Product Strategy & Development Lead, APAC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy & Development Lead, APAC

Company: Neuberger Berman

Location: Hong Kong

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Development (Asset Management)

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T09:17:14.084

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the product strategy and development for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, driving innovation and execution of investment capabilities across diverse asset classes.

• Serve as the primary product officer for APAC, ensuring alignment between product offerings, market demand, emerging trends, and Neuberger's strategic business objectives.

• Oversee a dedicated Product Strategy & Development team focused on championing new product ideas, conducting market intelligence, and managing the entire product lifecycle from ideation to implementation.

• Drive connectivity across investment teams, client coverage, and operational platforms to foster consensus and optimize the firm's overall product positioning within institutional, intermediary, and high-net-worth distribution channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Neuberger Berman's growth in the APAC region, requiring a strategic thinker with deep asset management product expertise and a strong understanding of regional market dynamics and regulatory landscapes. The emphasis on leading a team and driving consensus highlights a significant leadership component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate the end-to-end development and implementation of new business plans, products, and funds, from initial research and business case development through to successful launch.

• Spearhead product development initiatives by creating compelling proposals, conducting thorough market analysis, and presenting findings and recommendations to senior management.

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of the market and competitor landscape to identify general investment trends, thematic opportunities, and product flows, including regular periodic assessments and ad-hoc research.

• Continuously monitor the existing product range (including fund performance, fees, and positioning) to ensure competitiveness and relevance in the dynamic APAC market.

• Proactively stay abreast of evolving regulatory changes across the APAC region and assess their impact on product development and existing offerings.

• Integrate and implement strategic initiatives across the business to enhance product offerings, distribution effectiveness, and overall client value proposition.

• Supervise pricing and market sizing analyses for specific product launches, ensuring commercial viability and strategic fit.

• Conduct detailed competitor comparisons and analysis to inform product strategy and identify differentiation opportunities.

• Support the firm's risk management process by meticulously reviewing and assessing new product proposals for compliance and operational feasibility.

• Supervise, train, and develop other members of the Product Strategy & Development team, fostering a high-performance culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a proactive, analytical, and strategic role. The emphasis on "supervising" and "developing" team members indicates a management component, requiring leadership and mentorship skills beyond individual contribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University degree is essential.

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in product development, structuring, or a closely related field within the asset management industry.

• Specific and significant experience with alternative strategies and related investment vehicles is highly desirable.

• Prior experience in developing a range of products relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, including cross-border and locally registered funds, is ideal.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Ability to conceptualize, design, and manage the lifecycle of investment products.

• Market Intelligence & Analysis: Expertise in analyzing market trends, competitive landscapes, and identifying product opportunities.

• Asset Management Expertise: Deep understanding of various asset classes (equities, fixed income, alternatives) and their respective investment strategies.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop and execute long-term product roadmaps aligned with business goals.

• Regulatory Awareness (APAC): Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and client preferences specific to the Asia Pacific region.

• Project Management: Excellent organizational, time management, and planning skills to manage complex initiatives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams across investment, sales, marketing, legal, and operations.

• Financial Acumen: Strong analytical skills for pricing, market sizing, and assessing commercial viability.

• Communication & Presentation: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable deliverables and articulate views effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Asian Languages: Proficiency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin is preferred, facilitating deeper engagement with regional stakeholders and markets.

• Alternative Investments Specialization: In-depth knowledge and experience with hedge funds, private equity, real estate, or other alternative asset classes.

• ESG Integration: Understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles and their application in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "demonstrable experience" and specific regional product knowledge (cross-border, local registered funds) suggests that candidates will need to provide concrete examples of past successes. The preference for Asian language fluency points to the importance of localized market engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Development Case Studies: Showcase examples of investment products you have conceptualized, developed, and successfully launched, detailing the market opportunity, strategic rationale, and outcome.

• Market Analysis Reports: Include samples of market intelligence reports or competitor analyses that informed product strategy or decision-making.

• Business Plan Proposals: Demonstrate your ability to articulate new product ideas, including financial projections, risk assessments, and go-to-market strategies.

• Process Optimization Examples: Highlight instances where you improved existing product processes, from research and design to launch and ongoing management, quantifying the impact.

Process Documentation:

• Product Lifecycle Frameworks: Present examples of frameworks or methodologies used to manage the product lifecycle, from ideation and research to launch and post-launch review.

• Cross-functional Workflow Design: Illustrate how you have designed or optimized workflows involving various departments (e.g., investments, sales, legal, compliance, operations) to ensure smooth product development and execution.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Showcase how you have established metrics and reporting mechanisms to track product performance, competitiveness, and market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate not just the "what" but the "how" of product strategy and development. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific contributions, the strategic thinking behind their actions, and the measurable impact of their work on product success and business growth in asset management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior nature of the role (Lead, APAC), the strategic importance, and the location in Hong Kong, a competitive compensation package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar senior Product Strategy and Development roles in asset management within Hong Kong, the estimated annual base salary range would likely be between HKD 1,200,000 to HKD 2,000,000 (approximately USD 150,000 to USD 255,000). This range can vary significantly based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the firm's internal compensation structure. Bonuses and other incentives are typically awarded based on individual and firm performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., MPF contributions in Hong Kong) with potential company matching.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for certifications (e.g., CFA) and continuing education.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, due to the nature of the role, which involves managing regional responsibilities and potentially interacting with global teams, flexibility may be required, including occasional early morning or late evening calls to accommodate different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior-level finance and product management roles in Hong Kong, considering the specific industry (asset management) and the responsibilities outlined. It's crucial for candidates to understand that this is an estimate, and actual compensation will be determined by Neuberger Berman.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Asset Management (Financial Services)

Neuberger Berman operates within the highly competitive and regulated global asset management industry. This sector demands rigorous analytical capabilities, a strong commitment to fiduciary duty, and continuous innovation to meet evolving investor needs and market conditions. The firm's focus on providing investment solutions across equities, fixed income, and alternatives, with an increasing emphasis on ESG, shapes a culture that values expertise, integrity, and client-centricity.

Company Size: Large (Approx. 6,000+ employees globally)

As a large, established global firm, Neuberger Berman offers the stability and resources of a major player in the financial industry. This size implies well-defined structures, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration on a significant scale. For operations professionals, this often means working within structured environments, leveraging robust systems, and contributing to firm-wide initiatives.

Founded: 1939 (as Neuberger & Berman)

With a long history, Neuberger Berman has a deep-rooted heritage in investment management. This longevity suggests a culture focused on long-term value creation, enduring client relationships, and a commitment to sound investment principles. It also implies that the firm has successfully navigated numerous market cycles, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Team Structure:

• Product Strategy & Development Team: This team is regionally aligned (APAC) and likely comprises product specialists, market analysts, and potentially project managers. It serves as a central hub for product innovation and lifecycle management.

• Reporting Structure: The "Product Strategy & Development Lead, APAC" will likely report to a senior regional or global head of Product Management or Strategy, potentially within the Global Product group or a regional leadership role.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close partnership with Investment teams (Portfolio Managers), Sales and Client Coverage teams (both institutional and intermediary), Marketing, Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, and Operations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Given the financial services context, decisions regarding product strategy and development will be heavily influenced by market data, performance metrics, client feedback, and regulatory analysis.

• Strategic Planning & Prioritization: The firm will employ strategic planning processes to identify and prioritize new product opportunities that align with business objectives and market demand.

• Rigorous Product Governance: A structured product governance framework will be in place to ensure all new products undergo thorough due diligence, risk assessment, and compliance checks before launch.

Company Website: www.nb.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and size suggest a culture that balances tradition with innovation. The "Product Strategy & Development Lead" role is positioned at the intersection of investment expertise, market understanding, and commercial strategy, requiring a blend of analytical rigor and collaborative leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Principal

This role is positioned as a senior leadership position, acting as the primary product officer for the APAC region. It requires a strategic mindset, extensive experience in asset management product development, and the ability to lead a team and influence senior stakeholders. The scope of responsibility covers a broad range of investment capabilities and distribution channels within a significant geographic market.

Reporting Structure:

The Lead will report to a senior executive, likely a Global Head of Product or a senior regional executive. This reporting line signifies the strategic importance of the role and provides direct access to top-level decision-making. The Lead will, in turn, manage a team of product professionals.

Operations Impact:

The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing Neuberger Berman's revenue generation and market share growth in the critical APAC region. By identifying, developing, and launching successful investment products, the Lead contributes significantly to:

• Revenue Growth: New and optimized products drive AUM and management fees.

• Market Penetration: Tailored products meet regional demands, expanding client base.

• Competitive Positioning: Innovative and well-positioned products enhance the firm's standing against competitors.

• Client Retention & Acquisition: High-quality, relevant products are key to attracting and retaining clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Global Product Leadership: Potential to advance into broader global product strategy roles, overseeing multiple regions or asset classes.

• Regional Leadership: Opportunity to take on expanded leadership responsibilities within the APAC region, potentially overseeing broader commercial functions.

• Strategic Business Unit Head: With significant success, could transition to leading a specific investment capability's commercial strategy or a P&L responsibility.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific high-growth areas like alternative investments or ESG, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop leadership skills by mentoring and growing a high-performing product development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an ambitious product professional. The clear path for impact and growth into broader leadership positions within a global asset management firm makes it an attractive opportunity for experienced candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional Office Environment

The role is based in Hong Kong, a major international financial hub. The work environment at Neuberger Berman is expected to be a professional, corporate office setting, reflecting the standards of a leading asset management firm. This typically involves dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas designed for focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s):

The primary office location is Hong Kong. As a global financial center, Hong Kong offers excellent connectivity and infrastructure, making it an attractive base for regional operations. Specific details about office accessibility, amenities, and proximity to public transport would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual focus is required for analysis and strategy development, the role necessitates extensive collaboration with investment teams, sales, marketing, and other support functions. Expect a dynamic workspace that facilitates both independent work and team-based problem-solving.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced financial data terminals, analytical software, CRM systems, and internal collaboration platforms will be provided to support product development, market research, and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the APAC Product Strategy & Development team, as well as with senior management and colleagues across various departments, will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with business hours in Hong Kong. However, given the APAC regional scope, there will be a need for flexibility to accommodate calls and meetings with teams in other time zones (e.g., Europe, North America, other parts of Asia). This might involve occasional early morning or late evening work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Hong Kong location implies a fast-paced, international business environment. Candidates should be comfortable with the demands of a global financial hub and the need for flexibility in working hours to manage a multi-jurisdictional product portfolio.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this senior role will likely be multi-stage, designed to assess strategic thinking, technical expertise, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the direct hiring manager (likely a senior executive) focusing on your experience in product strategy, development, asset management, and APAC market knowledge. This may include behavioral questions.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members and cross-functional partners (e.g., senior portfolio managers, sales leaders, compliance officers) to evaluate collaboration skills, technical depth, and ability to influence.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis of a market opportunity, a new product proposal, or a review of an existing product's performance and strategy. This is a critical component for assessing strategic thinking and communication.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with a very senior executive or regional head to confirm suitability and discuss overarching strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful product development or strategy projects. Focus on those that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation, navigate complexity, and achieve measurable business outcomes in asset management.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your proposed solution, your specific role and contributions, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., AUM growth, revenue impact, market share increase, efficiency gains).

• Showcase APAC Relevance: If possible, highlight projects or experiences directly related to the APAC region, including understanding of local regulations, market nuances, and distribution channels.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio with clear headings, concise descriptions, and compelling visuals (charts, graphs) where appropriate. Be prepared to walk through each case study, explaining your strategic thought process and decision-making.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Illustrate your understanding of the full product lifecycle, from ideation and research to launch, ongoing management, and potential wind-down. Show how you integrate with other functions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Product Proposal: Be ready to discuss how you would approach identifying and developing a new investment product for the APAC market, considering current trends (e.g., AI in investing, sustainable finance, private markets).

• Competitive Analysis: Prepare to analyze a specific competitor's product offering in the APAC region and suggest how Neuberger Berman could differentiate or improve its own offering.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle challenges such as underperforming products, regulatory hurdles, or internal disagreements on product strategy. Focus on your analytical approach and conflict resolution skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes strategic thinking and practical application. A well-prepared portfolio showcasing concrete achievements and a clear understanding of the asset management product lifecycle in the APAC context will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): For managing client relationships, tracking sales activities, and understanding distribution channel performance.

• Financial Data Platforms (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon): Essential for real-time market data, news, analytics, and competitor research.

• Portfolio Management Systems (PMS): To understand fund performance, holdings, and investment characteristics.

• Internal Collaboration Tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint): For communication, document sharing, and project management across teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): For creating dashboards and visualizations to track product performance, AUM, revenue, and market trends.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Advanced proficiency for financial modeling, data analysis, market sizing, and pricing calculations.

• Presentation Software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint): For developing compelling presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Tools: While not always explicit, systems or structured processes that manage the stages of product development, approval, and launch.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially used for streamlining parts of the product approval or launch process, though often managed through internal systems and defined procedures.

• Data Warehousing & ETL: Understanding of how data is stored, accessed, and integrated from various sources for analysis, even if not directly hands-on with the tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool names might not be provided, a strong candidate should demonstrate proficiency with industry-standard financial data platforms, analytical tools, and project management software. The ability to work with data to inform strategy and present findings is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, reflecting Neuberger Berman's commitment to trust and fiduciary responsibility.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering value through well-designed, competitive investment products. This means understanding client behavior and market demand in APAC.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high performance in product development, market analysis, and strategic planning, while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement and seeking innovative solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams and departments to achieve shared goals, recognizing that successful product launches require collective effort.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing rigorous data analysis and market insights to inform strategy, measure success, and drive decision-making in product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative style is essential, requiring proactive engagement with investment teams to understand capabilities, sales teams to gauge market needs, and support functions (legal, compliance, operations) to ensure feasibility and governance.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where ideas can be shared openly, and constructive feedback is provided and received to refine strategies and processes.

• Strategic Partnership: Acting as a strategic partner to various business units, providing expertise and guidance on product-related matters to drive mutual success.

• Consensus Building: The role requires skillfully navigating different perspectives and building consensus among stakeholders to advance product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, client-centricity, and a professional approach to business. The collaborative style required for this role suggests a candidate who can effectively influence and partner with diverse groups to achieve strategic objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating APAC Market Complexity: The APAC region is diverse, with varying regulatory landscapes, investor preferences, and competitive dynamics across different countries. Developing a cohesive product strategy that caters to this diversity will be challenging.

• Intense Competition: The asset management industry, particularly in APAC, is highly competitive. Differentiating Neuberger Berman's product offerings and ensuring their commercial viability requires constant vigilance and strategic innovation.

• Balancing Innovation with Risk Management: Introducing new products, especially complex ones like alternatives, requires a careful balance between seizing market opportunities and adhering to stringent risk management and regulatory compliance protocols.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Securing buy-in and coordinating efforts across multiple departments (Investment, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Operations) that may have competing priorities can be demanding.

• Talent Development & Retention: Leading and developing a high-performing product strategy team in a competitive market requires strong management and mentorship skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening APAC Market Expertise: Gaining unparalleled insight into the investment product landscape and client needs across the dynamic APAC region.

• Expanding Alternative Investments Knowledge: Further developing expertise in alternative strategies and vehicles, a key growth area for the firm.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing strategic leadership, team management, and stakeholder influence skills through practical application and potential executive coaching.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to represent Neuberger Berman at industry conferences, engage with key clients and regulators, and stay at the forefront of market trends.

• Strategic Influence: Directly impacting the firm's strategic direction and growth trajectory in a key global market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth and learning opportunities, making it ideal for an ambitious professional looking to make a strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and validating new product opportunities in an emerging market like APAC, considering regulatory hurdles and competitive pressures." (Focus on market analysis, research methodologies, and strategic prioritization.)

• "How would you develop a product strategy for Neuberger Berman's alternative investment capabilities in Asia, and what key steps would you take to gain internal consensus and external traction?" (Highlight strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and go-to-market considerations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Neuberger Berman's current product offerings and strategic priorities in the APAC region?" (Research the company's website, recent press releases, and investor relations materials.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Neuberger Berman's overall business objectives and client-centric culture?" (Align your strengths with the firm's values and strategic goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "Why": Clearly articulate the strategic rationale behind each product you present. Why was this product developed? What market need did it address?

• Your Role & Impact: Be specific about your contributions. Use "I" statements for your actions and quantify the results achieved. For example, "I analyzed market data which identified a gap for X, leading to the development of Y, which achieved Z% AUM growth within 18 months."

• Process Flow: Briefly explain the key stages of the product development process you followed, highlighting any innovative approaches or challenges overcome.

• APAC Context: Whenever possible, frame your examples within the context of the APAC market, demonstrating your understanding of regional nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic acumen, a deep understanding of asset management products and markets, and strong leadership and communication skills. Be ready to back up all claims with specific examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy & Development Lead, APAC position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on Workable to submit your application. Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to highlight your relevant experience in product strategy, development, asset management, and the APAC region.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 of your most impactful product development or strategy projects. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation, navigate complexity, and achieve measurable business outcomes. Quantify your achievements and be ready to present these case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in product lifecycle management, market analysis, cross-functional leadership, and experience with alternative strategies and APAC-specific products. Use keywords relevant to the job description, such as "Product Strategy," "Asset Management," "APAC," "Regulatory Compliance," and "Alternative Investments."

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research Neuberger Berman's business, investment capabilities, recent performance, and strategic initiatives, particularly in the APAC region. Understand their existing product suite and identify areas where your expertise can add significant value.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to articulate your strategic vision, problem-solving approach, and leadership style. Practice presenting your portfolio cases clearly and concisely, focusing on your impact and the strategic thinking behind your actions. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the APAC financial markets and regulatory environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Neuberger Berman before making application decisions. The visa sponsorship availability is explicitly mentioned, which is a key piece of information for international candidates.