Director – Head of Implementation Project Management (EMEA)

About this role

Business Unit Overview:
 

BlackRock Solutions (BRS) is uniquely positioned to address the industry’s risk management, portfolio construction and financial technology demands. The various business departments within BRS are focused on providing clients with highly scalable portfolio analytics & risk management, liability-driven investing & pension solutions, and regulatory advice & balance sheet strategy. BRS offers clients customized solutions powered by Aladdin, BlackRock’s proprietary risk management system. The Aladdin Wealth Enterprise team within BRS leverages the same risk analytics used by Institutional investors to equip wealth management clients with business & risk management, and portfolio construction & analytics capabilities. Aladdin Wealth Enterprise is partnering with wealth managers to enhance their value proposition to their end clients, create rigor and scale in their investment process, and grow their businesses in a differentiated way.

Position Description:

The Aladdin Wealth Enterprise business is effectively a start up with the broad reach of BlackRock and Aladdin. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the team and assume the role of “Head of Implementation Project Management for EMEA”, leading the strategy and execution of all Aladdin Wealth external client Implementations in EMEA.  This exciting role combines aspects of project management, client relationship management, technical execution, people management and risk analytics expertise. This candidate will be responsible for the success of all EMEA client implementations, including effectively managing project teams, tracking against key milestones, managing project risks, and keeping project stakeholders apprised of the project status. They will work closely with clients’ senior management to gain a full understanding of their business processes and design the desired user journeys and workflows using Aladdin functionality.

This candidate will collaborate with several teams across the firm to deliver Aladdin and ensure an outstanding client implementation experience.  In addition to running large complex implementations, the candidate will help build a broader Implementation Project Management team in EMEA, define global best practices and mentor junior talent.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Implementation Project Management team in EMEA.
• As senior member of the broader EMEA team, contribute to the overall commercial, product and talent strategy in the region.
• Lead complex Tier 1 Aladdin Wealth implementations:
  • Lead the day-to-day project management of client implementations, including creating project plans, managing action items, and coordinating resources across multiple functional areas.
  • Lead client calls and communications as a subject matter expert on the implementation approach and design phase
  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of Aladdin functionality to ensure clients take full advantage of the suite of Aladdin capabilities.
  • Coordinate and assist in Aladdin configuration, testing, and user training.
  • Convey client requirements and feedback to the Product development team to help shape the evolution of Aladdin.
  • Present project updates to key stakeholders and senior leaders in project Steering Committees
  • Ensure a smooth transition from implementation to on-going client support teams.
• Establish strong personal relationships with senior client stakeholders and represent all of BlackRock in a compelling fashion.
• Develop strong relationships with all groups within BlackRock to ensure an excellent client experience and help drive the product roadmap and implementation strategy, as necessary.
• Leadership and management skills to be the cultural flag-bearer with the ability to inspire people.
  • Able to coach up ‘star’ mid-level managers on his / her team to higher levels of client delivery and execution, i.e., lead by example: show people how to build and maintain relationships/skillsets, then drive them to do it.
  • Able to re-invent his / her team over time, via great new hires or upgrading existing talent.
  • Have a global mindset; Identify and implement process improvements to enhance future implementations. Challenge the status quo.

Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess some combination of all the following:

• Fluent in English, second language is a plus (Spanish, German, French)
• 10+ years of work experience in the financial industry preferably for a buy-side technology provider (Charles River / Temenos / Avaloq / APT / BBG Port / …)
• Demonstrated experience leading large teams.
• Demonstrated experience successfully leading strategic technology initiatives within a global organization
• Solid understanding of the Wealth Management / Private Banking industry (investment advisory, discretionary management, MiFID II Suitability, etc.), capital markets instruments (equities, fixed income, derivatives, alternatives) and market risk (volatility, tail risk, tracking error, etc.). CFA / FRM a strong plus
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Strong problem solving/analytical thinking.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts simply and clearly to clients. Capable of connecting with multiple audiences and articulating lines of reasoning
• Strong background in technical architecture design.
• Uncovers and meets the need of external clients; builds strong working partnerships with clients and internal organization; acts with urgency and works hard to address client demands; effectively manages clients’ expectations and delivers value-added service
• Leads individuals and teams to achieve objectives and drive results; inspires and motivates people to the highest levels of performance.  Is accessible, engaged and a positive force for change. Provides timely and actionable feedback.
• Ability to operate as a self-starter, operating with limited guidance in a highly matrixed organization.
• Enjoys a fast-paced, high-intensity environment; able to manage multiple priorities.

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.