COMMERCIAL AND PRODUCT MANAGER

Marlborough Group is a successful investment business that manages over £15 billion for over 200,000 clients and employs some of the UK’s most respected fund managers. The Group has its headquarters in Bolton and offices in London, Lichfield, Peterborough, Bristol and Dublin. The Group employ more than 150 people across its business lines being: Marlborough Limited – The Group’s investment management business Investment Fund Services Limited – The groups Authorised Corporate Director (ACD) Authorised Fund Manager business Select Platform – The Group’s platform business Marlborough Group’s success has been built on a reputation for excellence in active fund management, with the Group leading the way in industry expertise, service quality, product understanding and added value for our investors. As we continue with our ambitious growth plans, we are looking for talented people who share our values and will grow and develop as financial services professionals. That means putting our investors at the forefront of everything we do and constantly striving for excellence in the service we deliver. In addition to receiving a comprehensive benefits package, successful candidates will join a team who are committed to collaborative working in an environment where personal and professional development are genuinely valued. Role Purpose The purpose of the role is to assist with the management of our Sponsor and Investment Manager relationships, ensuring the products we manufacture/co manufacture together are delivering value to the business and providing good outcomes for our customers. The Commercial and Product Manager plays a key role in helping the business achieve its key strategic themes. Acting in line with company values and with the capacity to get things done, you will ensure: 1.Products are designed and operating to provide good consumer outcomes 2. We work in collaboration with our Sponsors and Investment Managers ensuring each party is delivering on its obligations. 3. New fund and fund changes are delivered to a high standard and to budget, including the submission of quality applications to the FCA. The role requires the individual to be technically knowledgeable in all areas of the business including the products and services we provide. In addition, the role requires travel to various locations. Key Responsibilities Relationship Management Assist in the management of Sponsors and Investment Managers Work collaboratively with your team to deliver high standards across all Sponsors and Investment Manager relationships. Establish and maintain relationships at all levels of Sponsors and Investment Manager businesses. Obtain detailed understanding of Sponsors business models and the product distribution strategies. Assist in the management and oversight of contracts and commercial tariffs, monitoring the contribution of the relationship to the business. Attend new business presentations as required in support of the sales process. Industry/Regulatory – present where relevant guidance on initiatives and developments and the potential impact on the Sponsors and Investment Managers. Ensure meetings are held on an appropriate frequency with Sponsors and Investment manager and that these are documented. Co-ordinate the creation of agenda, service reviews presentations and objectives and ensure necessary preparation takes place. Act as escalation point for the communication to/from Sponsors and Investment Managers of any problems/issues. Facilitate issue resolution and action plans where required. Have a good understanding of the IFSL and Marlborough services and how these can add value to the Sponsors and Investment Managers business. Product Management Work with the business to manage and oversee the products and services to ensure good consumer outcomes are provided Manage any product issues until resolution Input into the value assessment process by providing key product information and MI to support the review of the products during their annual assessment Discuss, capture requirements and guide external relationships through product change/product development. Work with the Business Development Managers and Project Management Office to ensure new products and product changes are approved by the business and the FCA. Complete and present to a high standard relevant internal governance paperwork, through to governance approval. Work with the Project Management Office in the formulation of project plans and cost estimates for external relationships. Attend project meetings (both internal and external) and ensure escalation of issues as required. Prepare and submit UK fund launch/change FCA applications, including drafting/amending the prospectus & instrument and collation of the required supplementary documents, where required. Manage and support external solicitors or other staff in the company that have prepared FCA fund applications making sure they adhere to the company’s frameworks, polices and best practices. Respond to questions and challenges from the FCA in relation to submitted fund applications, ensuring the highest of standards are maintained at all times. Essential Skills: Proven relationship management skills Strong numeric and excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to problem solve and deal with complex queries Strong analytical skills Ability to use initiative and work unsupervised in a proactive manner Attention to detail Ability to manage multiple projects Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines Able to persuade and influence Ability to present to multiple audiences Ability to apply regulatory principles to different scenarios Ability to research new products, industry standards and best practice Good knowledge of the UK regulatory system, including COLL and PROD sourcebooks Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint Essential Qualifications: 5 GCSE passes at grades A-C (or equivalent) including Maths and English IOC (Investment Operations Certificate) qualification Appropriate CPD Beneficial Qualifications: IMC Further CPD evidence Essential Experience: Worked in financial services 5 years + Experience of relationship management roles Technically knowledgeable in all areas of the business and the products and services we provide Product development or fund operations (UCITS / AIFs) experience Beneficial Experience: Experience working with Investment Managers and Sponsors Operational experience with process and detailed knowledge of TA, Fund Admin and Middle Office Personal Qualities: Comfortable communicating with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally Ability to function as part of a team Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines Positive attitude Flexible and learn quickly Friendly and approachable Resilient Ability to make a positive contribution to both the team and the Company Interest in financial services Competitive salary with annual salary reviews 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays 9% non-contributory pension Annual discretionary bonus scheme Private Healthcare Scheme Death in Service at 5 x annual salary 35 hour working week Training for IOC and other relevant qualifications Exam completion bonus £500 (IOC) Study leave Cycle 2 work scheme Eye test reimbursement Your birthday off 13 weeks fully paid maternity leave 2 weeks fully paid paternity leave