Description About this role
Business Unit Overview:
iShares & Wealth EMEA is the distribution business providing cross-border solutions to intermediaries who serve the full spectrum of privately-owned Wealth, but also to Asset Managers and Asset Owners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Our clients are predominantly institutional investors like pension funds, global and multi-national banks, wealth managers and insurers. Product proposition comprises a broad range of both actively managed and index pooled investment vehicles.
Job Purpose/Background:
BlackRock's EMEA iShares & Wealth (iSW) business is looking for an experienced product execution strategist to lead the cross-organisational efforts to position and prioritise our active and index platforms through product campaign initiatives.
The primary responsibility of the role will be to define and drive the sales execution plans for the defined product focus areas across the iShares and Wealth client business. This will require the definition of coherent commercial messaging across the platform, creating / managing the product rollout calendar for iSW and driving sales training across both index and active within each client segment for the business.
The individual will also own the implementation of product distribution initiatives in partnership with sales leadership, client segment leads and the individual country sales teams.
Other key responsibilities include the creation and implementation of a scalable and repeatable approach to product campaigns, the definition of product collateral requirements in partnership with marketing and product specialists / strategists and alignment of our index/active proposition through regular sales and client engagement.
There will be a requirement to work in strong partnership with the WPG asset class leads, the active investment teams, ETF & index investment (EII) product segment teams, EII product distribution function, global product group, marketing and other key stakeholders across the firm.
Reporting to the Head of EMEA Wealth Product Group (WPG), with additional accountability to the EII Head of Product Distribution, the successful candidate will possess a deep knowledge of EMEA Wealth distribution, the index and active fund markets, investment management, capital markets, sustainable investing and alternative strategies. Additionally, the candidate must have exceptional communication skills, the ability to form trusted relationships and work across the organisation to build consensus for tactical and strategic sales initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Define and execute the product campaigns/product distribution initiatives within EMEA iSW across index and active
Responsibility for the effective commercialisation of BlackRock's product platform for the iSW business
Responsibility for driving alignment with investment team partners, marketing and segment leads within the region for priority products and associated client activity
The successful candidate will need to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in iSW and partner functions such as portfolio management, product strategy, and marketing
They will also be required to represent the iSW business in front of the firm's senior leadership to articulate the product execution plan for iSW
As a Director they will be expected to develop more junior members of WPG
Product Execution
Translating product focus into commercial messaging, campaign calendar, marketing collateral, training of the sales teams (Active & Index), planning through countries/client segments or functions.
Identify key levers for campaign activity such as product collateral, sales narrative, scaled marketing requirements (media/events/podcasts/email outreach) and sales training. Drive the delivery and lead the execution of these inputs.
Work with the individual client segment sales teams (Wealth, Asset managers, Asset owners, Manager research and Digital) within iSW to define and execute product / client plans across the region
Leverage technology, pipeline data and analytics to drive sales activity, maximise campaign traction and track success
Understand buying behaviour across countries and client segments to nuance the product plan by client type
Partner with counterparts in EII to ensure that the active product plan is coordinated with index and leverages the full breadth of BlackRock's capabilities
Organise "virtual" teams that meet regularly to discuss and execute on asset class plans and align key stakeholders behind the plan
Define number of campaigns required and different types (soft/hard launch, identification of target market)
Study and evaluate industry trends, competitive dynamics and highlight sales opportunities using data
Help define and position BlackRock's competitive advantage in the investment strategies landscape; understand industry dynamics, drivers of growth and how to effectively position BlackRock's funds in this context
Own the product narrative and key messaging in the context of current investment themes and macro conditions. Ensure this remains relevant and compelling. Ensure consistent delivery of collateral, content and training to optimise sales focus
Regular communication with regional stakeholders, sales heads and sales leadership groups to understand sales and client feedback around the reception of product messages and position
Measurement of success:
Successfully reach execution goals for calendar year based on gross and net metrics
Receptivity of product positioning and strategies by sales force and clients
Delivery of sales training and collaboration with the business to deliver mandatory training that can be tracked and audited
Ability to grow investor base for new strategies and maintain for more mature range
Experience/Qualifications:
BA/BS required
Proven financial services experience, preferably with a focus on mutual fund strategy, sales, index and alternatives
Strong understanding of marketing and PR methods for EMEA intermediary-sold mutual funds, industry trends, and different segments (Bank, Insurance, IFA)
Strong understanding of the asset management industry with a preference for a product specialist background
Strong capital market knowledge
Preference for multi-lingual candidate (German, French or Italian as second language)
Ability to execute across teams and drive projects with input and feedback from key stakeholders
Working knowledge of investment databases, including Morningstar and Bloomberg, knowledge of Aladdin would also be a plus
Understanding of performance attribution, market factors and drivers of returns across mutual funds and asset classes
Solid interpersonal skills and ability to quickly form meaningful working partnerships and demonstrate leadership
Superior writing and editorial skills
Strong presentation skills and ability to deliver pertinent facts in a concise fashion
Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.
About BlackRock
At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children's educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.
This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment - the one we make in our employees. It's why we're dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.
For additional information on BlackRock, please visit careers.blackrock.com | | | | LinkedIn:
BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.
BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.