Product Development Associate

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

Where you’ll fit in & what our team goals are…

The European Product team is responsible for the development and management of the Luxembourg and Ireland fund range through the pre-launch, launch and post-launch product lifecycle.

You will play a critical role in the design and launch of new products, working in close collaboration with senior members of the Product Team and other stakeholders across the organisation to deliver strong customer outcomes and commercial success.

How you'll spend your time...

• Assisting in the research, design, development and launch of new products for the European market - assessing commercial viability and attractiveness and ensuring product design meets the needs of defined target markets and segments.
• Supporting or leading launch project working groups and taking project management responsibility for launch ideas that are prioritised - ensuring launches are delivered on time and on budget and in line with the Product Development Process and other relevant internal and external processes and regulations.
• Conducting competitor research to inform the development of new products.
• Preparation and presentation of product ideas and business cases to senior management including the Product Approval Committee, EMEA management committees and fund boards.
• Seeking the required seed investments for new product launches.
• Providing summary updates to the Product Implementation Working Group on a regular basis.
• Maintaining product specifications, project run books, issues and action logs and meeting minutes.
• Conducting post-launch product reviews, implementing any remedies, and communicating findings to Product committees.
• Keep abreast of market/regulatory developments relevant to product development.
• Support and help other members of the European and broader Product Team, showing flexibility to support other projects as required, including product management activities or product enhancements on the existing product range.
• Promote the European Product Team and broader Product Team internally and externally.

To be successful in this role you will have...

• A strong interest in asset management; curiosity to develop better solutions for a variety of client types.
• Knowledge of European pooled fund product structures (e.g. UCITS/AIFs) and distribution channels.
• An understanding of the product lifecycle, being mindful of good customer outcomes and Consumer Duty.
• Some experience and proven ability to project manage launch/change initiatives.
• Strategic thinking with proven experience of devising and developing product propositions and or solutions.
• Communication: skilled communicator with the ability to summarise key points, ideas and data in a variety of contexts; ability to draft effective client communications/materials.
• Leadership and influencing skills: to present recommendations with conviction in a persuasive manner; ability to chair effective project meetings; ability to build consensus and make effective decisions.
• Team skills and the ability to engage, challenge and influence colleagues in the team and across the business.
• Well organised; able to plan and meet deadlines whilst managing risks.
• Numerate and a capable user of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

If you also had this, it would be great...

• An understanding of Columbia Threadneedle EMEA products, governance and strategy.
• Experience working in asset management, ideally in a Product and/or ETF role.
• Experience of Luxembourg and/or Ireland UCITS legal structures (e.g. SICAV/ICAV).
• Possessing an investment-related qualification, e.g. IMC.

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
 

Full timePermanentMarketing/Product Management

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.