Head of UK Institutional OCIO and Defined Benefit Relationship Management, UK Institutional Business

Business Unit Overview:

BlackRock's UK Institutional Business (UKI) provides retirement solutions for over 11 million savers. Our clients are both corporate and public sector pension funds in defined benefit and defined contribution structures.

Our institutional clients have very specific needs that require genuine partnership. We aim to be that investment partner by listening to our clients, understanding them and by applying our investment expertise across asset classes and markets to solve their needs.

BlackRock’s UK Institutional OCIO and Defined Benefit Relationship Management team will be responsible for increasing and retaining relationships with OCIO and Defined Benefit Pension Schemes clients. These relationships will encompass the full remit of the BlackRock platform including ETF’s, indexation, active equities and bonds, private markets and technology.

Summary:

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and growth of the UK OCIO and Defined Benefit Pension Scheme Relationship Management segment. This will encompass leading strategic client relationships, identifying and maximising upselling opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy

• Defines the strategy for the segment, establishing the key drivers of retention and growth

• Establishes client plans in conjunction with key stakeholders, product strategy, client experience and investment teams

• Creates the cross-selling strategy with key stakeholders and identifies how to increase share of wallet, buy-out and outsourcing opportunities

• Leads the generation of thought leadership across the entire pension system; Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Local Government Pension Schemes in conjunction with Government Affairs, Product Strategy and investment teams

• Plays a critical role in the innovation of index, ETF, active and private market product across Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Local Government Pension Schemes

Leadership

• Establishes and manages the UK Defined Benefit Pension Relationship Management team, establishing objectives and measuring performance

• Leading strategic initiatives across UK ICB and playing a key role on the UK ICB Steering Committee

• Being a culture carrier and contribution to a high-performance culture

Relationship Management

• Manages all servicing aspects for a portfolio of clients in line with the service model.

• Designs and delivers on appropriately created account plans, knows client book inside out, prioritises effectively, actively manages implementation of mandate changes, potential sales opportunities and defends assets at risk

Knowledge / Experience:

• Degree level qualification

• CFA or FIA preferred

• Ability to build consensus and to influence both internally and externally

• Has a good understanding of asset classes and markets including equities, fixed income, alternatives and technology

• Strong track record in an investment and/or client related role

• Excellent communication skills, highly articulate and able to tailor communication style to the audience

• Exposure to Defined Benefit distribution would be an advantage

• Able to analyse client needs and work with internal stakeholder teams to provide resolution

Skills/Competencies:

• Broad understanding of the UK pension fund market, investment industry and competitive landscape (useful but not essential)

• A self-starter who can proactively develop large number of deep relationships

• Ability to prioritise and manage time, workload and projects effectively

• Can demonstrate a strong understanding of client issues, proactively position appropriate capabilities, and offer timely solutions

• Team player – able to demonstrate a collaborative approach to working with peers and lead Account Managers, to share and develop ideas & approaches with a view to enhancing client relationships

• Passion for relationship management and leadership