Associate/Vice President, GPS Product Research & Innovation (iShares EMEA) - (London, England, United Kingdom)

About this role

Join BlackRock’s Product Innovation Team in iShares EMEA

BlackRock is a global leader in asset management, recognized for its innovation, client-first approach and deep market insight.

In 2024, BlackRock launched Global Product Solutions (GPS) to deliver the full breadth of the firm’s investment capabilities to clients worldwide. GPS sets commercial priorities across the platform, develops next-generation products and solutions, and helps clients build better portfolios through actionable insights.

Within GPS, the Product Research & Innovation team in iShares EMEA—BlackRock’s ETF business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—focuses on shaping ETF product strategy and design. The team works cross-functionally—with investment research, sales, marketing, risk, index providers, and sustainability—to develop forward-looking ETF solutions that anticipate client needs and market trends. This role offers exposure to a fast-growing segment of the asset management industry and the opportunity to drive product innovation at scale.

About the Role

As a member of the Product Innovation team within iShares EMEA, you will help shape the future of ETF product development by designing and evaluating quantitative index strategies across equities, fixed income, and commodities. Your work will support both the launch of new products and the enhancement of existing ones, aligning with evolving client needs and market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Design - Develop systematic strategies in partnership with index providers to capture specific market exposures. Evaluate data usability, test financial rationale, and interpret results in line with investment and platform requirements.
• Research Leadership - Lead research efforts within the Product Research & Innovation team. Manage, support, and guide team members, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to generate new product ideas and build the product pipeline.
• Product Development - Deliver new investment products by:
  • Presenting proposals to the product development committee and fund board
  • Producing applied research to support product sales
  • Partnering with platform teams on fund structuring
  • Supporting sales with custom analysis and client meetings
  • Conducting internal training sessions to share product knowledge
• Stakeholder Engagement - Collaborate with research and investment teams across iShares and the wider BlackRock organization. Represent GPS Product in selected BlackRock investment forums.
• Index Evaluation - Critically assess systematic strategies and index methodologies proposed by third parties, providing comparative analysis and insights.

What We’re Looking for in a Candidate

We’re seeking an individual with a strong quantitative background, strategic mindset and collaborative spirit. Ideal candidates will bring:

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, business)
• Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB
• Experience designing or analysing investment strategies
• Familiarity with risk management tools and index construction methodologies
• Understanding of ESG principles and sustainable investment data

Professional Experience

• 4–5+ years in asset management, index providers, investment banking, or institutional investing
• Adjacent experience in trading, portfolio implementation, or risk management is welcome

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Effective communicator with presentation skills
• Highly organized and deadline-driven
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional agility
• Commercial awareness and client-focused approach

Additional

• Fluent in English; German language skills are a plus

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; 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 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. 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 @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.