Manager, Product Development and Management

Title             Manager, Product Development and Management

Department  Product Development and Management, Japan

Location        Tokyo, Japan

Reports To   Co-Head of Product Development & Management

Level             Manager

We’re proud to have been helping our clients build better financial futures for over 50 years. How have we achieved this? By working together - and supporting each other - all over the world. So, join our Japan Product team and feel like you are part of something bigger.

About your team

The Japan Product Development and Management Team is responsible for shaping and executing the product strategy that supports FIL’s growth ambitions in Japan. The team oversees product development, implementation, product governance, lifecycle management, market intelligence, as well as supporting local distribution strategies.

Working closely with Distribution, Investment Management, and key internal and external stakeholders, the team develops and evolves the product offering to meet changing client needs, regulatory requirements, and market opportunities while maintaining a strong product governance framework.

About your role
You will be a key member of the Product Management function within the Japan Product Development and Management team, supporting the growth of our wholesale and institutional businesses through the effective delivery and management of investment products and solutions.

The Product Management function is responsible for the implementation, ongoing management and governance of the Japan product range. You will lead key product initiatives across the product lifecycle, including new fund launches, fund changes and restructuring, and fund closures, working independently and in close collaboration with Product Development, Distribution, Investment Management, Operations and other relevant functions.

You will also play a key role in product governance, including regular product reviews and product-distribution alignment, ensuring that the product range continues to meet regulatory requirements, client needs and business priorities. While Product Development primarily leads product strategy, ideation and design, you will work closely with the team to translate product ideas and business requirements into effective implementation.

As a key representative of Japan Product Development and Management, you will collaborate with regional and global teams and take ownership of cross-functional initiatives that contribute to the continued development of the Japan business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product implementation and lifecycle initiatives for the Japan product range, including new fund launches, fund changes and restructuring, and fund closures, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely and effective delivery.
• Manage and maintain the Japan product range, working closely with Product Development, Distribution, Investment Management, Operations and other functions to address ongoing product requirements and deliver necessary actions.
• Manage product governance processes, including relevant governance committees, regular product reviews and the annual product review and rationalisation process. Drive effective product-distribution alignment and work with key stakeholders to agree appropriate actions and recommendations.
• Assess regulatory and industry developments affecting investment products and the asset management business, and lead or coordinate necessary product actions in response to regulatory changes.
• Contribute to product development and new product initiatives, working with Product Development and other stakeholders to provide market, implementation and governance perspectives and, where appropriate, support product design and development.
• Lead and facilitate discussions on product changes and modifications, working closely with Product Development, Investment Management, Distribution and other stakeholders to develop and implement appropriate solutions.
• Represent Japan Product Development and Management in regional and global product forums and initiatives, ensuring that local client, business and regulatory requirements are appropriately reflected.
• Support new business opportunities and business cases for the Japan wholesale and institutional businesses, providing product expertise and coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in product management processes, including automation, simplification and systemisation, to enhance operational efficiency, control and scalability.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of investment product knowledge, commercial judgement, strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to deliver complex initiatives in a global organisation.

You will ideally have:

• Good knowledge of investment products and the asset management industry, preferably with 3+ years of relevant experience in areas such as product management, product development, investment management, operations or product delivery. Experience within an asset manager and exposure to investment fund launches, product changes or lifecycle management would be an advantage.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect client needs, investment capabilities, market developments and regulatory requirements to product opportunities and decisions.
• Strong project management capabilities, with experience leading cross-functional projects or initiatives in a mid-sized or large organisation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to engage effectively with Distribution, Investment Management and other internal functions, as well as to participate in external client discussions where appropriate.
• Native or advanced business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English, with the ability to operate effectively in a global working environment.
• The ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity and to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving global organisation.
• A strong sense of ownership and accountability, combined with a collaborative working style and the ability to create alignment across multiple stakeholders.
• Sound judgement, attention to detail, with the ability to navigate complexity and balance strategic thinking with disciplined execution.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and with appropriate urgency while maintaining strong governance, control and quality standards.

Feel rewarded

For starters, we’ll offer you a comprehensive benefits package. We’ll value your wellbeing and support your development. And we’ll be as flexible as we can about where and when you work – finding a balance that works for all of us. It’s all part of our commitment to making you feel motivated by the work you do and happy to be part of our team. For more about our work, our approach to dynamic working and how you could build your future here, visit careers.fidelityinternational.com.

For more about our work, our approach to dynamic working and how you could build your future here, visit careers.fidelityinternational.com.