Product Strategist - EMEA Direct Lending, Associate

BlackRock's Global Private Debt Product Strategy team is hiring a Private Debt Investor Relations Professional, also known as a Product Strategist, based in London to assist in driving business growth related to its various strategies. Product Strategists are seasoned professionals that partner with our Investment Professionals and act as the link between investment teams and our client business, playing a central role in facilitating connectivity between investors and distribution. Product Strategists are an integral part of the Private Debt team, acting as commercial partners with their respective investment teams to both internal and external clients, as a specialized source of product, investments, and market knowledge., Working closely with members of the Product Strategy team globally, this individual will support the Private Debt business in a broad range of aspects of investor relations, client service, marketing, and business development. They will be expected to become an expert in Private Debt demonstrating an ability to understand and effectively communicate detailed investment content in the funds' marketing materials and investor reporting. With its strong emphasis on project management, learning and development, the role provides a strong foundation for a professional seeking to build a career in a range of aspects of fund marketing and investor relations, including at a later stage in a client-facing capacity. Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Drive project management for a broad range of projects to deliver successful fundraises, with support from senior team members, to ensure that they are delivered to a high standard and on a timely basis
• Marketing: Providing day-to-day support to assist in the creation of marketing and reporting materials across the Private Debt platform's products globally, including:
• content to be used in client and prospect due diligence (for example, RFPs and DDQs)
• fund presentations and fact sheets
• thought leadership pieces to assist in investor relations and external engagement
• Client Engagement / Client Service: Facilitate client communications by partnering with members of the Product Strategy and Investment teams globally to understand and communicate topics including current market conditions, portfolio performance and the opportunities arising for clients in written materials
• Fundraising Strategy: Assisting in developing the firm's narrative for its products and ensuring this narrative is effectively communicated in all marketing collateral
• Platform Development: Partnering with other teams as required to design and implement processes to improve the team's effectiveness and efficiency on an ongoing basis
This individual will have an important role to play not only in ensuring the quality of the team's deliverables but also developing the knowledge, understanding and skill sets of other members of the team.


• Bachelor's degree from top undergraduate institutions; CFA/CAIA/MBA a plus
• Minimum 3 years professional work experience in the financial services sector (investment bank, asset management, hedge fund, private credit/equity or placement agent)
• Experience in Investor Relations, Product Strategy or Banking is strongly preferred
• Private Debt specific knowledge a plus
• Ability to develop strong and trusting relationships with both internal and external clients swiftly and effectively
• Team approach - able to coordinate between various groups within a firm
• Very strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills to understand and clearly articulate sophisticated concepts, ideas, and processes
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritise and manage multiple projects within agreed timelines
• Strong analytical skills
• Results driven individual with a high level of attention to detail
• Must have experience in creating marketing materials
• Strong knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are essential
• Fluent in English, other languages an advantage
  
  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.

BlackRock's Private Debt Platform consists of more than 200 investment professionals located in 19 BlackRock offices managing over $86bn of AUM across a broad range of asset classes including:
• Direct Lending;
• Growth Lending;
• Opportunistic Debt;
• Infrastructure Debt; and
• Real Estate Debt, 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.