Head of Platform Development, Retirement Solutions - Director

About this role

Team Description

Over half of the assets that BlackRock manages are related to retirement, giving our firm a special responsibility for enabling a better retirement for all. BlackRock's Retirement Solutions (RS) team sits within BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions (MASS) business, the investment group at the heart of BlackRock's portfolio construction, asset allocation, and active management ecosystem. The RS team is the engine that serves our global retirement business as the center of lifecycle investing, bringing together expertise in strategy, research, portfolio management, and technology, and is trusted with $500B in client assets as of December 2023. We are a global team with individuals based in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, London, Budapest, and Gurgaon.

Our flagship product, LifePath, was the industry’s first target date fund (TDF) invented in 1993. LifePath seeks to be a comprehensive retirement solution for individuals seeking a sophisticated and professional way to invest that remains simple to understand and use. LifePath is currently available in 9 countries with a variety of implementations including index, active, sustainable, and custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of individual companies. Since pioneering the TDF in 1993, our culture of innovation continues to this day with the upcoming launch of LifePath Paycheck, an innovative retirement income solution, representing the next evolution of our LifePath franchise.

The Head of Platform Development will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the platform. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability. Reporting directly to the head of Retirement Solutions and sitting on the RS Leadership Team, they will identify and evaluate new business opportunities, assess market trends, and develop actionable plans to achieve the platform’s strategic objectives. This includes leading the development and execution of corporate strategy initiatives, such as market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify growth opportunities, optimize business processes, and drive operational improvements. Additionally, they will conduct thorough market research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making and identify potential risks and opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of senior stakeholders, manage multiple concurrent initiatives, and develop strong fluency in lifecycle investing in collaboration with PMs and distribution partners.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing and presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership, including business cases, financial models, implementation plans and resource allocation
• Monitoring industry trends and competitive landscape
• Developing a deep understanding of the LifePath team’s philosophy, investment process, positioning, and products
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and industry experts.
• Building a long-term vision and defining strategic and operational objectives.
• Establishing prioritization and action plans to build the bridge between the current and future state RS platform.
• Overseeing platform/product growth initiatives by framing and analyzing opportunities, developing recommendations, and partnering across the firm to drive implementation.
• Sharpening execution, accountability, and data-driven decision making by implementing a structured and efficient approach to business planning.
• Managing resource allocation effectively to support operational objectives.
• Monitoring KPIs/metrics for reporting.

Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of financial services experience, preferably in a client service/business development role; CFA/CAIA/MBA a plus.
• Quantitative or investment background to effectively understand the investment capabilities of the RS platform.
• Ability to clearly articulate ideas, both written and oral, to internal and external audiences across levels of seniority; strong Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills are essential.
• Ability to work effectively at all levels of an organization and build strong relationships with team members, managers, partner teams, and senior executives in multiple locations.
• Organized and highly detail-oriented, able to prioritize and multi-task quickly and efficiently, adapting to new situations in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to thrive in a culture of excellence, innovation, communication, and accountability, where all members of the team are motivated to go above and beyond, and think globally and creatively.
• Interest and skill in improving existing processes and building scale and automation.
• Series 7 & 63 and insurance license to be acquired within 6 months of hire.

 

For New York City only: The salary range for this position is $205,000 - $260,000. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including heath care, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

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.

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 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.