About this role

The MD, Head of SMA Operations is a senior management role within the Separately Managed Account (SMA) Business. The successful candidate is positioned to be a driver of the strategic review, design, and implementation of the operating model to support the next phase of growth in the SMA business. The individual will work closely with business and technology partners to re-design and automate the existing operating model driving greater scale and service capabilities.

The...

About this role

The MD, Head of SMA Operations is a senior management role within the Separately Managed Account (SMA) Business. The successful candidate is positioned to be a driver of the strategic review, design, and implementation of the operating model to support the next phase of growth in the SMA business. The individual will work closely with business and technology partners to re-design and automate the existing operating model driving greater scale and service capabilities.

The role will have direct responsibility for the ~70 person SMA Operations team, and management oversight of the day-to-day activities across onboarding, trade settlement, reconciliation, compliance, and billing. This role will also have implementation responsibilities for new sponsors, platforms, and integrated technologies.

About BlackRock U.S. Wealth Advisory & Aperio

BlackRock’s US Wealth Advisory (USWA) business services $2T+ in client assets and is responsible for the distribution of active and index asset management products through intermediaries as well as sub advisory relationships. USWA’s goal is to deliver One BlackRock to its retail clients.

SMAs are strategic priority to USWA and our $160B SMA platform encompasses fixed income, active equity, multi-asset, and Aperio direct indexing. Aperio is purposefully growing quantitative/index-tracking investment management business specializing in managing customized equity portfolios tax efficiently. SMA strategies are designed to put our clients’ interests at the center of our investment advice; to customize exposure, minimize costs and taxes; and to align portfolios to each client’s unique values/beliefs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to drive operational transformation and deliver operational excellence as the business evolves towards the future state infrastructure. Leverage existing operations and technology where possible
• Partner with key internal stakeholders to develop the strategy and implement the target SMA operating model, as per changing client needs and evolving technological and digital capabilities
• Partner with leaders and teams in our various sales channels to understand client needs and to ensure an integrated view of the client, and deliver solutions that meet the long and short-term needs
• Implement new technologies to drive the scale and efficiency across the operating platform
• Collaborate with senior managers and teams across Business Operations, Technology, USWA, and the firm to understand requirements and deliver the right solutions and services
• Manage risk and coordinate our response to operating events; followed by partnering with appropriate teams (RQA, Audit, etc.) to investigate the root-cause
• Drive continuous improvement and develop metrics to minimize risk, drive scale / efficiency and enhance the client experience

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive experience and product/process knowledge of investment operations within the financial services / asset management industry
• Extensive experience and product/process knowledge of SMA Wealth from an operational and technical perspective. Expertise working with major vendors in the space, such as Tegra, Advent, Clearwater Analytics, Salesforce etc.
• Deep understanding of the retail ecosystem, available technologies, and partnerships across the retail sponsors, platforms, TAMPs and custodians
• Strong presence and relationship building savvy with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization
• Ability to scale across a large, complex breadth of functions and relationships, and effectively execute on decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Proven record of organizational change and strategic delivery of key business initiatives through operational leadership
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic business environment and continually prioritize to focus on the key issues/topics
• Strong intellectual ability and interpersonal skills to establish their credibility and influence with senior leaders throughout the firm. Ability to develop strong, collaborative working relationships.
• Proven leadership across large, multi-location teams. Leads by example – high standards and strong work ethic
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and able to represent the team in a credible manner with senior management & clients

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 3 days in the office each week, with the flexibility to work from home up to 2 days a week; some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. Beginning in September, all employees will shift to at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit careers.blackrock.com | www.blackrock.com/corporate | Instagram: @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.