Director, Global Benchmark Products recruitment
Role Summary
This individual is responsible for managing Russell Global (ex US) benchmark products, and their derivative use cases, including as the basis of passive funds, and performing as subject matter expert internally and externally. Specifically, this includes product methodology, strategy, design, competitive differentiation, public and client communications, enhancement priorities, reconstitution communications, escalations and oversight, internal and external support, and profitability.
THIS ROLE CAN BE IN SEATTLE OR NYC.
The responsibilities of the individual in this position include:
• Management of Russell Global ex US Index Data Product:
o This Product Manager is in charge of managing the Russell Global ex US Index franchise (e.g. design, product life-cycle, development/enhancements, market impact, reconstitution processes, client communications, methodology reviews and as a liaison for operations).
o This person analyzes and recommends new product initiatives and changes to existing product structures and methodology based on market research, specific business unit objectives, and competitive intelligence.
o Role ensures alignment to guiding principles and ensures that all changes are made in consideration of broad market and broad client segment use cases- the most important of which is the plan sponsor.
o In addition to the implementation of new data offerings, this person manages client and public communications surrounding index membership and methodologies, and provides up-to-date factual documentation for internal and external clients.
• Sales, Service and Marketing Support:
o Serves as the intelligence center and subject matter expert for all of Russell Global index products and the main contact for interactions for client and public facing interactions related to Russell Global indexes including reconstitution.
o Responsibilities include: provide training for client service and sales, day-to-day resolution of issues, contractual review, pricing and the gathering of client feedback for future development, escalation of issues related to methodology or other market impacting initiatives, client meetings to support sales initiatives.
• Promotion and Strategic Direction of Russell Indexes:
o The Product Manager plays a key role in marketing and positioning the Global indexes.
o This role is a critical contributor to product strategy and vision, including pricing strategies and prioritizing initiatives.
o This role represents Russell Global indexes as a speaker in client and industry events.
• Competitive Positioning and Industry Knowledge:
o Maintains awareness of competing Global indexes and directs the content and positioning within client facing materials and internal training materials to support our differentiation in the marketplace.
The successful candidate will have extensive demonstrable skills and experiences including the following:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Accounting or Finance required.
- Master's degree desirable in Business.
- 10+ years of experience related to the provision and interpretation of financial information to the institutional investment community.
- Consulting with clients and associates at all levels
- Outstanding Communication skills: verbal, written, presentation
- Proactive orientation
- Complex problem solving
- Expertise in constructing business cases that balance tangible benefits to investors, distribution partners, advisors and Russell, including interpretion of the financial components (pricing models, revenue/profit models and budgets) of products
- Institutional investment management, including the role of the plan sponsor, consultant, and investment manager.
- Deep understanding of issues related to and processes used by passive investment managers and structured product providers to replicate index baskets
- US equity markets.
- Index providers and their various construction methodologies.
- Derivative vehicles such as index futures, options, and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
- Performance calculations.
- Sound knowledge of finance and statistics at the undergraduate level.
- Must also have evidence of the capacity to quickly learn Russell’s business, existing software products and technologies available at Russell. Institutional investment management, including the role of the plan sponsor, consultant, and investment manager.
- Team player, proactive diplomatic.
- Product management; including life cycle management, prioritization, cost/benefit analysis, success metrics, etc.
- Project management; including oversight of project planning, systems analysis, and implementation.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills, ability to multi-task and manage interrupts.
- Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
Russell Overview
Founded in 1936, Russell Investments is a global financial services firm that serves institutional investors, financial advisers and individuals in more than 40 countries.
Through a unique combination of interlinked businesses, Russell delivers financial products, services and advice. A pioneer, Russell began its strategic pension fund consulting business in 1969 and today is trusted by many well-known worldwide institutions for investment advice. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA and with offices in major financial centers worldwide, Russell has $152 billion in assets under management (as of June 30, 2012) in its mutual funds, retirement products, and institutional funds, and is well recognized for its depth of research and quality of manager selection.
Russell offers a comprehensive range of implementation services that help institutional clients maximize their assets. The Russell Indexes calculate over 50,000 benchmarks daily covering 65 countries and more than 10,000 securities.
We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package including: medical, vision and dental coverage, profit sharing retirement plan, sabbatical leave, and tuition assistance. Most importantly, Russell offers a work environment where respect for the individual and teamwork are part of our fundamental values. Russell supports workforce diversity and we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.