The Head of Product is a strategic leadership role within a UK-based financial adviser with discretionary fund management (DFM) permissions and a proprietary platform operated via Model B permissions.
The role encompasses oversight of the organisation’s product and proposition suite, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, client need and any regulatory requirements. This position is key in shaping the firm’s product and proposition strategy, driving innovation, and maintaining the organisation’s competitive advantage in the advice and asset management sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Strategy and Development
* Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals.
* Oversee the development of our platform and DFM products.
* Use market trends and insights to drive emerging opportunities, including insights into market dynamics.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product delivery and client satisfaction.
* Develop and design a comprehensive Centralised Retirement Proposition (CRP) Advice Process, Product Panel & Investment Solutions panel tailored to the needs of the organisation’s clients.
Product Management & Governance
Oversight of Product Panelling
* Manage and provide oversight of the external Product & platform panel, ensuring it meets client needs and regulatory standards.
* Evaluate and select external Product & Platforms to work in line with the organisation’s Centralised Investment Proposition (CIP).
* Regularly review panel performance, ensuring optimal service levels, cost efficiency, and alignment with client outcomes.
* Establish a Centre of Excellence for specific products, such as tax-efficient solutions, to enhance product panel offerings.
Centralised Investment Proposition (CIP) Governance
* Lead the continued development and maintenance of the CIP.
* Coordinate the periodic review and assessment of Investment Solutions and providers within the CIP framework.
* Ensure robust governance processes are in place to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance.
* Oversee product selection and appropriateness across the full product suite, ensuring alignment with client needs.
Ongoing Advice and Service Propositions
* Own the ongoing advice and service proposition in conjunction with the Chief Commercial Officer.
* Identify, recommend and implement improvements to the advice proposition in line with policy, industry practice and regulatory requirements designed to deliver efficiency, client and adviser experience, quality and cost benefits.
Governance and Risk Management
* Chair relevant committees, including Product and Customer Outcomes.
* Ensure all products and panel arrangements adhere to FCA guidelines and regulatory requirements, with a particular emphasis on Consumer Duty obligations.
* Work closely with Advice, Paraplanning, Investment, Compliance and Legal teams to address potential risks and mitigate operational challenges.
* Maintain documentation and reporting standards to ensure accountability, audit readiness, and demonstrable compliance with Consumer Duty regulations.
* Establish clear metrics and reporting processes to monitor and evidence adherence to Consumer Duty standards.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the executive team, investment committees, and distribution teams, to align product initiatives with business objectives.
* Engage with external stakeholders, including platform providers, Investment Solution Providers, and where required regulators, to build and sustain strategic partnerships.
* Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and insights on market developments, product innovations, and regulatory changes, including Consumer Duty expectations.
* Work with comms to deliver campaign management efforts to drive product engagement and client adoption.
Leadership and Team Development
* Lead and mentor a high-performing product team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
* Drive continuous professional development within the team, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and organisational values.
Key Qualifications and Experience:
* Proven experience in a senior product management role within financial services, preferably within wealth management, asset management, or platform operations.
* Deep understanding of the UK advice market, discretionary fund management (DFM) operations, and platform propositions.
* Strong knowledge of FCA regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements, including in-depth understanding of Consumer Duty.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement product strategies that drive growth and client satisfaction.
* Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of building and maintaining effective relationships.
Skills and Competencies:
* Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing at all levels.
* High levels of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering the best outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
Reporting Line: The Head of Product will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will work closely with the other members of the Executive Team, including but not limited to AL Asset Management Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and other key stakeholders.
SMF Function: This is a Senior Management role (SMF 18).
Location: London/Hybrid.
Remuneration: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Qualifications: Ideally level 7 but a minimum of level 4 for an Advice qualification (either CII or LIBF), and a level 4 Investment qualification is desirable (CII, LIFB, CISI or CFA).
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