Vice President / Director, iShares EMEA Fixed Income Product Strategy team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Vice President / Director, iShares EMEA Fixed Income Product Strategy Team

Company: BlackRock

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Development / Investment Management

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive client adoption and commercialization of iShares Fixed Income ETFs across EMEA by developing compelling client-centric narratives and strategic positioning.

• Leverage deep fixed income market expertise, portfolio management insights, and data-driven analysis to showcase product quality, performance, and trading liquidity dynamics.

• Collaborate extensively with portfolio managers, distribution channels, and marketing teams to support new product launches and enhance existing fund ranges.

• Contribute to high-profile thought leadership pieces and educational initiatives to empower sales teams and deepen client understanding of ETF mechanics and use cases.

• Champion efficiencies and automation within the team, particularly in data processing and analysis, to enhance productivity and drive business results.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Vice President/Director, indicating a significant level of responsibility, requiring strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and a proven track record of driving commercial outcomes in the financial services and asset management sector, specifically within fixed income ETFs. The emphasis on client engagement and commercialization suggests a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) component integrated with product strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute client engagements by effectively positioning the iShares Fixed Income ETF platform to wealth and institutional client segments.

• Develop and articulate differentiated ETF use cases and client-centric narratives that highlight the strategic application of iShares Fixed Income ETFs for diverse client types.

• Author and contribute to impactful thought leadership content, focusing on growth areas within the fixed income ETF market.

• Generate robust, data-driven analyses to substantiate the market quality and performance of iShares Fixed Income ETFs, including track record, portfolio management insights, and trading liquidity.

• Cultivate a deep understanding of BlackRock's portfolio management investment processes and actively partner with Portfolio Managers on strategic projects.

• Create high-impact client materials, presentations, and product positioning strategies to empower global sales teams across wealth and institutional channels.

• Educate sales teams on ETF mechanics, innovative use cases, and new product launches through targeted training initiatives.

• Conduct comprehensive monitoring of the competitor landscape, tracking products, performance, and flow dynamics across ETFs and mutual funds.

• Collaborate with broader Global Product Solutions (GPS) teams and fixed income partner teams to support new product development and contribute to product enhancements.

• Identify and implement opportunities for team efficiency and automation, particularly in data processing, analysis, and reporting workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product marketing, client engagement, and analytical rigor. The emphasis on "driving commercial results" and "client adoption" positions this role as critical to the Go-To-Market strategy for iShares Fixed Income ETFs in EMEA, requiring a strong understanding of sales enablement and commercialization tactics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated fixed income experience in a buy-side or sell-side role, with a substantial portion involving direct client-facing responsibilities.

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing product strategies, with a focus on driving adoption and commercialization within the financial services industry.

Required Skills:

• Deep Fixed Income Expertise: Profound understanding of fixed income markets, portfolio management principles, and trading dynamics.

• ETF & Mutual Fund Industry Knowledge: Thorough grasp of industry trends, client segment needs, and competitive landscapes for both ETFs and mutual funds.

• Analytical Acumen: Highly numerate with strong analytical capabilities, particularly in working with bond-level and index-level analytics. Experience with data analysis tools and techniques is essential.

• Client Engagement & Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts, ideas, and processes clearly and transparently.

• Product Strategy & Commercialization: Proven ability to develop and execute product strategies that drive client adoption and commercial results.

• Project Management: Disciplined organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively, often under tight deadlines.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong team player with a collaborative, cooperative, and solution-oriented approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in another major European language (especially German) is a significant advantage.

• Experience leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and techniques to enhance workflows, productivity, and develop novel applications within financial services.

• Experience with bond and index level analytics platforms.

• Client-facing experience in a product strategy or investment specialist role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "Min 5 years" combined with the "Vice President / Director" title suggests candidates are expected to be seasoned professionals capable of independent strategic contribution and leadership within the team. The preference for additional European languages and AI interest indicates a forward-looking approach to the role and the market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in developing and presenting data-driven insights that led to tangible product adoption or commercial success.

• Case studies showcasing the development of client-centric narratives and their impact on sales enablement or client engagement strategies.

• Examples of market analysis or competitive intelligence that informed product strategy or positioning.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase ability to document complex fixed income product strategies and their underlying investment processes.

• Provide examples of how you have translated analytical findings into actionable product positioning or client communication plans.

• Evidence of contributing to or leading initiatives that improved team efficiency through process optimization or automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP/Director level role in Product Strategy, a portfolio would be crucial. It should emphasize strategic thinking, analytical rigor, commercial impact, and collaboration, showcasing how the candidate has driven results in similar capacities. The focus on "data driven analysis" and "efficiencies and automation" suggests a need to demonstrate process improvement capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Vice President/Director level roles in London within asset management, with a focus on product strategy and fixed income expertise, the estimated annual salary range is £100,000 - £150,000. This range is dependent on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Retirement Investment Tools: Access to comprehensive tools and resources designed to support long-term financial planning and retirement savings.

• Education Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and professional development, including relevant certifications and advanced training programs.

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive resources dedicated to supporting physical health and emotional well-being, fostering a healthy work-life balance.

• Family Support Programs: Access to programs designed to assist employees with family-related needs and responsibilities.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO): A policy that allows employees to take time off as needed for rest, recharge, and personal commitments, promoting work-life integration.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to meet business demands, including potential extended hours during peak periods, product launches, or client-critical events. The hybrid model allows for 1 day of remote work per week, offering some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available compensation data for similar senior roles in London's financial services sector, considering the specific expertise required in fixed income ETFs and product strategy. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are typical for large financial institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Asset Management & Investment Services. BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management, and advisory services. The iShares brand is a dominant player in the Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) market.

Company Size: Over 10,000 employees globally. This large size offers extensive resources, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and a structured environment with clear career paths.

Founded: 1988. BlackRock has a long-standing reputation for operational excellence, innovation, and a client-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• iShares EMEA Fixed Income Product Strategy Team: This is a specialized team within BlackRock's Global Product Solutions (GPS) division, focusing specifically on the fixed income ETF product suite for the EMEA region.

• Reporting Structure: The VP/Director will report into a senior leader within the iShares EMEA Product Strategy team, likely a Head of Product Strategy or similar. They will work closely with other Product Strategists, Quantitative Analysts, and Research

Analysts.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with various internal departments, including:
  • Distribution Channels: Sales teams (Wealth and Institutional) to enable them with product knowledge and materials.
  • Portfolio Management: Close partnership with Fixed Income Portfolio Managers to understand investment processes and collaborate on projects.
  • Marketing: Alignment with marketing teams on scaled narratives, campaigns, and thought leadership content.
  • Product Development: Input into new product ideas and enhancements for existing fund ranges.
  • Other GPS Teams: Cooperation with global product teams to ensure consistency and leverage expertise.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: A core methodology is the use of data analysis to inform product positioning, demonstrate market quality, and identify growth opportunities.

• Client-Centric Narratives: Emphasis on understanding client needs and developing tailored communication strategies that showcase product value and use cases.

• Thought Leadership: Proactive creation and dissemination of high-quality content to establish the firm's expertise and drive market engagement.

• Process Optimization & Automation: A drive towards improving team efficiency through technology adoption, particularly AI, and streamlining workflows.

Company Website: https://www.blackrock.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: BlackRock's scale and reputation mean this role operates within a highly professional, data-driven, and globally integrated environment. The emphasis on collaboration with distribution and portfolio management is typical for product strategy roles in large asset managers, aiming to bridge investment expertise with commercial execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Vice President / Director, iShares EMEA Fixed Income Product Strategy. This is a senior individual contributor or potential team leadership role, requiring strategic autonomy and the ability to influence across departments. It sits within the product development and management function, with a strong GTM component.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior product strategy leader, with significant interaction and collaboration with portfolio management, sales, marketing, and other product teams. This structure allows for broad exposure and influence.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on driving the commercial success of the iShares Fixed Income ETF platform in EMEA. This is achieved by:

• Increasing Client Adoption: Through effective product positioning, compelling narratives, and educational initiatives.

• Enhancing Product Development: By providing market insights and client feedback to inform new product launches and enhancements.

• Strengthening Brand Reputation: By producing high-quality thought leadership and demonstrating deep market expertise.

• Improving Team Efficiency: Through the implementation of automation and optimized processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise within specific fixed income segments or ETF product structures, potentially leading to a more senior specialist role.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a Head of Product Strategy role for Fixed Income ETFs or a broader product management leadership position within iShares EMEA.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to move into related areas such as portfolio management, sales strategy, or business development within BlackRock.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through exposure to AI tools, advanced analytics, and evolving market trends, supported by company learning and development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The VP/Director title signifies a critical juncture in a career in asset management product strategy. Growth potential is substantial, with clear pathways towards leadership and deeper specialization, leveraging BlackRock's global platform and extensive resources.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in BlackRock's London office, which is a modern, professional, and collaborative corporate environment. It is designed to facilitate teamwork and client interactions.

Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. Specific office location details would be provided upon offer, but BlackRock typically has central, well-connected offices in major financial hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model (4 days in office) emphasizes in-person collaboration, fostering team cohesion, knowledge sharing, and spontaneous idea generation.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to BlackRock's robust technology infrastructure, including advanced analytics platforms, data visualization tools, and potentially AI tools for research and productivity.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of product specialists, portfolio managers, sales professionals, and marketing colleagues, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating workplace.

Work Schedule:

• A hybrid work model is standard, requiring employees to be in the office four days per week. This structure aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and mentorship with the flexibility of one remote work day. Specific office days may be determined by team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at BlackRock is designed to maximize in-person collaboration, which is particularly beneficial for roles requiring extensive stakeholder management and team synergy like this product strategy position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter by a recruiter to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience, technical skills, and understanding of fixed income markets and ETFs. Expect questions about your past achievements and how you've driven commercial outcomes.

• Product Strategy Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a specific market trend, product idea, or competitive analysis, demonstrating your strategic thinking, analytical skills, and communication abilities. This is where your portfolio will be highly relevant.

• Panel Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including portfolio managers, sales leaders, and other product strategists, to assess technical depth, cultural fit, and collaboration potential.

• Final Round: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased client adoption by X%," "Contributed to Y% revenue growth").

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Clearly articulate the problem, your proposed solution (narrative, analysis, strategy), and the resulting outcome.

• Demonstrate Analytical Rigor: Include examples of data analysis, market research, or performance attribution that informed your strategies.

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you partnered with sales, PMs, or marketing to achieve goals.

• Tailor to BlackRock: Frame your experience in the context of BlackRock's business and the iShares brand.

• Conciseness is Key: Present clear, actionable insights rather than lengthy, complex documents.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Trends: Be prepared to discuss current trends in fixed income markets, ETFs, and asset management in EMEA.

• Product Positioning: Practice articulating the value proposition of fixed income ETFs for different client segments.

• Competitive Analysis: Understand key competitors in the EMEA ETF space and their strategies.

• AI Applications: Be ready to discuss how AI could be leveraged in product strategy, client engagement, or team efficiency.

• BlackRock Specifics: Research BlackRock's iShares Fixed Income ETF offerings and recent market commentary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a VP/Director level role will be rigorous, focusing on both technical expertise and strategic business acumen. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates measurable impact and strategic thinking will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): For managing client relationships, tracking interactions, and sales pipeline analysis.

• Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint): For creating high-quality client materials, thought leadership pieces, and internal presentations.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Python/R): Essential for processing market data, performing quantitative analysis, and creating compelling visual reports.

• Financial Data Platforms (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon): For accessing real-time market data, news, and analytics critical for fixed income and ETF analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Portfolio Analytics Software: Tools used by portfolio managers and product teams to analyze fund performance, risk, and characteristics.

• ETRACS/ETF Data Providers: Platforms specializing in ETF data, flows, and liquidity metrics.

• Business Intelligence Tools: For dashboard creation and performance tracking across product lines and sales efforts.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot): May be involved in campaign development and content dissemination.

• Internal Collaboration Tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams): For day-to-day team communication and project collaboration.

• AI/ML Tools: As mentioned in the job description, interest in AI tools for productivity, analysis, and novel applications is a plus, suggesting potential use of AI-driven research assistants or data processing tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in financial data platforms and advanced analytical tools is non-negotiable. The mention of AI indicates a forward-looking expectation, encouraging candidates to highlight any experience or interest in this area.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and meeting the needs of clients, driving product strategy and client engagement initiatives.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, with a commitment to clear and honest communication.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on robust analysis and insights to inform strategies and product development.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high performance, continuous improvement, and embracing new ideas and technologies (like AI).

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with sales, marketing, portfolio management, and other product teams, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to communication.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture where processes, strategies, and ideas are shared and constructively critiqued to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing market insights, product knowledge, and best practices across teams to elevate the collective understanding and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: BlackRock’s culture, as reflected in its values, emphasizes professionalism, data-driven rigor, and collaborative execution. For this role, demonstrating an ability to work effectively across diverse internal teams is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Volatility & Competition: Navigating dynamic fixed income markets and intense competition within the ETF space requires constant strategic adaptation and deep market intelligence.

• Product Commercialization: Effectively driving adoption for complex financial products across diverse client segments in a crowded market.

• Balancing Strategy & Execution: Translating high-level strategy into actionable plans for sales enablement and client engagement, while managing multiple priorities.

• Leveraging New Technologies: Integrating AI and automation effectively into existing workflows to enhance productivity and unlock new insights, requiring adaptability and a learning mindset.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fixed Income & ETF Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in niche fixed income sectors or advanced ETF structures through internal resources and market engagement.

• AI & Data Science Training: Access to BlackRock's internal learning platforms for developing skills in AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Formal and informal development programs focused on enhancing leadership capabilities, stakeholder management, and strategic influence.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to stay abreast of market trends and build professional connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior roles in a fast-paced, competitive financial market. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging BlackRock's commitment to employee development and its position at the forefront of financial innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a client-centric narrative for a complex financial product. What was the outcome?" (Focus on storytelling, data, and impact.)

• "How would you approach positioning BlackRock's iShares Fixed Income ETF platform to a large institutional investor in the current market environment?" (Assess market understanding, strategic thinking, and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BlackRock's iShares Fixed Income ETF offerings and our competitive positioning in EMEA?" (Requires research into their product suite and market presence.)

• "How do you see AI impacting product strategy and client engagement in asset management over the next 3-5 years?" (Test forward-thinking and innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key themes: Product Strategy Development, Client Engagement & Commercialization, Data Analysis & Insights, and Process Optimization.

• Case Study Approach: For each example, follow a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PAR (Problem, Action, Result) format. Clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, and the measurable business impact.

• Visuals: Use charts, graphs, and key metrics to support your points. Ensure presentations are clean, professional, and easy to follow.

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to drive results.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your methodologies and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of fixed income ETFs, strategic product thinking, data-driven decision-making, and strong communication skills, all tailored to BlackRock's context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight achievements most relevant to product strategy, client adoption, fixed income expertise, and data-driven analysis. Focus on examples that demonstrate commercial impact and strategic thinking.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in fixed income markets, ETF product strategy, client engagement, and any relevant analytical or AI skills. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, prepare for case study presentations focusing on market analysis and product positioning, and research BlackRock's iShares fixed income ETF offerings thoroughly.

• Company Research: Deeply understand BlackRock's mission, values, the iShares brand, and the competitive landscape in EMEA Fixed Income ETFs. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's strategic priorities and challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.