What is the ETF Product Specialist responsible for?
The ETF Product Specialist is responsible for supporting the efforts of the broader ETF initiatives and acts as a liaison between investment management, distribution, and other internal and external business partners. The individual is expected to help lead the product development efforts in growing the ETF line-up to support the ambitious growth of the US ETF business. The role will provide the- individual the opportunity to shape the ETF product line up at a Global Asset Manager as well as represent the firm externally as an ETF product subject matter expert. The day-to-day role within ETF Product Strategy is a fluid one, with the immediate needs of the product generally dictating what must be the required focus. This person works in a small product strategy team reporting to the Head of US ETF Product Strategy & Development and will work closely with internal partners to strategize and research, develop the range, and promote ETFs.
The ETF Product Specialist is responsible for supporting the efforts of the broader ETF initiatives and acts as a liaison between investment management, distribution, and other internal and external business partners. The individual is expected to help lead the product development efforts in growing the ETF line-up to support the ambitious growth of the US ETF business. The role will provide the- individual the opportunity to shape the ETF product line up at a Global Asset Manager as well as represent the firm externally as an ETF product subject matter expert. The day-to-day role within ETF Product Strategy is a fluid one, with the immediate needs of the product generally dictating what must be the required focus. This person works in a small product strategy team reporting to the Head of US ETF Product Strategy & Development and will work closely with internal partners to strategize and research, develop the range, and promote ETFs.
What are the ongoing responsibilities of an ETF Product Specialist?
- Strategy and design of index-based and active US ETFs predominantly across equity and fixed income.
- Idea generation – identify, research, and assess solution driven ETF product and business opportunities across multiple exposures and asset classes and ensuring regulatory alignment
- Prepare and present compelling fund proposals to new product committees and secure relevant approvals
- Collaborate with portfolio managers, passive and active, in all aspects of the portfolio construction
- Collaborate with index providers on the construction of new indices.
- Work closely with all relevant teams across the organization in the launch of new products, product enhancements, MF to ETF conversions, and closures.
- Ensure projects are executed according to the vision and implemented within deadlines
- Utilize appropriate resources in order to provide research and analysis of all aspects of competitive ETF products performance, competitive industry landscape, firm product performance, and peer performance
- Provide Portfolio Manager perspective (investment strategy positioning and performance context, voice, and messaging) to internal business partners and others responsible for producing and delivering content to internal and external audiences
- Contribute content for ETF thought leadership and white papers to be used with the most sophisticated client groups and then leveraged in most investment content firm wide
- Educate and train internal audiences on ETF investment strategies and products. Articulate investment philosophy, process, and performance
- Prepare and deliver effective pitches at meetings and for calls to prospective clients
- Opportunity to represent the firm as an ETF subject matter expert at client events, roadshows, and conferences
What qualifications, skills and experience would help someone to be successful?
- Undergraduate degree. Additionally, CFA, MBA, or Masters in Finance or Economics is a plus.
- FINRA Series 7 and 63 licensed
- Several years of ETF experience is required as well as experience in presenting to clients directly
- Familiarity and understanding of index methodology design
- Ability to develop detailed competitive analysis and thought leadership on differentiating characteristics of the Franklin Templeton ETF platform relative to industry peers
- Working knowledge of portfolio construction techniques and model portfolio development
- Strong financial market knowledge across multiple asset classes
- Knowledge of broader asset management trends and current regulations (i.e. MF to ETF Conversions)
- Desire to learn and grow, willingness to take on a broad set of assignments
- Proactive in nature, intellectually curious and extremely detail-oriented with a commitment to working within a team and broader ETF group
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Superior Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills required
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Knowledge of data sources for performance, flows and relevant competitive information is a plus (Morningstar, FactSet, Bloomberg , eVestment)
- Working knowledge of utilizing APIs, Python or other ways to scale data is beneficial
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