Director - Intermediary Retrocession Oversight & Governance

About this role

Job Purpose/ Background

The EMEA Retrocession Oversight Team, a part of BlackRock's Technology & Operations division, is seeking a Director to manage the team's daily operations and strategic direction for retrocession oversight. This role requires a broad range of abilities, including business and technical knowledge, program management, and strategic thinking. You will actively support the expansion of the retrocession oversight model and help develop technology for a more efficient process. Collaboration with various business functions will be essential to streamline our operations and reduce risk.

We prioritize the empowerment and growth of our employees, enhancing their leadership abilities and proficiency in delivering results. We are seeking a manager who can offer senior guidance, foster team development, and address critical issues to drive effective solutions and improvements. The team will embrace your skills, eagerness, and passion while giving you the freedom to grow professionally.

Responsibilities

This role involves managing a team that validates and processes retrocession payments for our EMEA fund ranges, ensuring adherence to client contracts.

The main responsibilities for this role will include the following:

• Ensure our 3rd party Transfer Agents setup retrocession agreements inline with BlackRock instructions
• Ensure payments are approved in line with BlackRock policy and in a timely manner
• Ensure the team processes various non-standard manual adjustments, invoice payments and ad-hoc payments accurately
• Ensure retrocession payments are processed in accordance to CASS client money regulations
• Assist in providing required documentation for audits, and meeting all SOX controls.
• Ensure high-quality retrocession procedures that comply with regulations and SOX controls
• Provide exceptional client service through quick and complete response to internal/external client queries
• Foster and oversee connections with other teams within GAAPS and global collaborators.
• Lead team and partner with business leaders to drive oversight and resolution of retrocession strategic projects, including complex client and technology mandates and commercial opportunities, to completion
• Foster collaboration, influence outcomes, and communicate plans and results to collaborators and management using comprehensive reporting tools and metrics.
• Identify areas for improvement in business processes and technology tools, with a lens on risk management and mitigation
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with various collaborators throughout the organization to successfully navigate the global firm.
• Develop content knowledge and the ability to absorb and synthesize data/information

About you

• Over 10 years of experience in asset management or financial services
• Familiarity with asset management middle and back-office functions
• In depth knowledge of fund distribution partners (agents / intermediaries)
• A strong understanding of retail product offerings
• Extensive analytic abilities and understanding of retrocession calculations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence that you will flourish on a fast-paced and high-profile project
• Strong collaboration skills and experience of working cross-functionally
• Experience of successfully leading projects, influencing others and gaining consensus
• Intellectual curiosity and the desire to take initiative and deliver results
• A reputation as a good/flexible communicator and the ability to distill sophisticated concepts and information
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong work ethic
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Strong in MS Office skills – PowerPoint, Excel, Word and SmartSheet
• Candidate must have flexibility to accommodate changing priorities across projects and portfolios and be able to bring a positive and creative approach to problem solving
• The role requires a balance between being a self-starter and consulting with the wider group
• Must have university education
• Energy, creativity, and a drive to succeed are a must

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.