Senior Paraplanner

Department:
Paraplanning

Location:
Chester

Description
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced
Senior Paraplanner
to join our successful and award-winning firm of Chartered Financial Planners. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality technical support, research and documentation to ensure we're able to provide exceptional client service and compliant financial advice.

You will work as part of a cross functional team ("Pod") made up of Financial Planners, Client Support Executives and other Paraplanners to deliver outstanding client experience, drive efficiency and collaboration, whilst adopting a continuous learning mindset.

Key Responsibilities
Case Ownership

• Prepare detailed, compliant suitability reports tailored to individual client needs.
• Take full ownership of cases from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client objectives.
• Manage complex workloads independently, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.

Adviser Collaboration

• Work closely with advisers to understand client goals and develop strategies.
• Proactively gather outstanding information and documentation.
• Contribute to technical discussions and best practice initiatives.

Technical Expertise

• Research and analyse financial products, investments, pensions, and tax planning opportunities.
• Prepare technical illustrations, projections, and recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, FCA guidance, and market trends.

Client Interaction

• Respond to client queries and clarify technical details post-meeting.
• Attend client meetings when required to support advisers and explain recommendations.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all work meets FCA standards and internal compliance requirements.
• Review and sign off reports prepared by junior team members, providing feedback.
• Keep documentation audit-ready and support compliance process improvements.

Process & Template Management

• Update templates and tools in line with regulatory or product changes.
• Suggest workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.

Leadership & Development

• Mentor and coach junior paraplanners, providing technical guidance and training.
• Where applicable, manage team performance and development.
• Promote collaboration and continuous professional development within the team.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work with compliance, operations, and investment teams to streamline advice processes.
• Support audits and maintain risk awareness.
• Champion effective use of financial planning software and data tools.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of
  5 years' experience in paraplanning
  , including exposure to complex client cases. Previous paraplanning experience essential
• Level 4 – Diploma Qualified (CII) or equivalent
  essential
• Working towards Chartered Financial Planner status (Level 6)
  or equivalent desirable
• Detailed technical knowledge of retail investment, savings, pension and protection products
• Excellent knowledge of
  suitability report content
  , format and requirements
• Significant experience
  composing suitability letters
• Ability to communicate efficiently both verbally and written and to deal with individuals at all levels
• Motivated and comfortable working collaboratively across the business, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• You will be required to complete the range of educational and training tutorials on our internal client management and client asset custody and administration and dealing systems, Enable and Fusion, as well as be fully conversant with our online client portal, Wealth Platform.
• Aspirational, you will be an individual who embraces change and understands and shares our corporate culture.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

The base
You'll be based at our regional office in Chester, a vibrant and historic city that combines modern amenities with a welcoming atmosphere.
The location offers excellent transport links and easy access to shops, cafés, and cultural attractions, making it convenient and enjoyable for work and life.

Our Chester office is equipped with modern facilities and resources designed to support productivity and collaboration. We value work-life balance and foster a supportive, team-oriented environment where innovation thrives.

We're looking for the best, whoever they are
We know that diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture where all can succeed lead to better decisions and stronger outcomes for the company its clients and its employees. That's why inclusion and diversity are strategic priorities for us. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer. You're welcome at Benchmark regardless of your age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. We're building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.