Product Manager - Vice President

iCapital is powering the world’s alternative investment marketplace. Our financial technology platform has transformed how advisors, wealth management firms, asset managers, and banks evaluate and recommend bespoke public and private market strategies for their high-net-worth clients. iCapital services approximately $176 billion in global client assets invested in 1,433 funds, as of December 2023.

iCapital has been named to the Forbes Fintech 50 for six consecutive years (2018-2023); a three-time selection by Forbes to its list of Best Startup Employers (2021-2023); and a three-time winner of MMI/Barron’s Solutions Provider award (See link below). 

About the Role

iCapital, a rapidly growing business, seeks accomplished candidates to join our mission of assisting Japanese clients in accessing alternative investments. We are currently hiring a Vice President – Product Manager to join our APAC Product Development and Structuring Team. This pivotal role, as part of our small but growing team in Tokyo, is dedicated to supporting our valued clients and partners as we expand our successful business in Japan

As the Vice President – Product Manager, your responsibilities will encompass two critical areas:

• Technical Input and Fund Structuring: You will provide expert technical insights into fund structuring specifically tailored for the Japanese market. This involves collaborating with top global alternative investment managers and key Japanese financial institutions, including trust banks, securities houses, and local asset managers.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Your focus will be on alternative investment vehicles within the private market asset space. You’ll oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring optimized fund offerings that align with the investment appetites of our discerning clients. This strategic work directly supports the delivery and implementation of market strategies for private wealth markets.

This is an opportunity to rapidly expand your skillsets and progress your career at an accelerated pace with the support of industry leaders in a collaborative environment
The ideal candidate embodies an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, a relentless drive for continuous personal and professional development, and thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial ecosystem. This pivotal role will be based in Tokyo, with direct reporting to the Head of Product Development and Structuring APAC, based in Hong Kong.
Responsibilities

• Drive Fund Launch Initiatives for the Japanese Market: lead launching funds in Japan, including supporting client pitches for new product mandates, scoping and structuring products, and overseeing the entire fund launch process.
• Deepen Market Knowledge: Cultivate an in-depth understanding of the targetable market for iCapital in Japan. Leverage insights from local industry landscape studies, competitor research, and client/market trends, collaborating closely with internal teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to establish an effective product operational infrastructure and operating model that aligns with our growth aspirations in the Japanese market.
• Scalability Enhancement: Implement a robust governance framework to enhance the scalability of the fund launch process in Japan.
• Global and Asia-Pacific Expansion: As a vital member of our growing Asia team, collaborate with colleagues to expand iCapital’s offerings. This includes:
• Leading projects for onboarding new funds.
• Contributing to decisions regarding new market entries and additional fund structures.
• Shaping iCapital’s service offerings across diverse geographies and fund types.
• Preparing and presenting new funds to decision-making groups.
• Assisting with various fund launch activities, including material preparation.
• Handling ad hoc requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in a relevant field.
• A minimum of 7-10 years in a private market-focused product development role within asset management, financial services, or legal services in the Japanese market.
• Familiarity with the latest product and regulatory developments for private market product development in Japan.
• Experience in structuring private fund vehicles applicable to the Japanese market is expected.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the private wealth market in Japan is a significant advantage.
• A positive attitude and a desire to work in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to be detailed and task-oriented, handling multiple tasks and prioritizing assignments effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex structuring matters.
• Fluency in English and Japanese (both written and verbal) is required. Proficiency in other Asian language is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced in using relevant project planning tools.

Benefits

iCapital offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a total compensation program consisting of competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and equity for all full-time employees; healthcare with 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance; and generous paid time off (PTO).

We believe the best ideas and innovation happen when we are together. Employees in this role will work in the office four days, with the flexibility to work remotely one day.  Every department has different needs, and some positions will be designated in-office jobs, based on their function. 

For additional information on iCapital, please visit https://www.icapitalnetwork.com/about-us  Twitter: @icapitalnetwork | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icapital-network-inc Awards Disclaimer: https://www.icapitalnetwork.com/about-us/recognition/