THE ROLE
The Investment Product Specialist (IPS) is a member of the Global Product team. The role serves as a product expert and business leader on specific MFS strategies with a primary focus on institutional and intermediary distribution channels. The IPS collaborates with a broad group of functions across the organization, such as investment management, distribution, marketing, legal, compliance and operational groups, to position and support assigned capabilities with the objective of growing and retaining assets. The role is responsible for all aspects of investment product management, including conducting product presentations, leading internal training sessions, performing competitive analysis, supporting product development efforts, overseeing the creation and maintenance marketing collateral, supporting the RFP process, writing portfolio positioning and attribution commentary, reviewing performance composites, auditing consultant database as well as other ad-hoc activities.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Serve as the product expert on assigned capabilities to support the MFS sales, consultant relations, relationship management, and client service teams with the objective of retaining and growing assets under management. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the capital market environment, MFS investment process, portfolio positioning and performance attribution.
Deliver in-depth product presentations to clients, consultants, and prospects. Traveling may be required up to 50% of the time.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of assigned products. Conduct detailed competitive analysis to best position strategies in the marketplace.
In conjunction with the distribution and investment teams, develop and execute a strategic plan for existing products as well as new product development ideas.
Work collaboratively with investment management to ensure active, enthusiastic support of the sales, marketing and client service process.
Oversee the development and maintenance of investment marketing and client materials including presentations, product profiles, RFP responses, client reporting packages and quarterly performance commentary. Includes active participation in sales and client service efforts, including completing investment-related client requests, and providing "behind-the-scenes" support.
Works closely with global distribution partners to develop strategies for business retention. This includes developing appropriate measures for analyzing performance and articulating verbally and in written form the rational for strategy positioning and performance. Provide industry intelligence to senior management to ensure that products, extensions of products, and new products meet market demand.
Develop training materials related to investment capabilities and lead in ongoing strategy training sessions.
Work with the performance team to monitor and maintain performance composites.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
8-12+ years of investment management experience with a strong preference for in depth product management experience.
Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated presentation skills.
Have the ability to work effectively with a variety of functions across the organization and at varying levels, including distribution, investment management, marketing, compliance, legal and operational teams.
Have a deep understanding and interest in capital markets.
Have a strong understanding of active investment processes, and the ability to effectively communicate an investment process to external audiences.
Have the ability to analyze, interpret and translate performance attribution reports into written commentary.
Understanding the complexities of global institutional, US retail and non-US retail marketplace and their respective differences is beneficial.
Extensive project management experience with the proven ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
The ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
The ability to function with a high degree of independence in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Willingness to travel to attend applicable industry conferences, sales presentations, and client meetings.
The position will require the appropriate licensing and registrations in accordance with MFS' licensing policy.
PREFERRED QUALIFACTIONS
Having an MBA and/or being a CFA charter holder is preferred.
The ability to speak multiple languages is also desired.
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