Senior Associate, Product Research & Strategy

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The Senior Associate, Product Research & Strategy, will be responsible for the research, analysis, and communication of trends/product development activity within the investment industry, as well as assisting with recommendations and proposals on product activity for BMO GAM. Specifically, the Senior Associate will be assigned a product category (mutual funds or ETFs), with expectation to become an expert on industry, competitor/fund flows and developments within the category. To this extent, the Senior Associate will build and communicate these insights to other stakeholders at BMO GAM. Additionally, the Senior Associate will be a key input into how BMO GAM can launch innovative products that fit client needs across different distribution channels, as well as build proposals that modify existing products. The Senior Associate will work closely with colleagues and the Director, Product Research & Strategy, in delivering this work.

The preferred candidate will be a knowledgeable, curious, and motivated team-player with proven success within a product research, management, development, or marketing role.

Industry and Competitive Research

• In-depth research of the product category assigned - mutual funds or ETFs. While focus will primarily be on a single product category, expectation to be up to date on trends relating to the other product category.
• Conducting and communicating analysis of trends and happenings within product category, from an overall industry, asset class, CIFSC category, competitor, and fund level. Examples of trends would include, but are not limited to, flows, product development activity (launches, mergers, price cuts, etc.) and performance.
• Additionally, the incorporation of capital market happenings, investor sentiment and current and future economic environment is required when identifying and explaining trends.
• Understanding the value proposition of BMO GAM product, dovetailing this to the trends in the market and where GAM product stands in relation to the competition.
• Understanding non-trend data within the industry and competition, including having a broad understanding of pricing, performance and product features.
• Performing ad-hoc research into specific competitors, products or themes.

Communication of Analysis

• Must be able to synthesize this analysis and communicate findings to other BMO GAM stakeholders.
• Demonstrating what categories, firms and funds are gaining or losing market share, and why.
• Communication will primarily be performed through PowerPoint presentations, utilizing Microsoft Excel and Tableau for analysis and visualization.
• May be required to present work.

Development of Product Innovation

• Given the Senior Associate's industry and competitive analysis, they will provide an opinion on the direction of future trends and how BMO GAM can help capture market share. This includes the recommendation of new products that can be launched or focusing on an existing BMO GAM product that fits the existing and expected demand.
• Will take into consideration the unique product needs of each distribution channel (retail, intermediary, institutional) used by BMO GAM to sell product.
• Will provide recommendations for the product features, including, but not limited to, the type of structure, the price point, CIFSC category, distribution policy, etc. These recommendations must be made with awareness of the product features of BMO's existing product lineup.
• Will work with other stakeholders, including Distribution and Portfolio Management, to design new products based on ideas that are received from them.

Qualifications:

• Typically, between 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A CFA designation, or working towards a designation, is strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex trends into high level takeaways.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent Excel skills, with experience managing large data sets and conducting analysis.
• Excellent PowerPoint skills, with experience building well formatted presentations that have the right balance of detail and effectively communicate important data points and key takeaways.
• Experience with Morningstar Direct.
• Good understanding of the investment fund industry, including who the main competitors are within the mutual fund and ETF space, and what drives their competitive positioning.
• In-depth analytical and interpretive skills; capable of sourcing and identifying pertinent factors from large volumes of information.
• In-depth organizational skills; strong attention to detail and risk.
• Able to maintain effectiveness, accuracy and performance in a fast-paced and demanding environment with multiple concurrent priorities.
• Strong work ethic.
• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
• Influence skills - In-depth.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

The above represents BMO Financial Group's pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group's expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group's total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one - for yourself and our customers. We'll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we'll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other's differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.