-term partner and adviser. At Baillie Gifford, we put the interests of our 707 clients ahead of our own. Clients as varied as pension schemes, charities, public funds and financial institutions.

When it comes to Client Service, effective listening and communication is key. Join our team and you’ll become the hub of communications between the clients and the firm. It’s your role to explain investment strategies to new and existing clients, as well as communicate the performance of our funds. When clients come to you with their bespoke requirements and queries – you’ll work closely with internal teams to find the solution.

Baillie Gifford is an investment management firm that takes a long-term approach to investing, seeking returns for clients over three, five or even ten years. Our investors research companies that have the potential to grow significantly over this time. That means questioning everything that happens in the world around them, and anticipating the consequences of local, regional and global trends. In other words, they try to anticipate what the future may hold.

So, as a Client Service Manager, you’ll also be staying abreast of these trends and ideas, as well as keeping up-to-date with our investment strategies. All of which will help you develop your existing client relationships into new opportunities.

CLIENT SERVICE

Trusted long-term partners

As a Client Service Manager, you'll build strong relationships with our clients to get an in-depth understanding of their requirements, aiming to become a trusted long-term partner and adviser. At Baillie Gifford, we put the interests of our 707 clients ahead of our own. Clients as varied as pension schemes, charities, public funds and financial institutions.

When it comes to Client Service, effective listening and communication is key. Join our team and you’ll become the hub of communications between the clients and the firm. It’s your role to explain investment strategies to new and existing clients, as well as communicate the performance of our funds. When clients come to you with their bespoke requirements and queries – you’ll work closely with internal teams to find the solution.

Baillie Gifford is an investment management firm that takes a long-term approach to investing, seeking returns for clients over three, five or even ten years. Our investors research companies that have the potential to grow significantly over this time. That means questioning everything that happens in the world around them, and anticipating the consequences of local, regional and global trends. In other words, they try to anticipate what the future may hold.

So, as a Client Service Manager, you’ll also be staying abreast of these trends and ideas, as well as keeping up-to-date with our investment strategies. All of which will help you develop your existing client relationships into new opportunities.
Catherine Flockhart, Director

Can you describe a typical day?
Our two-year programme offers you the chance to transfer your existing professional skills while learning new ones. The start of the programme is a comprehensive induction including an introduction to the firm, investment management and our client service teams. Even though this is a training scheme, you’ll have a role and real responsibility from day one, helping us achieve our business goals while you continue to develop your career.

During the first six months, we’ll provide you with the support and training to pass the Investment Management Certificate and beyond that the CISI Level 6 Fund Management module. Additional support and training will be provided for any other required exams. You’ll be given a mentor to help guide your development, plus there’s a variety of on-going training sessions, such as mock client meetings, practice pitches and presentations on the firm. As you learn, you’ll start to assume responsibility for supporting clients and to participate in client meetings, with the occasional requirement to travel.

Read more...

Between 12 – 15 months you’ll be rotated to a new team to experience a different set of clients and requirements. Your training will be complete within 2 years and you’ll continue working in your team in a permanent Client Service Manager role.

This position has been deemed a Certified role within the FCA’s Senior Manager and Certification Regime as both a Client Dealing Function and a Function Requiring a Qualification. As a result occupants’ details will be displayed on the FCA register directory and both initial and annual fitness and propriety assessments must be completed.

Training isn’t just something that happens during the first stage of your career. We’ll encourage you to continue to develop yourself, whether that’s attending a formal training course, signing up to a webinar or spending time in another team. If you have the ambition and talent, you could work towards becoming a director, or even a partner in the firm.

THE PROGRAMME

Build your new career

THE PROGRAMME

Build your new career

Our two-year programme offers you the chance to transfer your existing professional skills while learning new ones. The start of the programme is a comprehensive induction including an introduction to the firm, investment management and our client service teams. Even though this is a training scheme, you’ll have a role and real responsibility from day one, helping us achieve our business goals while you continue to develop your career.

During the first six months, we’ll provide you with the support and training to pass the Investment Management Certificate and beyond that the CISI Level 6 Fund Management module. Additional support and training will be provided for any other required exams. You’ll be given a mentor to help guide your development, plus there’s a variety of on-going training sessions, such as mock client meetings, practice pitches and presentations on the firm. As you learn, you’ll start to assume responsibility for supporting clients and to participate in client meetings, with the occasional requirement to travel.

Read more...

Between 12 – 15 months you’ll be rotated to a new team to experience a different set of clients and requirements. Your training will be complete within 2 years and you’ll continue working in your team in a permanent Client Service Manager role.

This position has been deemed a Certified role within the FCA’s Senior Manager and Certification Regime as both a Client Dealing Function and a Function Requiring a Qualification. As a result occupants’ details will be displayed on the FCA register directory and both initial and annual fitness and propriety assessments must be completed.

Training isn’t just something that happens during the first stage of your career. We’ll encourage you to continue to develop yourself, whether that’s attending a formal training course, signing up to a webinar or spending time in another team. If you have the ambition and talent, you could work towards becoming a director, or even a partner in the firm.
Developing your career

Your 24 month training programme

Developing your career

Your 24 month training programme
WHAT CAN BAILLIE GIFFORD OFFER YOU?

A place where you're valued

Life at Baillie Gifford is about working hard, not working long hours. We want you to enjoy a healthy work/life balance as you progress in your career. This means you can enjoy our active social scene, including sporting clubs and activities, and family events. Your wellbeing is just as important to us as your productivity, which is why we have groups like our mental health group and LGBT network, to offer additional support whenever you need it.

At Baillie Gifford we always strive to be fair, equal and open. We truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to flourish and maximise their potential. You can find out more about our approach to diversity and inclusion here.

We also believe in treating our employees well, and that includes financially. We offer an excellent, fixed starting salary that’s competitive with our peers plus a benefits package that includes an annual bonus, generous pension, life assurance, discounted private healthcare and 34 days’ holiday as standard.

All these factors contribute to our unique culture, but there’s another key characteristic – we’re an independent business. Baillie Gifford isn’t owned by a remote multinational; it’s owned by the 43 partners who work in the firm. So the decision makers aren’t faceless, they’re sitting across from you answering your queries. It’s this that makes us different. We’re a business where people matter. Where you’re not just a number, you’re our investment.

WHAT CAN BAILLIE GIFFORD OFFER YOU?

A place where you're valued

Life at Baillie Gifford is about working hard, not working long hours. We want you to enjoy a healthy work/life balance as you progress in your career. This means you can enjoy our active social scene, including sporting clubs and activities, and family events. Your wellbeing is just as important to us as your productivity, which is why we have groups like our mental health group and LGBT network, to offer additional support whenever you need it.

At Baillie Gifford we always strive to be fair, equal and open. We truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to flourish and maximise their potential. You can find out more about our approach to diversity and inclusion here.

We also believe in treating our employees well, and that includes financially. We offer an excellent, fixed starting salary that’s competitive with our peers plus a benefits package that includes an annual bonus, generous pension, life assurance, discounted private healthcare and 34 days’ holiday as standard.

All these factors contribute to our unique culture, but there’s another key characteristic – we’re an independent business. Baillie Gifford isn’t owned by a remote multinational; it’s owned by the 43 partners who work in the firm. So the decision makers aren’t faceless, they’re sitting across from you answering your queries. It’s this that makes us different. We’re a business where people matter. Where you’re not just a number, you’re our investment.
Paul Stevenson, Client Service Manager

What's surprised you about working at Baillie Gifford?
There’s no one type of person we’re looking for to become a Client Service Manager. From parents returning to work to professional rugby players, we see potential in a wide range of candidates. Financial services experience isn’t necessary, but there are three key attributes that will help you to flourish here:

Personable
Relationships – that’s what this role is all about. You’re a people person who can build rapport easily with both clients and colleagues alike. It’s more than just being friendly; you have the skills to build credibility and gain trust throughout your role. You thrive on teamwork and relish the opportunity to collaborate with internal teams to achieve client goals. You know how to make clients feel in safe hands. You pride yourself on your ability to listen and fully understand client requirements, whilst also communicating solutions effectively.

Flexible
We’re open-minded about who we employ, and the same goes for our approach to client service. You’re flexible and understand that every client is different. You can adapt and think beyond the obvious solutions, and have the versatility to change your approach. Flexibility will also serve you well on the training scheme, as you find new ways of using existing skills.

Curious
Curious about our world and excited by the thought of continually learning, you are fascinated by the ever-evolving nature of our investments and clients’ requirements. You’re looking for a culture that’s open to new ideas and always searching for better ways to do things. At Baillie Gifford we’re motivated by our aim to deliver client service excellence and expect our Client Service Managers to be the same.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Your three key attributes

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Your three key attributes

There’s no one type of person we’re looking for to become a Client Service Manager. From parents returning to work to professional rugby players, we see potential in a wide range of candidates. Financial services experience isn’t necessary, but there are three key attributes that will help you to flourish here:

Personable
Relationships – that’s what this role is all about. You’re a people person who can build rapport easily with both clients and colleagues alike. It’s more than just being friendly; you have the skills to build credibility and gain trust throughout your role. You thrive on teamwork and relish the opportunity to collaborate with internal teams to achieve client goals. You know how to make clients feel in safe hands. You pride yourself on your ability to listen and fully understand client requirements, whilst also communicating solutions effectively.

Flexible
We’re open-minded about who we employ, and the same goes for our approach to client service. You’re flexible and understand that every client is different. You can adapt and think beyond the obvious solutions, and have the versatility to change your approach. Flexibility will also serve you well on the training scheme, as you find new ways of using existing skills.

Curious
Curious about our world and excited by the thought of continually learning, you are fascinated by the ever-evolving nature of our investments and clients’ requirements. You’re looking for a culture that’s open to new ideas and always searching for better ways to do things. At Baillie Gifford we’re motivated by our aim to deliver client service excellence and expect our Client Service Managers to be the same.
OUR PAST RECRUITS

A DIVERSITY OF BACKGROUNDS

OUR PAST RECRUITS

A DIVERSITY OF BACKGROUNDS

Helen

Sean

Kelly

Fraser

Kathrin

Gavin
Diversity and Inclusion

Fairness, Equality, Openess

Fairness. Equality. Openness. These three principles form the backbone of diversity and inclusion at Baillie Gifford, where we believe everyone should have the opportunity to develop and maximise their potential.

If you want to explore diversity and inclusion at Baillie Gifford further, you can find a selection of articles on our website which feature interviews with our staff and insights into some of our employee-led networks.

Find out more

Diversity and Inclusion

Fairness, Equality, Openess

Fairness. Equality. Openness. These three principles form the backbone of diversity and inclusion at Baillie Gifford, where we believe everyone should have the opportunity to develop and maximise their potential.

If you want to explore diversity and inclusion at Baillie Gifford further, you can find a selection of articles on our website which feature interviews with our staff and insights into some of our employee-led networks.

Find out more
Alicia Cowley, Client Service Manager

Following your career break, how did you find the return to work?
Edinburgh is many things. A bustling cosmopolitan city with a thriving financial services industry, but also the host to the biggest arts festival in the world. The political capital of Scotland. A place where a medieval castle on an extinct volcano stands proudly facing the stately Georgian New Town.

For us, it’s an exciting place to do business. We believe that Edinburgh offers a unique social, cultural, historical and environmental place to live and work. Baillie Gifford’s offices are less than five minutes’ walk from Princes Street, one of the busiest commercial areas in Scotland. It gives our staff an excellent quality of life, our clients a fascinating and exciting city to visit and is a great base to run a global business.

For more than 100 years, Baillie Gifford has been a feature of the Edinburgh community. A community that we’re proud to be a part of by supporting a number of different organisations. Since 2014, Baillie Gifford has funded over 300 grants through Foundation Scotland’s Community Awards and Grass Roots Sports programmes, and you can find out more about the other organisations we support here.

LIVING IN EDINBURGH

The ultimate work-life balance city.

LIVING IN EDINBURGH

The ultimate work-life balance city.

Edinburgh is many things. A bustling cosmopolitan city with a thriving financial services industry, but also the host to the biggest arts festival in the world. The political capital of Scotland. A place where a medieval castle on an extinct volcano stands proudly facing the stately Georgian New Town.

For us, it’s an exciting place to do business. We believe that Edinburgh offers a unique social, cultural, historical and environmental place to live and work. Baillie Gifford’s offices are less than five minutes’ walk from Princes Street, one of the busiest commercial areas in Scotland. It gives our staff an excellent quality of life, our clients a fascinating and exciting city to visit and is a great base to run a global business.

For more than 100 years, Baillie Gifford has been a feature of the Edinburgh community. A community that we’re proud to be a part of by supporting a number of different organisations. Since 2014, Baillie Gifford has funded over 300 grants through Foundation Scotland’s Community Awards and Grass Roots Sports programmes, and you can find out more about the other organisations we support here.
FAQs

What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for applications was 19 January 2020.

Are language skills necessary?
Language skills are not essential but are desirable. In particular, we would welcome applicants who are fluent in Japanese, German, Mandarin or Spanish.

Will I have a permanent job after the two-year programme finishes?
From the day you join the scheme, you will be doing a real job with real responsibility. At the end of the training scheme, you’ll have earned a permanent Client Service Manager role in one of the Client Service teams.

Is there a clear path for career development?
Starting as a trainee, you’ll become a Client Service Manager with the opportunity to progress into a Director role over time. If you have the ambition and talent, you could even become a partner in the firm. Baillie Gifford is wholly owned by 43 partners who work in the firm on a daily basis.

How many places are there on the programme?
We typically recruit three to six people to the programme each year.

Are there opportunities for flexible working?
Most Client Service Managers work from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, we are open to requests for working 4-day weeks and non-standard hours like 8am – 4pm.

Does it matter how long I have been in working in my career to date?
We consider applications from people who have been in their current careers for any length of time. More important are the right skills and an aptitude for the role.

Is there a minimum degree requirement?
Yes. Although we consider applicants from all disciplines, we typically expect a minimum 2:1 degree.

FAQs

What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for applications was 19 January 2020.

Are language skills necessary?
Language skills are not essential but are desirable. In particular, we would welcome applicants who are fluent in Japanese, German, Mandarin or Spanish.

Will I have a permanent job after the two-year programme finishes?
From the day you join the scheme, you will be doing a real job with real responsibility. At the end of the training scheme, you’ll have earned a permanent Client Service Manager role in one of the Client Service teams.

Is there a clear path for career development?
Starting as a trainee, you’ll become a Client Service Manager with the opportunity to progress into a Director role over time. If you have the ambition and talent, you could even become a partner in the firm. Baillie Gifford is wholly owned by 43 partners who work in the firm on a daily basis.

How many places are there on the programme?
We typically recruit three to six people to the programme each year.

Are there opportunities for flexible working?
Most Client Service Managers work from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, we are open to requests for working 4-day weeks and non-standard hours like 8am – 4pm.

Does it matter how long I have been in working in my career to date?
We consider applications from people who have been in their current careers for any length of time. More important are the right skills and an aptitude for the role.

Is there a minimum degree requirement?
Yes. Although we consider applicants from all disciplines, we typically expect a minimum 2:1 degree.
Stage One

TELL US ABOUT YOU

The closing date for applications was 19 January 2020. The programme will re-open in November 2020. You will be asked to upload your CV, cover letter and complete a written response to the following question.

Baillie Gifford is looking for engaging individuals who have an inquisitive nature and a fascination with the outside world. In 300 words or less, please tell us about how this statement applies to you.

Stage Two

LET'S MEET

You’ll then be invited to our offices in Edinburgh for a first interview with two of our Client Service Directors, and a member of the HR team. We’ll discuss the career choices you’ve made so far, as well as your own interests. We’ll also ask you to summarise an article that will be provided on the day. We aim for the first stage interviews to take place in February 2021.

Stage Three

PROVE YOUR POTENTIAL

The final stage is more in-depth. Along with further meetings with senior members of staff, you’ll also have the chance to meet different members of the teams you might join – from partners to managers who also joined on the training scheme. This final stage will take place in March 2021.

At each stage, we’ll be open and honest with you, so you get a clear idea of what it’s like to work at Baillie Gifford.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Enough about us. We’d like to hear about you.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Enough about us. We’d like to hear about you.

Stage One

TELL US ABOUT YOU

The closing date for applications was 19 January 2020. The programme will re-open in November 2020. You will be asked to upload your CV, cover letter and complete a written response to the following question.

Baillie Gifford is looking for engaging individuals who have an inquisitive nature and a fascination with the outside world. In 300 words or less, please tell us about how this statement applies to you.

Stage Two

LET'S MEET

You’ll then be invited to our offices in Edinburgh for a first interview with two of our Client Service Directors, and a member of the HR team. We’ll discuss the career choices you’ve made so far, as well as your own interests. We’ll also ask you to summarise an article that will be provided on the day. We aim for the first stage interviews to take place in February 2021.

Stage Three

PROVE YOUR POTENTIAL

The final stage is more in-depth. Along with further meetings with senior members of staff, you’ll also have the chance to meet different members of the teams you might join – from partners to managers who also joined on the training scheme. This final stage will take place in March 2021.

At each stage, we’ll be open and honest with you, so you get a clear idea of what it’s like to work at Baillie Gifford.