Head of APAC Product, State Street Global Advisors, Managing Director | HK Talent Engage

Job description

Who we are looking for
The Global Product Team is responsible for defining and executing the firm's strategic product roadmap globally across the institutional (including Defined Contribution), ETF, Cash and Global Fiduciary Services franchises. Global Product is responsible for the design, launch, enhancement and optimization of all products lines and strategies (including commingled vehicles, Separately Managed Accounts, ETFs, relevant third-party sub-advised/sponsored products) and platforms used to commercialize our investment capabilities through our distribution channels and client segments.

The Head of APAC Product will lead the Product Strategy and Development team in the region. This role encompasses both Product Strategy and Development work in APAC.

The APAC Product Team is team is responsible for understanding client demand and product attributes that meet client needs across asset classes. The group is also responsible for monitoring and analyzing market evolution and emerging trends to strengthen our product line up, competitive positioning and pricing strategy. With their asset class knowledge, Product would partner proactively with Investments and Distribution to commercialize existing capabilities and extend to them new products/markets. Innovation is a core function of Product which will be responsible for creating a robust pipeline of innovative products that differentiate us from competitors and enhance our prospects for revenue and asset growth. The Product team is also responsible for several all-encompassing Product aspects including creating, launching, enhancing and optimizing our product line up. It is also responsible for the complete life-cycle management of products as well as evaluating the profitability of our entire range by strategy, fund type, capability, etc. This team is responsible for the full business management of special initiatives/projects end-to-end in the region and ensuring that we own and report on the progress of such initiatives to senior management. This key function is also responsible for managing and constantly improving our product governance processes to ensure there is rigor while bringing efficiency and speed to market. This team will be responsible for both Product Development and Strategy in APAC and will build consensus with key stakeholders across Institutional and SPDR businesses on product priorities, and develop and execute a regional product roadmap. In addition this function will partner closely with key stakeholders and engage with regulators to explore the impact of evolving and new regulations on our product line up.

The team you will be joining is a part of State Street Global Advisors, one of the largest asset managers in the world. We partner with many of the world's largest, most sophisticated investors and financial intermediaries to help them reach their goals through a rigorous, research-driven investment process. With over four decades of experience and trillions of dollars in assets under management, we offer one of the broadest selections of services across asset classes, risk profiles, regions and styles. As pioneers in index, ETF, and ESG investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest.
Join us if making your mark in the asset management industry from day one is a challenge you are up for.

Why this role is important to us
The team you will be joining is a part of State Street Global Advisors, one of the largest asset managers in the world. We partner with many of the world's largest, most sophisticated investors and financial intermediaries to help them reach their goals through a rigorous, research-driven investment process. With over four decades of experience and trillions of dollars in assets under management, we offer one of the broadest selections of services across asset classes, risk profiles, regions and styles. As pioneers in index, ETF, and ESG investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest.
Join us if making your mark in the asset management industry from day one is a challenge you are up for.

What you will be responsible for
As Head of APAC Product, you will

Responsible for all aspects of Product including product strategy and research, product development and implementation in the APAC region

Product Strategy and Research:

• Responsible for all product innovation efforts in the APAC region
• Establish parameters for the origination of a robust pipeline of innovative product strategies that competitively differentiate the firm and enhance its prospects for revenue and asset growth
• Build frameworks to share deep understanding across the firm of regional client needs, competitive dynamics, regulatory trends and money in motion, across institutional and ETF segments which are then used in product design/roadmap
• Identify market trends that expand opportunities for the firm's investment capabilities as well as range management with respect to product gap analysis and pricing strategy
• Define and own the APAC Product Roadmap across Institutional and ETF segments
• Set priorities for new product design, considering growth potential and seed capital investment of new product ideas in APAC
• Serve as investment product expert for APAC and deliver product insights to internal stakeholders and partners to gain support for regional product strategy and development priorities
• Own business cases for new product recommendations and present recommendations to governing bodies, such as executive committees and relevant Boards to obtain "buy-in"
• Maintain a high level of communication with investment teams and regional distribution leaders, ensuring product strategy needs and expectations are fulfilled
• Manage, train and develop a regional product team

Product Development:

• Full Lifecycle management of our fund range across institutional and ETF product lines (including locally domiciled APAC vehicles, UCITS/SICAVs registrations, ETFs, SMAs and other pooled structures available for local/regional distribution within APAC)
• Manage process and key stakeholders on product amendments including disclosures, pricing, product attribute changes and all associated downstream impact
• Evaluate the profitability of the entire product range and recommend optimization opportunities including closure where needed
• Work closely with Product Strategy, Investments and Distribution to launch products and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
• Manage our full book of products and SMAs for growth opportunity and potential closure where sub-scale/unprofitable
• Lead regulatory initiatives that have impact on our Product range to assess whether products offer 'value' for end investors and remediation planning if required
• Manage local fund complexes in line with ESG regulatory requirements etc.
• Offer "fresh perspectives/thinking" to lead product governance - Product Committee, reporting to Boards and other internal governance bodies and enhance/optimize the process to shorten launch/closure timeline
• Provide senior management reporting on various Product-related initiatives

What we value
These skills will help you succeed in this role

• Highly solution-oriented mindset
• Strong leadership experience to build a team and harness intellectual capital and knowledge of team
• Demonstrable track record of contributing to the design of innovative, strategic investment products
• Partnership/collaborative approach to fast track alignment and decision making as well as offer healthy challenge/debate to ensure successful product outcomes
• Strong project management experience, delivery focused, driven, with high level of resilience
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to negotiate with and influence senior management and fund boards
• Excellent presentation skills including an ability to clearly articulate complex concepts and ideas to a senior audience in a clear and concise manner

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience within investment product design/investment strategy/development/research functional area, with demonstrable track record of delivering successful product outcomes
• Investments acumen with broad knowledge across asset classes within index and active and the application of asset classes to vehicles and client segments
• Experience working with varied client types and knowledge of how client needs influence product design and strategy
• Strong knowledge of the asset management industry including investors types, distribution channels, competitor landscape, investment products
• Experience in launching, operating and amending pooled funds applying relevant regulations across different jurisdictions /regions/domiciles
• Commercial awareness of market dynamics, market evolution and of competitive landscape to ensure that SSGA products remain fit for purpose
• Strong pulse on changing regulatory framework for investment funds in APAC and impact on our existing and new product plans while leveraging positive opportunities as their arise
• Knowledge of market evolution and structural reform impacting product development
• Deep understanding of the regulatory framework and changes thereof and its impact on our investment funds in APAC and impact on our existing and new product plans while leveraging positive opportunities
• Holds or studying towards CFA highly desirable

Are you the right candidate? Yes!
We truly believe in the power that comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences our employees bring with them. Although each vacancy details what we are looking for, we don't necessarily need you to fulfil all of them when applying. If you like change and innovation, seek to see the bigger picture, make data driven decisions and are a good team player, you could be a great fit.

About State Street Global Advisors
What We Do. As the asset management arm of State Street Corporation, State Street Global Advisors has served the world's governments, institutions and financial advisors for over four decades. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis and market-tested experience, we build from a breadth of active and index strategies to create cost-effective solutions. As stewards, we help portfolio companies see that what is fair for people and sustainable for the planet can deliver long-term performance. And, as pioneers in index, ETF, and ESG investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become one of the world's largest asset managers with trillions of dollars under our care.
Our Mission. At State Street Global Advisors our mission is to invest responsibly to enable economic prosperity and social progress. We are driven by a desire to help our clients, and those who rely on them, achieve a better future. We have a long history of developing innovative investment strategies to provide our clients with reliable and transparent returns, cost-effectively, and without excessive risk.
Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You'll have access to Flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.
Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees' diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.
State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Company: State Street Global Advisors