Retirement Solutions Investment Strategist - Vice President - Toronto

About this role

About BlackRock in Canada

BlackRock’s goal is simple – to help more and more people experience financial well-being. We have been in Canada for over 30 years and today there are more than 125 employees committed to serving a broad range of institutions, financial professionals and individuals. We manage over $250B in assets for Canadian clients across every province and territory, including as the largest ETF and target date fund provider.

We provide whole portfolio solutions to Canadians, taking advantage of BlackRock’s global scale and expertise. We offer a range of investment solutions from alternatives to index to technology and more.

BlackRock is one of the world’s leading providers of investment, advisory and risk management solutions. We are a fiduciary to our clients. We are investing for the future on behalf of our clients, inspiring our employees, and supporting our local communities.

Our Team

Over half of the assets that BlackRock manages are related to retirement - our firm has a special responsibility for enabling a better retirement for all.

BlackRock's Retirement Solutions (RS) team sits within BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions (MASS) business, the investment group at the heart of BlackRock's portfolio construction, asset allocation and active management ecosystem. The RS team is the engine that serves our global retirement business as the center of lifecycle investing, bringing together expertise in strategy, research, portfolio management and technology.

As of June 2024, the RS business was entrusted with CAD 740+ bn in client assets across the world, including 55+ bn in Canada. We are a global team with individuals based in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, London, Budapest, Gurgaon, and we are looking to expand to Toronto.

The Investment Strategy team is responsible for driving the commercial success of the RS business through both existing products and new innovations.  Strategists represent our investment capabilities to clients including institutional investors, investment consultants, recordkeepers, and advisors. Strategists also provide local market insights to inform the development of future RS products.

The RS Investment Strategy team is looking for a motivated individual who will help position the Canadian LifePath solutions with clients to generate robust, long-term growth. This person will partner with local distribution leads to develop and implement sales strategy, as well as provide retirement and investment insights and analysis to our clients and prospects.

The candidate will need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, multi-task across several concurrent initiatives, and develop a strong proficiency in lifecycle investing in partnership with PMs and distribution partners.

Role Responsibilities

• Developing a deep understanding of the LifePath team’s philosophy, investment process, positioning, and products to provide in-depth expertise and drive improvements in narrative and messaging
• Driving business growth across the LifePath product suite in conjunction with our sales partners
• Meeting with clients, prospects, and/or intermediaries to explain the investment philosophy, process, and performance of multiple strategies
• Creating and maintaining product marketing and performance commentaries, client presentations and customized analyses that articulate strategy objectives, performance, and competitive advantages
• Researching industry and competitive landscape to drive product development and influence competitive positioning and sales narratives
• Contributing to thought leadership efforts to ensure content agenda reflects client needs
• Using technology and BlackRock tools to enhance scale and efficiency in client engagements
• Developing positive relationships with key business partners to support the solutions business within the firm

Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of financial services experience, preferably in a client service/business development role within the Canadian DC industry; relevant regulatory licenses; CFA/MBA a plus
• Ability to clearly articulate ideas, both written and oral, to internal and external audiences across levels of seniority; strong Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills are essential
• Ability to operate effectively at all levels of an organization and build strong relationships with team members, managers, partner teams, and senior executives in multiple locations
• Organized and meticulous, able to prioritize and multi-task quickly and efficiently, adapting to new situations in a fast-paced environment
• A strong sense of teamwork and integrity, enabling you to become a trusted partner to both clients and peers
• Interest and skill in improving existing processes and building scale and automation

The salary range for this position is $130,000 - 170,000 CAD. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including heath care, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents 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 and Affirmative Action Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.