Director, Alternatives Specialists Team, DACH

About this role

Business Unit Overview
 

The Alternatives Specialists Team (AST) works across BlackRock’s Global Client Business to grow BlackRock’s alternatives platform by creating and finding solutions for clients’ investment needs.  Members of the AST have deep knowledge of alternatives capabilities which help drive specialist to specialist conversations.  While the focus of this role is private markets, the AST team also cover liquid alternatives.

The AST within iShares & Wealth (EMEA Wealth) focuses on developing BlackRock’s alternatives franchise and delivering for clients in the wealth channel in EMEA.  Clients include Banks, Wealth Managers, Asset Managers, Advisors, Platforms and Digital, across the full geographic breadth of the EMEA region.  In addition, the AST maintain strategic relationships with key alternatives clients across EMEA.

BlackRock’s alternatives platform represents over $330bn across a broad and deep range of investment capabilities, including $175bn in private markets.  Our team of over 900+ dedicated professionals across BlackRock’s global teams, in 50+ offices across 30+ countries, focus on delivering consistent returns over the long term.  In EMEA, BlackRock leads the European Long Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) market.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Alternative Specialists Team EMEA, this position will cover the DACH region and be based either in Germany (Frankfurt) or Switzerland (Zurich).  It will focus on delivering the full breadth of BlackRock’s alternatives capabilities to wealth clients across DACH, working closely with global partner groups (including investment teams, local sales, marketing etc.).  In addition, the individual will be responsible for developing and driving the regional alternatives distribution strategy to identify and drive new business opportunities, as part of the broader EMEA alternatives strategy.  

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Alternatives Sales strategy.  Develop and execute the alternatives sales strategy for Wealth across DACH, to achieve revenue targets and growth objectives.  

• Fundraising.   Meeting revenue targets within DACH in support of the broader EMEA wealth budget.

• Marketing activity.  Drive all marketing and activation activity for private markets.  This includes the co-ordination of sales campaigns and co-ordinating events and roadshows, in partnership with investment teams, asset class specialists, marketing and local sales teams.

• Client relationships.  Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, identifying opportunities for new business and building loyalty amongst existing clients.  Deepen existing senior client relationships (with a focus on C-suite) tied to clear commercial outcomes.  Maintain direct coverage of Head of Alternatives / Head of Private Markets of the largest alternatives buyers in the region. 

• Product knowledge.   Demonstrate a deep understanding of BlackRock’s suite of alternative products and solutions.  Undertake alternatives focused client meetings to introduce BlackRock’s alternatives platform, deliver market-orientated thought leadership and drive thematic discussions.  Develop knowledge and fluency of local sales teams to position BlackRock’s alternatives offering across DACH.

• Market knowledge.   Stay up to date with industry trends and competitor activities and adjust the sales strategy accordingly.

• Reporting and analysis.  Provide regular reports on sales performance, market trends and client feedback.  Use this information to refine the sales strategy.

• Collaboration.   Facilitate engagement and partnership with local sales, product specialists, marketing, client experience and other key partner teams to meet client objectives.  Work closely with other teams within BlackRock to ensure a coordinated approach to client engagement and business development.  Identifying cross-selling opportunities to broaden alternatives relationships with existing clients.

• Compliance.   Ensure that all sales activities comply with relevant regulations, internal controls, and policies.

Knowledge/Experience
 

• 10+ years’ experience within asset management or the financial services industry. 

• A background of fundraising for private market / alternative investments or in an alternatives product specialist role would be strongly preferred.

• A deep level of experience and understanding of alternative asset classes (Private Equity, Private Credit, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Liquid Alternatives).

• A thorough knowledge of the wealth market across DACH, including Private Banks, Wealth Managers, Asset Managers, and broader industry dynamics.

Skills/Qualifications
 

• At least a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Business Administration, Economics, Finance or equal professional experience.

• Analytical skills and experience working with Excel and PowerPoint.

• Research and data management skills.

• CFA or CAIA designations preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication / presentation skills in English and German.

Competencies
 

• Demonstrate a real passion for Alternatives.

• Ability to lead by example – high ethical standards and strong work ethic.

• Demonstrate experience in roles with substantial individual responsibilities.

• Evidence strong intellectual ability and demonstrate the ability to leverage personal credibility and interpersonal skills with peers and senior leaders throughout the Firm as well as the broader external investor community.

• Experience of managing multiple internal stakeholders, both regionally and globally.

• Capacity to move fluently between tasks, handling clients, relationship managers and portfolio managers in parallel to provide value added perspective and deliverables.

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.