Director, Solutions and Manager Strategy - Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions team

About this role

Introduction to Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions

The Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions (MASS) team is the investment group at the heart of BlackRock's portfolio construction, asset allocation, and active management ecosystem. MASS draws on the full toolkit of the firm’s index, factor, and alpha-seeking investment capabilities to deliver investment outcomes and ground-breaking alpha insights. MASS constructs active asset allocation strategies and whole portfolio solutions across a wide spectrum of commingled funds, separate accounts, model portfolios, and outsourcing solutions in the wealth and institutional channels.

Position Overview

The Solutions and Manager Strategy team works within MASS to coordinate and lead the implementation of whole portfolio engagements and similar assignments. Rooted in BlackRock’s longstanding culture of objective problem-solving, the Solutions Strategy team collaborates across the firm to ensure outstanding investment implementation, solutions structuring and platform development, building consistency across the range of investment services.

We are seeking a candidate to join the Solutions and Manager Strategy team in London. The role will require partnership with numerous commercial, investments and operational teams in order to best coordinate and support fast-paced growth of the business. The successful candidate will partner with and support the EMEA Head of the team and be involved across a range of strategies including outsourced CIO solutions, customised sub-advised mandates and multi-manager funds for our institutional and wealth clients.

What will you be doing?

• Focused on UK and European pension schemes and wealth clients, support the growth and implementation of outsourced solutions mandates;

• Represent MASS to internal partners and to clients and prospects, to provide subject matter expertise and confidently present MASS capabilities and process in the context of the client’s solution;

• Supervise and lead the translation of investment strategy design into a robust implementable solution, balancing regulatory constraints, risk and client intent – including investment guideline design;

• Project manage new client activities and change management activities for MASS, directing and guiding stakeholders through the various aspects of the implementation lifecycle;

• Work closely with portfolio managers, Client CIOs and multi-manager research team, as well as transition managers and clients, to lead the design and management of a suitable transition plan for initial funding and change events;

• Lead client calls and communications as a subject matter authority on whole portfolio solution details and specific implementation plans;

• Partnering with the Head of the team, act as an escalation point to help drive resolution of issues, identify training and development needs of team members and ensure consistency of standards;

• Build strong relationships and fully maximise internal networks to deliver whole portfolio solutions during implementation and ongoing servicing;

• Drive innovation and scale, navigating the firm to enlist support, lead execution and adoption;

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years’ investment experience with a good understanding of financial markets;

• Multi-asset class experience across public and private markets (fixed income, equities and alternatives, derivatives) and familiarity with separately managed accounts;

• Outstanding relationship management skills to build and maintain collaborative partnerships regionally. Strong interpersonal, organisational and influencing skills, ability to engage partners, to understand change readiness, balance differences and build consensus;

• Leadership and people management experiences, with a track record of nurturing high potential talent and driving emotional ownership;

• Knowledge of various regulations and impact on client types and investment strategies;

• Will be an excellent communicator, capable of articulating complex problems in a simplistic manner. Ability to connect with multiple audiences;

• Inclination for process design, able to handle various projects simultaneously, remain calm when multi-tasking;

• Detail and outcome orientated with an intellectual curiosity that drives solutions based proposals;

• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing requirements and priorities;

• Preference to have relevant professional qualifications (eg CFA or equivalent qualifications);

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.