Product Strategy, Associate (12-Month Maternity Cover)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy, Associate (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Company: Hayfin Capital Management

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Strategy / Investor Relations / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 2-6 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product development and strategy initiatives within the Partner Solutions Group (PSG), focusing on capital formation and client service for institutional investors.

• Support the maintenance and enhancement of relationships with existing and prospective institutional investors through expert communication and reporting.

• Manage product lifecycles from pre-launch to final close, requiring an understanding of fund structures, LP negotiations, and competitive landscapes.

• Provide best-in-class client service, demonstrating sound judgment in handling Limited Partner (LP) matters and cross-functional liaison.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover with a potential for permanent conversion, indicating a need for immediate impact and strong performance. The focus on "Product Strategy, Associate" within a "Partner Solutions Group" suggests a blend of strategic thinking, market analysis, and operational execution in client-facing activities. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while emphasizing in-person collaboration for key client and internal interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance marketing and due diligence materials, including Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs), pitch books, and Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs), in collaboration with the Direct Lending and Private Equity Solutions teams.

• Cultivate a strong understanding of Direct Lending and Private Equity Solutions investments, market dynamics, and emerging trends to inform product strategy and client communication.

• Oversee product lifecycle management from inception through final close, gaining expertise in fund structures, Limited Partner (LP) negotiations, and competitive market positioning.

• Assist the Coverage team in formulating and executing global marketing strategies for new fund launches, acting as a project manager throughout the fundraising process.

• Deliver exceptional client service to existing partners, exhibiting sound judgment and proactive problem-solving for all LP-related inquiries and matters.

• Liaise effectively with internal departments including investment teams, legal, tax, operations, finance, and accounting to gather and synthesize critical information for client objectives and enhanced client experience.

• Manage day-to-day ad hoc communications with clients via email, telephone, and in-person interactions, ensuring timely and professional responses.

• Prepare comprehensive presentations, analytical reports, and briefing packs to support client meetings and strategic discussions.

• Participate in and contribute to face-to-face client meetings, providing insights and support to senior team members.

• Collaborate with senior team members to develop and maintain detailed project plans for significant ongoing initiatives, ensuring alignment with PSG and firm objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on structured content creation (PPMs, DDQs), deep product knowledge across Direct Lending and Private Equity, and project management for fundraising. The requirement to liaise across multiple internal departments (legal, tax, operations, finance, accounting) underscores the operational complexity and need for strong cross-functional communication skills, typical of a robust Product Strategy or Investor Relations function within asset management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field. Experience:

• 2-6 years of progressive experience within the Private Credit Industry, with a focus on product development, investor relations, or client service.

• Proven track record in supporting fundraising efforts and managing investor communications. Required Skills:

• Product Development & Strategy: Ability to contribute to the creation and enhancement of investment product documentation and strategies.

• Private Credit Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of Direct Lending and Private Equity Solutions strategies, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes.

• Financial Modeling & Analysis: Proficient in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, data analysis, and producing robust analytical outputs.

• Communication Excellence: Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to sophisticated investors.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to create and deliver high-quality presentations and briefing materials for client meetings and internal stakeholders.

• Project Management: Experience in managing projects, timelines, and cross-functional initiatives, particularly within fundraising or product launch contexts.

• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to provide excellent client service and manage relationships with institutional investors.

• Due Diligence Support: Experience in preparing responses to Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in marketing, sales, or client communication within the financial services or asset management sector.

• Technical financial modeling and advanced analytical training and practical application.

• Familiarity with fund structures and LP negotiations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific industry focus (Private Credit) are critical. The emphasis on Excel modeling and presentation skills is standard for associate-level roles in this field, but the need for direct engagement with LP matters and cross-functional liaison suggests a role that requires a blend of analytical rigor and interpersonal effectiveness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Content Creation Examples: Showcase examples of marketing materials (pitch books, PPMs, DDQs) you have contributed to or developed, highlighting your role and the impact of the content.

• Financial Modeling Demonstrations: Include Excel models or case studies demonstrating your proficiency in financial analysis, scenario planning, and data visualization relevant to investment products.

• Project Management Case Studies: Present examples of projects you managed, detailing your role in planning, execution, stakeholder coordination, and successful outcomes, particularly in fundraising or product launch scenarios.

• Client Communication Samples: Provide anonymized examples of client communications, such as responses to ad hoc investor queries or preparation for client meetings, demonstrating professionalism and clarity.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of contributions to designing, documenting, or optimizing workflows related to marketing material production, investor reporting, or due diligence processes.

• Information Synthesis: Examples demonstrating your ability to gather, synthesize, and present complex information from various internal teams (investment, legal, operations, finance) into a coherent and actionable format for external stakeholders.

• Performance Measurement: If applicable, provide insights into how you have contributed to tracking or reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to investor engagement, fundraising progress, or product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate role in Product Strategy and Investor Relations, a portfolio should emphasize tangible outputs like marketing collateral, analytical models, and project plans. Demonstrating the ability to synthesize information from diverse internal sources and present it effectively to external sophisticated audiences is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Associate-level Product Strategy or Investor Relations roles in London with 2-6 years of experience in Private Credit, the estimated salary range is £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities within the 12-month contract. Benefits:

• Competitive Fixed-Term Contract Salary: Reflecting experience and market rates for London-based roles.

• Potential for Permanent Conversion: Opportunity for long-term employment based on business needs and performance.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards a workplace pension in line with UK regulations.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous paid time off.

• Access to Company Resources: Utilization of Hayfin's advanced technology and analytical tools.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge across Direct Lending and Private Equity, and enhance client service and product strategy skills.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring these hours, with an expectation of presence in the London office on designated days to facilitate collaboration and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location (London), the contract nature, and the specified experience level (2-6 years) in a specialized finance sector (Private Credit), a salary range of £60,000 - £85,000 is a reasonable estimate. This is based on research from reputable UK salary aggregators and financial industry compensation reports for similar roles. Benefits are standard for contract positions in London's financial sector, with the significant added value being the potential for permanency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services - Alternative Asset Management, specifically Private Credit. Hayfin Capital Management is a prominent player in this sector, known for its focus on direct lending and other credit strategies. This industry context implies a highly professional, results-driven, and analytical environment.

Company Size: Hayfin is a significant entity in the alternative asset management space. While exact employee numbers can fluctuate, it's generally considered a medium-to-large firm within its niche, employing several hundred professionals globally. This size suggests well-established processes but also opportunities for impact and visibility within specific teams.

Founded: Hayfin was founded in 2009. This relatively recent founding date for a major asset manager means it has grown rapidly and likely maintains a dynamic, forward-thinking culture, balancing established practices with an entrepreneurial spirit necessary for growth in competitive markets.

Team Structure:

• Partner Solutions Group (PSG): This is the core group responsible for capital formation, product development, and client service, indicating a client-centric and commercially focused division.

• Product Strategy Team: A specialized unit within PSG, likely comprising individuals with strong analytical, marketing, and product development skills.

• Reporting Lines: The Associate will likely report to a Product Strategist or a more senior member of the PSG team, with direct engagement and collaboration with Relationship Managers (Coverage team), Investment Teams, and various operational departments.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with investment professionals, legal counsel, tax advisors, operations specialists, and finance/accounting teams to gather and disseminate information.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations within asset management, especially in product strategy and investor relations, rely heavily on data analysis for performance tracking, market insights, and client reporting.

• Structured Process Management: Fundraising, product launches, and client servicing involve complex, multi-stage processes that require meticulous planning, execution, and documentation.

• Client-Centric Approach: The PSG's objective is to serve institutional investors, meaning all activities are geared towards meeting their information needs, building trust, and supporting business development efforts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hayfin's focus on Private Credit means the operations environment will be highly specialized, demanding deep financial acumen and an understanding of complex deal structures and investor expectations in this niche. The company's founding date suggests a modern approach to asset management operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the "Associate" level, typically positioned after an Analyst role and preceding Senior Associate or Vice President. It signifies a professional who can operate with a degree of autonomy on defined tasks, contribute substantively to projects, and is developing specialized expertise. In operations, this means taking ownership of specific processes, contributing to analysis, and supporting senior team members effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Associate will report into the Partner Solutions Group, likely to a Product Strategist or senior manager within that team. This structure facilitates direct mentorship and exposure to strategic product and investor relations activities. Collaboration with Relationship Managers (Coverage) and across functional teams (Investment, Legal, Ops, Finance) is a key aspect of the role's dynamic.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts Hayfin's ability to attract and retain capital from institutional investors. By ensuring high-quality marketing materials, accurate reporting, and responsive client service, the Associate contributes to the firm's reputation, fundraising success, and ongoing client satisfaction. This is critical for the firm's growth and AUM (Assets Under Management).

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep Product Expertise: Develop comprehensive knowledge of Hayfin's Direct Lending and Private Equity strategies, fund structures, and market positioning, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Client Relationship Acumen: Gain hands-on experience in institutional investor relations, understanding their needs, and honing communication and presentation skills.

• Fundraising Process Mastery: Become intimately familiar with the end-to-end fundraising lifecycle, from initial marketing to final close, understanding the operational and strategic intricacies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Potential: Develop strong collaboration skills and an understanding of how different departments (investment, legal, operations, finance) contribute to the firm's success, paving the way for future leadership roles in operations or client-facing functions.

• Potential for Permanent Role: Successful performance in this 12-month maternity cover could lead to a permanent position within Hayfin, offering long-term career development within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title in this context implies a role that bridges execution and strategy. Growth will come from mastering the specific products, understanding the investor lifecycle, and demonstrating proficiency in cross-functional coordination, all critical for advancing in asset management operations and investor relations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a combination of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The position is based in London, England, United Kingdom. This implies working within a major global financial hub, with access to extensive professional networks and opportunities. Specific office address details would be provided upon offer.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The London office likely serves as a central hub for client interactions, internal strategy sessions, and team collaboration, requiring active participation on in-office days.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to sophisticated financial data platforms, CRM systems, and communication tools necessary for efficient operations and client management.

• Professional Atmosphere: Working in asset management, particularly with institutional clients, means a professional and focused office environment where attention to detail and rigorous work standards are paramount.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility managed through the hybrid model. However, the demands of fundraising cycles, client meetings, and urgent investor requests may necessitate occasional extended hours, particularly around critical deadlines or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature in a major financial center like London suggests an office environment that is both professional and conducive to focused work, with ample opportunities for networking and collaboration on designated office days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior member of PSG) focusing on your experience in product strategy, private credit, investor relations, and your understanding of the role's responsibilities. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with other members of the Partner Solutions Group and potentially representatives from investment or coverage teams. This stage assesses your collaborative style, technical aptitude, and how you would integrate with the team. You might be asked to discuss your approach to specific responsibilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for roles like this. You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a specific topic (e.g., analyzing a market trend, developing marketing points for a hypothetical fund, or responding to a complex investor query) or complete a financial modeling exercise.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest pieces that directly align with the job description: marketing collateral you contributed to, financial models you built, project management examples (especially fundraising), and evidence of sophisticated client communication.

• Quantify Impact: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate your specific contribution, the process you followed, and the tangible results or impact achieved (e.g., "Contributed to a pitch book that supported a successful $X million fundraising round," or "Developed a DDQ response that addressed key investor concerns, leading to a positive second-round discussion").

• Showcase Process Understanding: Be prepared to walk through the workflow behind your portfolio items, explaining how you gathered information, collaborated internally, and ensured accuracy and quality.

• Tailor to Hayfin: Research Hayfin's current strategies, funds, and recent news. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience are directly relevant to their business and this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be ready to discuss current trends in Direct Lending and Private Credit, including competitive dynamics, investor sentiment, and regulatory changes.

• Product Strategy Scenarios: Prepare to outline your approach to developing marketing materials for a new fund, managing product lifecycle stages, or responding to challenging investor questions about fund performance or strategy.

• Excel Proficiency: Brush up on your advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, data manipulation, pivot tables, and charting for financial analysis and presentation.

• Communication & Collaboration: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you manage cross-functional relationships and resolve potential conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test both technical proficiency in financial modeling and product strategy, as well as soft skills like communication, collaboration, and client service. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial modeling, data analysis, charting), PowerPoint (presentation development), and Word (document creation) is essential.

• CRM System: Experience with a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365) for managing investor relationships, tracking interactions, and pipeline management.

• Financial Data Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon, or Preqin for market data, company research, and industry analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While Excel is primary, experience with BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating dashboards and visualizations would be beneficial.

• Internal Databases/Reporting Tools: Likely proprietary systems used by Hayfin for internal reporting on fund performance, investor allocations, and operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Investor Relations Management (IRM) Software: Potentially specialized software for managing investor portals, document distribution, and communication logs.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be used for task management and tracking project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is non-negotiable. Familiarity with financial data terminals and CRM systems is highly expected. While not explicitly stated, experience with BI tools for enhanced reporting would be a significant advantage given the data-driven nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, accurate data, and polished materials that reflect positively on Hayfin.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing the needs and information requirements of institutional investors, ensuring a responsive and professional client experience.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, working effectively across departments, and sharing knowledge to achieve collective goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions and maintaining a professional demeanor, particularly when dealing with sensitive financial information and sophisticated clients.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process enhancements, efficiency gains, and staying abreast of market developments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with investment teams, legal, tax, finance, and accounting. This involves proactive communication, clear articulation of needs, and a willingness to support other departments.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement, both individually and for team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and market intelligence across the Partner Solutions Group and with relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is expected to be professional, driven, and collaborative, typical of a sophisticated asset management firm. The emphasis will be on precision, client service, and effective teamwork to support the firm's capital formation and investor relations objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the information requirements of various institutional investors with the internal capacity and data availability from different departments.

• Fast-Paced Fundraising Cycles: Adapting to the demanding timelines and pressures associated with fundraising campaigns, which often require rapid content creation and response.

• Information Synthesis Complexity: Consolidating complex financial, legal, and operational information from multiple sources into clear, concise, and compelling narratives for external audiences.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge on Direct Lending and Private Equity strategies, market trends, and competitor offerings to maintain relevant and accurate product positioning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Product Knowledge: Deep dive into the intricacies of Direct Lending and Private Equity strategies, fund structures, and investment methodologies.

• Investor Relations Mastery: Develop advanced skills in client communication, presentation, and understanding the unique needs and concerns of institutional investors.

• Fundraising Lifecycle Expertise: Gain comprehensive insight into the entire fundraising process, from initial strategy to final close, understanding the operational and strategic elements involved.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Enhance understanding of how investment, legal, tax, operations, and finance functions contribute to the firm's overall success and client offerings.

• Potential for Permanent Role: A significant opportunity to secure a long-term career path within a leading alternative asset manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant learning in a specialized and high-demand area of finance. The primary challenges revolve around managing complex information flows and stakeholder expectations within tight deadlines, which are excellent growth opportunities for developing critical operational and strategic skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new marketing pitch deck for a Direct Lending fund targeting European institutional investors, considering current market conditions?" (Assesses strategic thinking, market awareness, and content development approach).

• "Describe a situation where you had to synthesize complex information from multiple internal teams (e.g., investment, legal, operations) to answer an investor query. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluates cross-functional collaboration, information synthesis, and communication skills).

• "Imagine a key investor is questioning the performance of one of our existing funds. How would you prepare briefing materials and support the relationship manager in addressing this concern?" (Tests problem-solving, client service orientation, and ability to handle sensitive situations). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hayfin Capital Management and our position in the Private Credit market?" (Assesses research and genuine interest).

• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of the Partner Solutions Group and Hayfin's overall fundraising objectives?" (Evaluates understanding of the role's impact and alignment with firm goals).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues from different functional backgrounds." (Assesses cultural fit and teamwork approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, follow a clear structure: context of the project, your specific role and responsibilities, the process you used, the challenges encountered, and the measurable outcome or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your portfolio examples to the required skills in the job description (e.g., "This DDQ response demonstrates my analytical skills and ability to communicate complex fund terms clearly").

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the 'why' and 'how' behind your work. Be prepared to discuss your decision-making process, any trade-offs you made, and what you learned.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: If possible, present examples where you identified a problem or inefficiency and implemented a solution, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of Private Credit, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects and stakeholder relationships. Being able to articulate past successes with quantifiable results through portfolio examples will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Workable platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 2-6 years of experience in the Private Credit industry, specifically mentioning contributions to product development, investor relations, marketing materials (PPMs, DDQs), financial modeling in Excel, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 key pieces of work that showcase your abilities in content creation, financial analysis, and project management. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the impact of your work.

• Research Hayfin: Thoroughly research Hayfin Capital Management's strategies, recent news, and market positioning. Understand their core values and how your skills align with their objectives.

• Practice Your Pitch: Prepare to articulate your experience clearly and concisely, especially during the interview process and when presenting your portfolio. Practice answering common interview questions related to product strategy, investor relations, and the Private Credit market.

⚠️ 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.

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