Hybrid Director, Mutual Fund Product Management bei Raymond James

Job Summary
This person in this role will manage a product line(s) on the investment solutions platform available at the firm and coordinate with other functional teams within Global Wealth Solutions, Operations, Private Client Group, and/or Technology. In addition, will be tasked with the creation of educational and marketing materials, serving as a liaison regarding legal and compliance issues, performing complex analysis around products, and/or setting strategy around product suitability and availability. Responsible for thought leadership around various investment concepts and product types. Extensive contact with internal (i.e., financial advisors, other team members, senior leadership, etc.) and external (i.e., product sponsors, industry peers, etc.) customers is required to identify, research, and resolve complex problems in selling or servicing products and business planning. Incumbent will play a role in the product development process by working with the applicable research team(s) to explore new investment structures and proactively seeking new investment opportunities for platform distribution

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•    Demonstrates a commitment to creating an environment in which the platform is managed in a manner consistent with the firm's core values - namely putting the interests of clients first.
•    Ensures that Raymond James’ investment product platforms remain competitive.
•    Networks with industry contacts to continually benchmark the Raymond James platform against industry norms.
•    Collaborates with the partner relationship and research team, and advisors, to evolve the platform and address areas of demand.
•    Develops and maintains relationships with potential product partners to assist with new product pipeline and sourcing.
•    Assists the research team in deciding which funds warrant in depth diligence versus those that do not.
•    Serves in an advisory capacity with respect to decisions to approve investment solutions products for sale and may serve as a member of the department’s internal investment committee.
•    Serves in an advisory role with respect to decisions to discontinue offering specific products as well as approval decisions of entire asset classes.
•    Collaborates with the operations department to support the objective of having processes and systems designed to streamline the client and advisor experience.
•    Assists advisors in educating clients on the benefits and risks associated with various packaged products which may include domestic and offshore mutual funds, 529 plans, and exchange traded funds.
•    Leads the collaboration between other product areas within Global Wealth Solutions to author, review, and publish value add material/thought leadership content that bridges product areas for consumption by financial advisors and, where applicable, clients.
•    Creates reporting related to asset flows, fund trends, and industry trends to help educate associates within department and other internal groups.
•    Provides general education, product specific education, and support on client cases.
•    Develops strategic marketing campaigns that are aligned with the organizational vision and growth strategy.
•    Develops and leads others in implementing tactical plans to support marketing campaigns.
•    Leads applicable investment product business in all aspects including client/advisor education, marketing, sales, compliance, and suitability.
•    Performs complex analysis related to investment solutions products products related to share class usage, share class conversions, revenue sharing arrangements, and regulatory topics.
•    Interprets, applies and recommends changes to organizational policies and procedures.
•    Manages travel and business development expenses within budgeted amount.
•    Organizes, manages, and executes on objectives with minimal oversight, a strong attention to detail, a high level of professionalism, and with appropriate timeliness.
•    Meets and brainstorms with other key leaders in the firm to discuss best practices and cross-departmental coordination.
•    Creates written documents and prepares presentations for inclusion on an intranet website and/or in person delivery to financial advisors and branch management.
•    Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of
•    Complex investment products and securities markets in general.
•    Advanced knowledge required to appropriately partner with key stakeholders that across a range of investment strategies, including but not limited to domestic and international equity as well as fixed income portfolios.
•    Advanced knowledge of operational infrastructure of the firm, including how mutual funds, 529 Plans, exchange traded funds, and other packaged products function within the existing infrastructure.
•    Advanced knowledge of investment concepts, practices, and procedures used in the securities industry regarding applicable legislation, compliance standards, policies, and procedures within assigned business area.
•    Concepts, practices, and procedures of product development and management in a financial services/broker-dealer environment.
•    Principles of banking & finance and securities industry operations including finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.

Skill in
•    Organizing, managing, and tracking multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
•    Industry knowledge, critical thinking, excellent verbal & written communication skills, collaborative spirit, and leadership by words, and more importantly, actions.
•    Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
•    Critical thinking and problem solving with limited supervisory guidance.
•    Implementing strategies and tactical plans across organizational lines.
•    Proven strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management skills.
•    Forward thinking with an ability to successfully develop and implement strategic plans calling for substantial asset growth.
•    Performing market research, identifying market segments, developing product specifications and incorporating requirements into planning processes.
•    Developing business development strategies.
•    Gathering and compiling information and data.
•    Basic database and technology concepts.
•    Developing marketing campaigns.
•    Identifying the needs of customers through effective questioning and listening techniques.
•    Preparing and delivering clear, convincing and professional sales presentations.
•    Problem solving sufficient to effectively analyze, research and resolve inquiries and issues in a timely manner.
•    Analyzing business processes and identifying process improvement opportunities.
•    Operating standard office equipment and using required software application to produce correspondence, reports, electronic communication, and spreadsheets.

Ability to
•    Demonstrate uncompromising adherence to ethical principles.
•    Represent the company in a highly professional manner.
•    Establish clear directions and priorities.
•    Multi-task, work in teams, self-motivate/take initiative, innovate, work independently, adapt, accept and lead change, meet deadlines
•    Develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members, internal partners, and external parties.
•    Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes.
•    Promote team cohesiveness, cooperation, and effectiveness.
•    Lead others in providing a high level of customer service.
•    Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed.
•    Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives.
•    Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments.
•    Balance conflicting resource and priority demands.
•    Demonstrate a level of competence with well-respected industry fund partners.
•    Read and interpret complex legal documents such as private placement memorandums, limited partnership agreements, and selling agreements.
•    Organize, prioritize, and manage tasks and projects to complete work efficiently.
•    Use appropriate interpersonal styles and communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with all organizational levels to accomplish objectives and convince others to accept ideas or goals.
•    Assimilate and prioritize strategies into operational guidelines.
•    Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Education/Previous Experience
•    Bachelor’s Degree in finance or a related field and a minimum of ten (10) years' experience in the financial services industry.
•    Existing knowledge on the strategies and products offered on the investment solutions platform.
•    Master’s Degree or other advanced education preferred [e.g., Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation]
OR ~
Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training.

Licenses/Certifications
•    SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.
•    Required: Series 7