R HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE PLUS AN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS
Our client began as a small start-up based in South Africa offering domestic investment strategies. They offer distinctive investment strategies spanning equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives and sustainability to help institutional investors, those advising others and individuals navigate an ever-changing world. All the employees have the opportunity to own part of the firm. They also have their founding leadership in place. The distinctive owner culture allows them to commit to building a long-term, inter-generational business. It supports a business fully aligned with their clients’ long-term investment objectives.
They now seek a product developer to join their team. You have strong maths and stats in your skill set – as this is one item missing from their team. Smart managers – youthful, professional and progressive culture.
You will be based in Cape Town, but with a global remit across the company’s worldwide product suite and related activities. This exciting role supports work on new product and investment strategy development and management of existing products and strategies, across the company’s global business. The products include a variety of investment strategies (e.g. equity, multi-asset, fixed income, alternatives) in multiple types of investment vehicles (e.g. SICAVs, units trusts, hedge funds) so the opportunity for growth is extensive;
If you like variety, working in a strong team that supports each other, are able to problem solve, multi-task and build strong relationships, you will find this an exciting career in a fantastic company!
JOB DESCRIPTION WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- You will be required to part of the product development team that operates as a global business unit, with team members based in both the Cape Town and London offices. Product development interacts closely with the company’s other teams around the world including UK, Africa, Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia;
- You will be responsible for supporting work on new product and investment strategy development for the African markets;
- You will be responsible for the management of existing products and strategies, across the company’s business;
- The role will evolve as the candidate grows in product knowledge and includes the following:
- New product development:
- You will be required to be involved from idea generation to implementation including identifying client needs, researching and interpreting competitor offerings and market trends, product design and launching of new products;
- Product management:
- You will be responsible for ongoing work to ensure the products and ranges evolve to meet client demands, regulatory changes, product governance responsibilities and commercial requirements.
- You will be required to be involved in supporting work on industry-level interaction (like ASISA), lobbying and peer group analysis as well as supporting various stakeholders, both internal and external;
- You will be required to interact with individuals from all parts of the business including investment, operations, legal, client group, compliance and others;
- New product development:
CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- You are natural self-starter with a global mind-set and commitment to grow a business;
- You are able to show initiative and look for ways to improve existing processes;
- You are a problem solver and growth mindset;
- You have strong organisational, project and time management skills including an ability to multitask, prioritise and deliver on objectives;
- You have a keen eye for detail;
- You have excellent communication (verbal and written) skills in English and able to interact with individuals at various levels of seniority;
- You have an analytical approach and an ability to apply this commercially;
- You are able to build and maintain strong positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders;
- You have to be prepared to challenge and stand up for their opinions.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- You have an honours degree as a minimum (preferably with a focus on actuarial science / finance / mathematics / statistics / economics); with good academic results;
- You have minimum of 4 – 8 years current, relevant work experience in the investment industry;
- You have a good understanding of the regulatory and wider compliance environment;
- You have a good understanding of the asset management distribution landscape and value chain;
- You have strong Microsoft office including Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills;
- You are familiar with databases, such as Morningstar – this would be a distinct advantage;
- You have basic (R, Java, Python or similar) coding skills – this would be a distinct advantage but is not essential.
Great role – new opportunity – superb team!