Robust relationships required

Phenomenal fund industry growth is fuelling demand for client relationship management (CRM) types in Ireland's fund servicing industry. Interested? You'll need to be good with people.

"There are so many companies offering the same service, so they need to get one step ahead of the competition," says Robin Craig, senior recruitment consultant at Career Compass in Dublin. "They are trying to set up CRM teams or expand existing ones."

What do CRM professionals do? According to Craig, they typically set up agreed service levels with fund clients, to ensure accurate valuations. They also ensure accounting and investor services are delivered on time.

And how much do they earn? Experienced CRM professionals can start on an annual salary of €60k, reports Craig.

He says candidates most in demand will have worked in the industry for five years and have garnered experience across different operations.

"Some of these candidates will have professional qualifications, but companies are looking more at their operations experience and whether they have managed teams," he adds.

According to a survey by Deloitte, most fund administration companies in the Republic are struggling to expand their operations in line with recent growth. Ireland's fund industry has trebled in the past five years and now stands at $1.2 trillion in assets under administration. It's hardly surprising that friendly types are now needed to manage these lucrative relationships.