Global Product Solutions – VP

About this role

About BlackRock in the Middle East

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager and a premier provider of global investment management services with AUM of over $10 trillion. BlackRock’s platform in the Middle East represents over $120 billion of AUM across a broad range of investment capabilities including active and index strategies, private markets and hedge fund strategies. Our 100+ dedicated professionals work across the GCC markets, across 5 locally based offices.   

About our Business

BlackRock’s Global Product Solutions (GPS) develops, launches, manages and distributes investment solutions across multiple strategies and asset classes. GPS also oversees enterprise product strategy, including pricing, development, structuring, and platform governance. The global team includes quantitative analysts, investment strategists, distribution specialists and research analysts. We partner with clients to solve their investment and liability challenges by understanding their objectives, advising on solutions, and designing and implementing strategies that meet or exceed goals. 

About this Role

The position holder will be a Vice President within the newly formed GPS Middle East team, focusing on executing a holistic product strategy for the region, launching new products / solutions and commercialising new / existing product ranges to support the growth of the iShares, Active and Private Markets platforms. They will be expected to handle a wide array of analytical tasks, engage with clients and regulators, working closely with portfolio managers, other product strategists, distribution, and marketing teams.

This will require the individual in to oversee and execute a diverse range of strategic cross-asset class projects. These initiatives are vital to the organization's adaptability and competitiveness in an ever-evolving financial landscape. The Vice President is expected to provide leadership in project management, ensuring the successful delivery of Middle East product initiatives that align with the company's strategic objectives. Key areas of focus will include the build out of local investment capabilities, Shariah, bespoke client solutions and product structuring.

Responsibilities 

• Work with Middle East and GPS leadership across the firm in formulating and executing product plans for BlackRock across the GCC markets.

• Leverage analytical research, close interaction with sales teams and partner functions to ensure these commercial priorities are implemented.

• Provide critical insights, analysis, and recommendations based on current regulatory frameworks, future developments and client dynamics to help drive the strategic build-out of BlackRock’s Middle East product platform.

• Engage with key clients across Wealth, Institutional and Family office segments and regulators to understand buying behaviour across countries and client segments to nuance the product plan by client type and preference.

• Project manage the launch of new funds and solutions across asset classes and client channels.

• Assume responsibility and ownership for successful execution of product initiatives, including the delivery of products, solutions and separate accounts.

• Work closely with tax, operational, legal, compliance and risk management functions on key product issues, and facilitate productive ongoing dialogue across stakeholders to drive outcomes and solutions.

• Develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the local product landscape, competitor offerings and client needs.

• Help plan and prioritize the product pipeline according to commercial and strategic considerations, to maximize resource efficiency.

• Acquire and maintain a detailed understanding of BlackRock’s processes, operating environment, and investment products as well as regulatory and structuring requirements, guiding business partners through the launch and shaping product development processes.

• Present product initiatives at product approval forums, including internal committees and boards.

• Create high quality client materials and product positioning to enable sales teams across both the wealth, institutional and family office channels

Knowledge/Experience/Skills Required:

• Relevant experience at a leading asset manager, bank, or other financial institution with a focus on private markets. 

• Strong understanding of markets & data e.g. asset classes, analytics and classifications

• Thorough understanding of the asset management / product landscape industry in the Middle East, its players, products, and distribution channels.

• Broad knowledge of the GCC regulatory landscape.

• Experience in project managing and delivering complex cross-functional initiatives. 

• Ability to work with multiple teams to deliver projects according to priorities and within set timelines. 

• Aptitude to influence key stakeholders and decision makers to drive progress, commit resources and achieve buy-in. 

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills to articulate technical concepts, ideas, and processes in a simple and transparent way

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and project management skills to manage multiple projects at any one time, often under tight deadlines

• Ability to develop trusting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally

• Strong team player, collaborative and cooperative and solution-oriented approach to tasks

• Ambitious work ethic and professional disposition

• Self-motivated and proactive individual with strong desire to learn and succeed. 

• CFA qualification, CFA candidacy, IMC qualification, an advantage

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

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 @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.